Common Chimney Problems In Indianapolis
Our long, cold winters in the Indianapolis area can wreak havoc on chimneys. Many other things can also affect a chimney’s safety and performance. Chimney Solutions of Indianapolis would like to share some of the most common chimney problems that we encounter and how we resolve them.
Leaky Chimney
Chimneys can leak because of masonry damage, a cracked chimney crown, a damaged or missing chimney cap and for other reasons. An inspection will tell us where the leak originates.
We can then make the necessary repairs before your chimney system and home become victims of serious water damage.
White Stains on the Masonry
These stains are called “efflorescence” and appear when water penetrates bricks and leaches out naturally occurring salts. If water is getting into the bricks, that means that brick decay, chimney leaks and possible structural damage aren’t far off.
We can replace damaged bricks and apply a strong waterproofing sealant to your masonry.
Indianapolis Chimney Masonry Deterioration
When bricks and mortar begin to deteriorate, the chimney will eventually become unsafe to use and live around. Loose or spalling bricks, signs of water intrusion, crumbling mortar and a leaning chimney are all signs that your masonry needs to be looked at by one of our professionals.
When masonry deterioration is caught early, basic chimney repair work is often all that’s needed. In more extreme cases, partial or complete chimney rebuilding may be called for.
Component Damage
Components such as the chimney cap, chimney crown, chimney flashing and fireplace damper are in place to aid in the safety and operation of your chimney.
When these components are cracked, broken, warped, rusted or otherwise damaged, your chimney is compromised and could become more dangerous the longer the problem is ignored. In some cases, we can perform repair work; in other cases, we’ll recommend replacing the component.
Smelly Chimney
If your chimney is producing offensive odors in your Indianapolis home, it could be the result of:
- Excess creosote and soot buildup
- Dampness from a chimney leak
- Rotting tree debris and animal nesting materials
- Dead squirrels, birds, rodents or other small animals
- Mold and mildew growth
Our chimney sweeps can clean creosote and debris out of your chimney. We can make repairs to stop chimney leaks. If you have no chimney cap, we’ll install one to keep out animals and debris.
Animals in the Chimney
A variety of small animals like to shelter in chimneys, and the next step is them moving into your home to explore. Many animals build nests that create smells and drafting issues and can become fuel for chimney fires.
Chimney Solutions of Indianapolis specializes in chimney sweeping to remove live and dead animals and the messes they leave behind. As noted above, having a chimney cap will stop animal intrusion.
Smoke Backups
Smoke backing up from an obstructed chimney carries carbon monoxide, which is invisible, odorless and potentially deadly to people and pets. Smoke can also back up because of negative air pressure in the house and issues with the fireplace damper. More smoke than the chimney can handle can be created by burning unseasoned firewood.
We’ll find out why smoke is backing up and then either clean your chimney, perform needed repairs or advise you on how to prevent backups in the future.
Chimney Rust
Rain and melting snow can cause rust on certain types of chimney caps, chimney flashing, chimney chase tops, dampers and other metal components of the chimney system. This will lead to inefficient and potentially unsafe operating conditions.
Our Indianapolis field crew can repair some types of damage. When damage is severe, we install new components.
Get Your Indianapolis Chimney into Top Shape
Whatever is wrong with your chimney, Chimney Solutions of Indianapolis knows how to make it right. Speak with a licensed chimney professional today at (317) 757-6979 or reach out through our simple contact form.
