Chimneys are invaluable to the home because they add value, provide warmth, and are aesthetically beautiful. However, just like every other aspect of a home, chimneys come with problems, too. This is primarily due to the fact that homeowners do not use chimneys all year round and like roofs, chimneys are “out of sight, out of mind.” And although age and natural wear and tear will cause issues, many chimney problems are due to sheer neglect and lack of knowledge.

HERE’S A LIST OF SOME COMMON CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

Build-Up

Problem:
In the world of chimneys, “build-up” is most commonly caused by creosote (particles and gas, from burning wood) and other debris. Such debris and particles adhere to the sides of the chimney and within the flue, eventually collecting to such a degree that it can cause many dangerous problems. Build-up prevents proper ventilation/air flow and increases chances of fire.

Solution:
Alliance Chimney’s specialists will wipe, scrape, and vacuum out all build-up, and in many cases, spray your chimney with a special solution which breaks down even the most stubborn areas. This should be done annually!

Blockages

Problem:
Blockages are often due to outside elements getting inside the chimney. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can become lodged in your chimney flue.  Animals also cause chimney blockages, as they are known to use chimneys as their homes. Blockages can also occur from broken chimney mortar or bricks. Regardless, all blockages are extremely dangerous as they pose tremendous fire and ventilation problems.

Solution:
Alliance Chimney will not only remove any blockages within your chimney, our dedicated experts will also address and repair the cause of the block. Chimney Blockages are often detected during inspections. However, many homeowners realize there is a blockage problem due to alarming amounts of smoke which comes back into the home.

Leaks

Problem:
Leaks are not only nuisances, but they can be catastrophic to your chimney’s structure. Most often, they are due to damaged or missing chimney caps or flashing (material that connects roof and chimney). Leaks can cause cracks and weaken the structure of the chimney or even get within the walls of your home.

Solution:
Alliance Chimney can replace flashing and chimney caps, as well as repair any damage to your chimney.

Cracks/Structural Damage

Problem:
Cracks, breaks, and structural damage can be caused by age, as well as outside elements such as rain, snow, storms, and more. Such problems can be extremely dangerous and expensive if not repaired. They can cause leaks, poor ventilation, blockages, and if neglected, require you to completely replace your chimney.

Solution:
During routine maintenance and/or inspections, Alliance Chimney can identify any such problems and repair smaller problems, on the spot. If the crack, break, or damage is too severe, our specialists will perform all repairs within a couple of days.

Ventilation

Problem:
Typically the only way a homeowner will notice a problem with ventilation, is from the back-up of smoke into the home or, if they are lucky, because a carbon monoxide detector went off. However, they are most commonly detected during chimney inspections. Ventilation problems can be caused from every one of the problems above, as well as some other factors. Ventilation problems can cause fires, as well as dangerous amounts of smoke or CO2 to back up into your home or seep into the home through cracks.

Solution:
Alliance Chimney can perform a routine inspection on your chimney, whenever you need it. It is suggested, however, to have an inspection performed, yearly. Whether from our inspection or your own detection, Alliance Chimney will do a thorough analysis and evaluation of your entire chimney to identify the cause of the problem and fix it.