Winter is the time of year when many families enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace. It’s a great season to light a fire, put your feet up, and relax by the glowing flames. But like any other appliance or system in your home, your fireplace needs regular maintenance and repairs to keep it running safely and efficiently. Neglecting the fireplace can lead to problems that endanger your home and family. Here are a few signs your fireplace needs repairs.
Signs Your Fireplace Needs Repairs
1. Damaged or Cracked Firebrick
The firebrick that lines the inside of the fireplace can withstand high temperatures and prevents heat transfer to the outer walls. But over time, these bricks may crack and chip, allowing heat to affect the surrounding masonry, causing damage to your chimney and possibly leading to a house fire. Signs that your firebrick requires repairs include cracked or missing bricks, flaking or crumbling mortar, and visible damage on the outside of the chimney.
To repair damaged firebrick, you’ll need to remove the broken bricks and replace them with new ones. You can purchase firebrick at any home improvement store or have a fireplace and chimney expert perform this task.
2. Creosote Buildup
Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood; this sticky substance can accumulate in your chimney with each use. Creosote is flammable and may ignite and cause a chimney fire, which could spread to other areas of your home. Signs of creosote buildup include a strong, smoky odor, black soot buildup on the inside of the fireplace, or a roaring noise from the chimney.
To remove creosote buildup, have the chimney swept by a professional. They will use specialized tools and equipment to remove the accumulation inside your chimney. Have the chimney cleaned at least once a year to prevent a fire.
3. Signs Your Fireplace Needs Repairs: Cracks in the Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the concrete or masonry cap on top of your chimney, preventing water from entering. It slopes away from the chimney to keep water out but can crack and deteriorate over time. Cracks allow water to seep into the chimney and cause structural damage.
Signs that you have a cracked chimney crown include visible damage or deterioration, water stains on the ceiling near the fireplace, or a musty smell from the chimney. To repair a cracked chimney crown, have it removed and replaced with a new one. Installing a new chimney crown is a job for a professional because it involves working on the roof.
4. Damaged or Stuck Damper
The damper is the metal flap that sits above the firebox and regulates the flow of air and smoke. It’s important to have a working damper in your fireplace because it promotes good ventilation and prevents cold air from entering your home and heat from escaping. But the damper can become stuck or damaged over time, not opening or closing properly.
Signs that your damper is damaged include difficulty lighting a fire, smoke entering the home, or cold air coming down the chimney. To repair a damper, have it inspected by a professional. If the damper is stuck, the professional can try to loosen it or lubricate the components to get it working. If it’s damaged, it will need to be replaced.
The fireplace is part of your home that requires regular maintenance to keep it running safely and efficiently. Neglecting the fireplace may lead to problems that endanger your family and property. Know the signs of fireplace issues and how to fix them; you’ll keep your living spaces warm and safe all winter. If you’re uncomfortable performing fireplace repairs yourself, call a professional chimney sweep or home maintenance specialist to do the job.
Butler Home Inspections offers professional home inspections to customers in Upstate SC, including Anderson, Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Contact us to schedule an appointment for our services.