5 Common Chimney Problems & Ways to Address Them

The byproducts of burning gas or liquid fuels are carbon and soot. Naturally, you are quite likely to run into this buildup problem. When soot accumulates, it can become a dangerous obstruction within the vent system that you must remove regularly to avoid heat and hot water outages. You can solve this issue easily with professional chimney cleaning services in Austin, TX, once and year. Chimney technicians can recommend whether you require more than one inspection or cleaning based on nozzle settings and overall condition.

Constant exposure to flue gases can eventually cause the breeching pipe of the chimney to deteriorate and crack. You must not allow this problem to persist because cracks in the flue pipe connecting the heating equipment to the stack will affect the overall system’s efficiency and create the risk of carbon monoxide spillage back into the boiler room. Timely visual inspections should keep you ahead of this problem.

During chimney maintenance regimes, you may run into another common problem – chimney leakage. A leaky chimney results from rainwater seeping into cracks, causing the mortar to crumble. Chimney leaks may also cause other forms of structural damage, and they may happen internally by over or under-firing equipment, resulting in excess condensation. Determining the exact cause of the leak is the most difficult aspect, which means you need the services of a chimney sweeping company.

Over the lifetime of a chimney, it will develop structural weaknesses, such as rust or cracks inside a stack, and weak points here and there. Ignoring these will result in chimney instability, risking the safety of those living in and around the building. Resolving structural problems may involve some form of chimney stack repair, but it depends on the type of damage. You must contact a local chimney company to locate and identify the issue and conduct repairs.

It is not uncommon for chimneys to face problems like blockages caused by wildlife, falling debris, or excess soot. You must address these as soon as you identify them because chimney blockages can restrict airflow, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.