What’s Wrong With Your Chimney?
Pick the symptom you’re seeing. Each page tells you the likely cause, how urgent it is, and exactly what to do next.
Chimney Leaking
Water stains in the firebox or on the ceiling near the chimney — usually flashing, crown, or cap trouble.
Smoke Coming Into the House
Draft problems or a blockage are pushing smoke into the room instead of up the flue.
Fireplace Smell
A musty or smoky odor — even when it’s not in use — is often creosote or trapped moisture.
Cracked or Spalling Brick
Flaking, crumbling, or popping bricks mean water got in and froze — and it only gets worse.
Weak Chimney Draft
Fires that struggle to stay lit or keep going out usually point to an airflow problem.
Animal in the Chimney
Birds and raccoons nesting in an uncapped flue — a fire and blockage hazard that needs quick action.
Chimney Fire (Suspected or Occurred)
Loud cracking sounds, dense smoke, or a fire you already had — here’s what to do immediately.
Leaning or Separating Chimney
A visible gap or tilt where the chimney meets the house usually means a foundation or structural problem.
Rusted Damper or Firebox
Orange flaking metal or a damper that won’t seal usually points to a moisture problem above it.
White Staining on Your Chimney
That chalky white residue is efflorescence — a sign moisture is moving through your brick.
Cold Air Coming Down the Chimney
A chilly draft near the fireplace even when it’s not in use — usually a damper or backdraft issue.
Noise in the Chimney
Scratching, chirping, or rattling sounds — could be an animal, or just loose flashing.
Don’t See Your Exact Problem?
Call us and describe what you’re seeing — we’ll tell you what it likely is and how urgent it is, free of charge.