Chimneys are often one of the most overlooked parts of the house. If the chimney has any damage that is left unattended, it can put your house and its inhabitants at risk. Hence, to prevent such incidents, it is necessary to know, learn and observe the telltale signs of a damaged chimney. While these signs can save you from the dangers of the compromised structure of a chimney, ignoring these signs can cost you a fortune.

Leaking chimney
A dripping chimney can be a warning sign of the looming chimney repair service your house needs. Whether the chimney is leaking or developing moisture in or around it, you need to address the issue at hand immediately. If left untreated, the water leak can make way for more significant damage by letting the rainwater seep through the roof and walls. This can lead to mold formation.

Cracked chimney crown
The chimney crown acts as a protective barrier for the chimney against the damage it may incur. The mere sight of a damaged or cracked crown should propel you to get your chimney repaired. Like a water leak, a cracked crown allows for water to seep into the walls of the house and cause damage to the property. It can also be an open invitation for insects, bugs, and pests to enter your house.

Staining ceiling
Any minor or large watermarks on your ceiling and/or walls around the chimney are a sure sign of immediate chimney repairs. The watermarks signify water seepage into the house ceilings and walls. Alternatively, if there is any visible discoloration near the chimney, it might be an indication that the leak has progressed too far into the house. The discoloration is a sign that the condition is getting severe and needs to be addressed soon, or else it can lead to rotting of the house along with mold and mildew issues.

Chimney fire
A chimney fire is one of the gravest signs that the chimney is in need of repairs. Chimney fires happen when excessive creosote and other accumulated debris catch fire. While it is common for chimney fires to go unnoticed, it takes one to make the chimney unsafe. However, at times, chimney fires can make loud crackling noises. Call 911 in case of any fire emergencies.

Flaky chimney tiles
If at any point in time you can see flakes of tiles at the bottom of your chimney, know that chimney repairs are in order. It is one of the reasons taking a closer look at your chimney every once in a while is essential. Flaky tiles are a definitive indication that the lining of the chimney is damaged. Liner damage can lead to serious fire hazards as it can cause the chimney gases to mix with the air outside.

Damaged chimney caps
A chimney cap is a protective barrier against pests, debris, precipitation, and other unwanted elements that could otherwise gain entry into your house. The chimney cap is made of either aluminum or copper, which means, like other metal objects, it too can corrode. It is important to check the condition of the chimney cap to ensure that it functions well to protect your house. If that’s not the case, you will have to replace or repair the chimney cap by a professional.

Damaged wallpaper
If your wallpaper close to the chimney has suffered water or other damage, it could clearly indicate that your chimney needs repair. If this is the case with you, make sure that you call in for immediate repairs and save yourself the trouble of extensive repair costs.

Efflorescence
It might not look like it’s a big deal, but having a chimney that is turning white in color can be a sign of trouble. The white stains are usually signifies excessive moisture buildup. It impacts the integrity of the brick and mortar joints. This can even lead to the chimney leaning or crumbling down. In such cases, you need to either replace or repair the chimney at the earliest.

Deteriorating mortar joints
The mortar joints are responsible for holding your chimney upright and in place. If you happen to climb onto your roof, make sure you take a look at how these joints are fairing. If you observe that the mortar joints are soaked in water, it might be time for you to place a call to your chimney repairman. This can happen due to constant exposure to changing weather conditions and water exposure. The water-saturated mortar joints might not be able to hold up the chimney for long without being looked after.