Many Philadelphia rowhomes and twins share a chimney stack with the neighbors, with separate flues side by side. Common problems are unlined or cracked flues used by modern furnaces and water heaters, leaks at tight flashing on flat or shared roofs, and missing caps. Each flue should be identified and inspected separately.
How rowhome chimneys are built
Older Philly rowhomes often have one masonry stack on the party wall containing flues for both houses. The fireplaces may have been closed decades ago, while one flue still vents the boiler or water heater.
Most common problems we see in Philadelphia
- Unlined or oversized furnace flues after a boiler, furnace or water heater upgrade
- Leaks at flat-roof flashing, often patched repeatedly with roof coating
- Deteriorated crowns and missing caps on shared stacks
- Abandoned flues that are open to the weather and collect debris
Shared chimneys and neighbors
Work on a shared stack can affect the house next door. We'll explain what belongs to which flue and recommend talking with your neighbor when a repair covers the whole stack.
Before you reopen an old fireplace
Many Philadelphia fireplaces were designed for coal, not wood. Have the flue camera-inspected and relined if needed before burning anything.
More questions
Can I use the fireplace in my Philadelphia rowhome?
Possibly — but many were built for coal or have been closed for decades. A Level 2 camera inspection tells you whether it's safe or needs a liner first.
Who pays to fix a shared rowhome chimney?
That depends on your property records and agreement with your neighbor. We can document the condition of each flue to help that conversation.
Need a local professional?
Chimney Champs has been a local chimney company for 13 years. We provide chimney inspection in your area. Call (856) 300-9215 for a free estimate.
Sources & further reading
- NFPA 211 — Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances (National Fire Protection Association)
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
Keep reading
- Chimney Care at the Jersey Shore: Salt Air, Storms and Seasonal Homes
- How Often Should You Clean Your Chimney?
- 9 Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
- Chimney Inspection Levels 1, 2 and 3 Explained
- What Is Creosote? The 3 Stages and Why It Causes Chimney Fires
- Why Is My Chimney Leaking? 6 Causes and How to Fix Them