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9 Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair

By the Chimney Champs team · Updated · 5 min read

Quick answer

The main signs a chimney needs repair are crumbling mortar joints, flaking or popping brick (spalling), white staining (efflorescence), a cracked crown, rust on the damper or firebox, tile shards in the fireplace, water stains near the chimney, a leaning chimney, and a damaged or missing cap.

Outside the house

  1. Crumbling mortar joints. Mortar is softer than brick and wears first. Gaps let water in.
  2. Spalling brick. Faces of bricks flaking or popping off means water has been freezing inside the masonry.
  3. White stains (efflorescence). Salt deposits left behind as water moves through the brick — a sign of a moisture problem.
  4. Cracked crown. Cracks in the concrete top let water directly into the chimney.
  5. Leaning chimney. A structural problem that needs immediate attention.
  6. Missing or damaged cap. Lets rain, animals and debris in.

Inside the house

  1. Rust on the damper or firebox. Points to water coming down the flue.
  2. Tile pieces in the fireplace. Your clay flue liner is cracking and breaking apart.
  3. Water stains or peeling paint near the chimney. Usually failed flashing or a crown leak.

What to do next

Most chimney damage is caused by water, and it gets worse every winter. Book an inspection so the cause is found and fixed before small repairs turn into a rebuild.

More questions

Is it safe to use my fireplace if the chimney needs repair?

It depends on the problem. Exterior mortar wear may not be an immediate fire hazard, but liner damage, tile shards or a leaning chimney are. Have it inspected before your next fire.

Need a professional?

Chimney Champs provides chimney repair & masonry across PA, NJ, DE, NY and CT. Call (856) 300-9215 for a free estimate.

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