How to Spot Trouble with Your Chimney Before Fireplace Season

As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, many homeowners look forward to that first cozy fire of the season. But before you strike a match, it’s important to make sure your chimney is in good working order. A damaged or blocked chimney doesn’t just reduce efficiency - it can create serious safety hazards, including chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup. The good news? A little preventative maintenance now can save you from expensive repairs and dangerous situations later.

Here’s what to look for when checking your chimney this fall.

Cracks and Gaps in the Masonry

Start with a visual inspection. If you see crumbling mortar, missing bricks, or hairline cracks, that’s a sign your chimney is weakening. Water can seep into these gaps, freeze in the winter, and make the damage worse. Over time, this can compromise the entire structure. Small cracks can often be sealed, but larger problems usually require professional repair.

A Damaged Chimney Cap or Crown

Your chimney cap is the unsung hero of the fireplace system. It keeps out rain, snow, animals, and debris. Without it, your chimney can quickly become clogged or water-damaged. Similarly, the chimney crown - the cement slab at the very top - acts as a shield. If you notice rust on the cap or chips in the crown, it’s time to repair or replace before moisture finds its way inside.

Creosote Buildup

Even if the outside looks fine, the inside of your chimney can be another story. Burning wood produces a tar-like substance called creosote, which clings to the interior walls. Creosote is highly flammable, and too much of it can spark a chimney fire. If you notice a strong, smoky odor, or if you can see black, shiny buildup inside, schedule a professional cleaning before you use the fireplace again.

Signs of Water Damage

Look around the base of your chimney and inside your attic for water stains or dampness. Discoloration on ceilings and walls near the chimney can be a red flag. Water entering through cracks or missing flashing (the metal seal where the chimney meets the roof) can cause mold, rot, and costly structural issues.

While You’re Up There - Check Your Roof

Inspecting your chimney is also a great opportunity to take a quick look at your roof. Loose, curling, or missing shingles can lead to leaks that damage not only your chimney but your entire home. Shingle problems are easiest to fix when they’re caught early, so don’t wait until you see water spots inside your house to take action.

When to Call a Pro

Some issues, like trimming back tree branches or replacing a simple cap, may be safe for homeowners to tackle. But climbing on a roof always comes with risks, and chimney repairs often require professional tools and expertise. If you’re unsure about the condition of your chimney or roof, schedule an inspection with a qualified contractor. It’s a small investment that can prevent big problems down the line.

A healthy chimney doesn’t just make your fireplace more efficient; it keeps your family safe, too. Take a little time this season to inspect for cracks, damaged caps, creosote buildup, and signs of water leaks. And while you’re up there, give your roof a once-over, too. A careful check now means peace of mind when you’re enjoying those winter nights by the fire.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

It's Time To Get That Chimney Prepped for Winter

As cooler nights start to set in on our part of Connecticut, it won’t be long until we have to start firing up the heat. So as you get your rakes ready and you give your water heater some attention, it’s also a great time to clean out that chimney. Here are my top tips. 

First, don’t leave ash and residue hanging around for another season. Fireplaces and chimneys are involved in over 40 percent of all home-heating fires so a preventative annual clean-out should definitely be on your list. If you have a regular wood-burning fireplace, remove all the old ashes with a shovel and bucket and get rid of any residual materials with an industrial vacuum or heavy-duty hand broom and dustpan. 

It’s important to note that during winter you never want ashes to accumulate more than two inches in depth.  Also, remember that ashes are just disintegrated wood, so feel free to discard them into your compost pile.  Once the ashes are cleared, you can remove any soot and fire stains with a spray bottle of soapy water and a tough, wire scrub brush. If stains are really hard to remove a muriatic acid solution will do the job. It’s available at most hardware stores. 

Once your fireplace is squeaky clean, it’s time to inspect the flue. Look up the fireplace and search for any cracks or damage. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for creosote build-up, which can be highly flammable and result in chimney fires if not removed properly. If you see any blockage, cracks, or deposits during a visual inspection, you’ll want to get the flue looked at by a professional. 

Now comes the hardest part – the chimney. First, make sure that you are comfortable on a roof and using a ladder. If you aren’t, leave this part of the job to an expert. From the roof, look around your chimney and remove any leaves or debris that may have piled up over the winter. If your chimney is open and you don’t use it often, it can be a great nesting place for birds and small animals.  Don’t let this happen; invest in a wire screen cover to ensure nothing from the outside can get in. Also, take a look at the mortar between the bricks to make sure it is in good condition and nothing is cracking or crumbling. If mortar needs to be replaced, remove the damaged segments and re-pack them with weather-resistant ready-mixed mortar from the hardware store. 

Finally, you’ll want to inspect your flashing, which is where the chimney meets the roof. This should create a watertight seal, so make sure nothing looks loose or like it is coming undone, otherwise you could be at risk for a leak. If the seal is at all damaged or worn away, you’ll want to get it repaired immediately. 

I can’t reinforce enough that chimney maintenance is a must and something that shouldn’t be put off. If you don’t know what to look for or aren’t comfortable taking on the job, get a certified chimney sweep to give you a thorough inspection or call me for a recommendation. The peace of mind in knowing that your home is safe from a preventable fire is worth the price of a simple assessment. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Chilly Nights Mean Chimney Prep

With colder nights starting to set in on our part of Connecticut, it won’t be long until home heating is top of mind. With so many homeowners kicking off autumn with a warming fire in the house, now is the perfect time to get your chimney and hearth prepped to roar. Here are my top tips.

First, don’t leave ash and residue hanging around for another season. Fireplaces and chimneys are involved in over 40 percent of all home-heating fires so a preventative annual clean-out should definitely be on your list. If you have a regular wood-burning fireplace, remove all the old ashes with a shovel and bucket and get rid of any residual materials with an industrial vacuum or heavy-duty hand broom and dustpan. 

It’s important to note that during winter you never want ashes to accumulate more than two inches in depth.  Also, remember that ashes are just disintegrated wood, so feel free to discard them into your compost pile.  Once the ashes are cleared, you can remove any soot and fire stains with a spray bottle of soapy water and a tough, wire scrub brush. If stains are really hard to remove a muriatic acid solution will do the job. It’s available at most hardware stores. 

Once your fireplace is squeaky clean, it’s time to inspect the flue. Look up the fireplace and search for any cracks or damage. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for creosote build-up, which can be highly flammable and result in chimney fires if not removed properly. If you see any blockage, cracks or deposits during a visual inspection, you’ll want to get the flue looked at by a professional. 

Now comes the hardest part – the chimney. Firstly, make sure that you are comfortable on a roof and using a ladder. If you aren’t, leave this part of the job to an expert. Look around your chimney and remove any leaves or debris that may have piled up over the winter. If your chimney is open and you don’t use it often, it can be a great nesting place for birds and small animals.  Don’t let this happen; invest in a wire screen cover to ensure nothing from the outside can get in. Also, take a look at the mortar between the bricks to make sure it is in good condition and nothing is cracking or crumbling. If mortar needs to be replaced, remove the damaged segments and re-pack them with weather-resistant ready-mixed mortar from the hardware store. 

Finally, you’ll want to inspect your flashing, which is where the chimney meets the roof. This should create a watertight seal, so make sure nothing looks loose or like it is coming undone, otherwise you could be at risk for a leak. If the seal is at all damaged or worn away, you’ll want to get it repaired immediately. 

I can’t reinforce enough that chimney maintenance is a must and something that shouldn’t be brushed off. If you don’t know what to look for or aren’t comfortable taking on the job, get a certified chimney sweep to give you a thorough inspection or call me for a recommendation. The peace of mind in knowing that your home is safe from a preventable fire is worth the price of a simple assessment. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.