Common Chimney Issues and Repairs

The team here at Oliver Twist Chimney and Fireplace have encountered many common chimney problems since we opened our doors over 30 years ago. Some of these are the result of past repairs while some can be blamed on the effects of Mother Nature. Here are the top seven common chimney problems a homeowner may experience. you should close off a fireplace for spring and summer

Older masonry materials

Masonry materials have improved significantly in the past few decades, though there are thousands of homes using these older (and less reliable) materials. A CSIA-certified chimney sweep can help bring your chimney up to modern standards.

Improper installations

Previous builders may have used quality materials but did not build the chimney properly. Alternatively, they could have all of the components in place (such as flashing, your cap, a crown, and so on) yet did not install them properly. This can lead to a host of common chimney problems if left unaddressed.

Low-quality previous repairs

There are band-aid solutions, and there is addressing the cause of a problem. When we go to a hospital, we expect the latter.

However, some less-than-reputable chimney companies will go the band-aid route. They’ll repair a section without addressing the underlying reason of whatever caused the damage in the first place.

Inadequate maintenance

Another one of our common chimney problems is inadequate maintenance. Because parts of your chimney system are out-of-sight and out-of-mind, it’s incredibly important to perform preventive maintenance. However, if this doesn’t happen, small cracks in your flue tile or masonry can lead to larger problems such as leaks and spalling bricks down the road.

A missing cap

The job of your crown also works alongside your cap: both protect your chimney structure. However, your cap works to keep foreign objects from entering. Those include animals looking to build a nest, leaves, and other debris from clogging up your flue.

Water damage

Water damage is one of the most common chimney problems, if not the top one. This happens because of all of the above and more. If not addressed immediately, water damage can lead to significant problems including leaks, damage to other parts of your home, and even the need to completely rebuild your chimney from the ground up. Water is great at the beach, but not in your chimney!

These common chimney problems and more are our specialties

Our team has decades of experience mitigating and repairing these common chimney problems and more. We’ll ensure that any problems we encounter during your annual sweep are addressed right away — and are done correctly. It’s this commitment that has helped to make us one of Orange County’s best chimney companies.

Do you need assistance with your chimney or fireplace? Then let us know. Contact Oliver Twist Chimney and Fireplace at (714) 843-9944 or send us a quick message online.