The most obvious sign is if you haven’t had your chimney cleaned in over a year. Beyond that, watch for white staining on the outside of your chimney (efflorescence), rust on your damper or firebox, or a strong odor coming from your fireplace—especially during humid summer weather. If you notice smoke entering your room instead of going up the chimney, or if you see animals or birds near your chimney, those are immediate red flags. In North Dighton’s coastal climate, you might also notice faster deterioration of your chimney cap or crown due to salt air exposure. When in doubt, a professional inspection can tell you exactly where your chimney stands.