Professional chimney inspections reveal hidden problems that could threaten your home's safety and cost thousands in emergency repairs.
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Most chimney fires occur because of a build-up of creosote, a tarry byproduct of burning wood. During inspections, our technicians consistently find varying levels of creosote accumulation that homeowners can’t see from below. The Chimney Safety Institute of America states that homeowners should inspect fireplaces and chimneys and should have them cleaned when one eighth of an inch of sooty buildup is evident or visible inside the chimney and flue system, and should have them cleaned with less than one eighth of an inch if any glaze is visible in the firebox or chimney.
Professional inspectors also discover physical obstructions that block proper ventilation. Chimney obstructions are a fire hazard, whether the blockage is physical or there isn’t enough updraft to draw smoke out of the home, and either way, the obstruction needs to be removed or you risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
One of the biggest causes of chimney fires is an accumulation of creosote, this black sooty substance that naturally builds up in chimneys over time, and while there are several types of creosote including moist and dry, all have a high heat capacity, which means they can burn when hot enough. Having served Norfolk and Plymouth Counties for years, we understand the impact of coastal moisture on chimney brickwork and the specific creosote buildup patterns resulting from the types of wood commonly burned in this region.
The formation happens gradually through incomplete combustion. When wood burns, especially if it’s not properly seasoned or if the fire doesn’t burn hot enough, the smoke contains unburned particles that stick to the chimney walls as they cool. These deposits range from soot or pure carbon that simply does not burn, to creosote tars that can easily ignite, and all of these deposits are commonly described as creosote, but creosote has many forms, ranging from crusty carbon deposits that can be easily brushed away, to tar-glazed creosote that requires a professional chemical cleaning.
What makes this particularly dangerous is that cleaning a chimney is not a guarantee against a chimney fire, and studies have proven that a significant percentage of chimney fires have resulted within one month of the chimney being cleaned and many more have resulted within a six-month period. This is why regular professional inspections matter more than just cleaning alone.
The coastal climate in Norfolk and Plymouth Counties creates unique challenges. Higher humidity levels can affect how creosote forms and adheres to chimney surfaces. We understand these regional patterns and know exactly where to look for the most problematic accumulations.
One of the biggest causes of chimney fires is an accumulation of creosote, this black sooty substance that naturally builds up in chimneys over time, and while there are several types of creosote including moist and dry, all have a high heat capacity, which means they can burn when hot enough. Having served Norfolk and Plymouth Counties for years, we understand the impact of coastal moisture on chimney brickwork and the specific creosote buildup patterns resulting from the types of wood commonly burned in this region.
The formation happens gradually through incomplete combustion. When wood burns, especially if it’s not properly seasoned or if the fire doesn’t burn hot enough, the smoke contains unburned particles that stick to the chimney walls as they cool. These deposits range from soot or pure carbon that simply does not burn, to creosote tars that can easily ignite, and all of these deposits are commonly described as creosote, but creosote has many forms, ranging from crusty carbon deposits that can be easily brushed away, to tar-glazed creosote that requires a professional chemical cleaning.
What makes this particularly dangerous is that cleaning a chimney is not a guarantee against a chimney fire, and studies have proven that a significant percentage of chimney fires have resulted within one month of the chimney being cleaned and many more have resulted within a six-month period. This is why regular professional inspections matter more than just cleaning alone.
The coastal climate in Norfolk and Plymouth Counties creates unique challenges. Higher humidity levels can affect how creosote forms and adheres to chimney surfaces. We understand these regional patterns and know exactly where to look for the most problematic accumulations.
In Norfolk County and Plymouth County, MA, the harsh freeze-thaw cycles of winter are the primary adversary of chimney masonry, with water absorbed into bricks and mortar expanding when it freezes, gradually breaking down joints and causing brick faces to spall (flake off). Our professional inspections consistently reveal masonry damage that’s invisible from ground level but poses serious structural and safety risks.
Deteriorated mortar joints are the most common issue requiring chimney masonry repair, where you might notice gaps, crumbling, or receding mortar between the bricks, and this breakdown allows water to penetrate deeper into the structure and weakens the bond between bricks. We examine every accessible joint to assess the extent of deterioration and determine whether simple repointing will suffice or if more extensive repairs are needed.
Spalling bricks are another frequent form of chimney masonry damage, especially prevalent in Norfolk and Plymouth Counties due to freeze-thaw cycles, and this condition is when the face of the brick cracks and flakes off, exposing the penetrable interior. During our inspections, we look for these telltale signs of water damage that indicate deeper problems within the chimney structure.
Spalling occurs when the surface of the bricks starts to flake off, and spalling can weaken the chimney structure and is often caused by water damage and freeze-thaw cycles. What homeowners see as minor cosmetic damage often signals more serious structural issues that require immediate attention.
Efflorescence, those white, powdery stains often seen on brick chimney repair, indicates excessive moisture moving through the masonry, and while primarily aesthetic, it signals underlying water absorption issues that can lead to more serious degradation. We recognize these early warning signs and can recommend preventive measures before the damage becomes extensive.
The coastal environment in Norfolk and Plymouth Counties creates additional challenges. Bricks are porous, and over time, exposure to Norfolk and Plymouth County weather can cause them to absorb excessive moisture, especially if the mortar joints are deteriorated, and this absorbed water can then migrate inwards or freeze and thaw, causing further damage (spalling). We understand these regional factors and know how to assess the long-term implications of moisture-related damage.
Significant vertical or stairstep cracks in the masonry can indicate structural stress or settling, requiring careful assessment to determine if chimney masonry rebuilding is necessary rather than just surface repairs. We are trained to distinguish between minor settling cracks and serious structural problems that threaten the chimney’s integrity.
Structural instability (leaning), widespread severe spalling or mortar loss, or major cracks typically require rebuilding, while minor issues usually allow for chimney masonry repair. During our inspections, we evaluate the overall stability of the chimney structure and determine whether repair or rebuilding is the appropriate solution.
Major vertical cracks extending through multiple courses of brick suggest significant structural stress, and damage resulting from a severe chimney fire, which can compromise the durability of both the liner and the masonry shell, often necessitates rebuilding the chimney, and when the damage is so deep or widespread that the chimney can no longer safely support itself or sufficiently contain heat and flue gases, rebuilding becomes the responsible course of action.
Our inspection process involves examining not just the visible exterior, but also accessible areas in attics, basements, and crawl spaces where structural damage might be more apparent. Chimney fires often affect the smoke chamber area, and the intense heat creates smoke chamber expansion, which often causes breaks in the facial wall of the fireplace, and during our chimney inspections, we examine all sides of chimneys in easily accessible areas, such as the attic, looking for any fresh breaks that may have been caused by expansion.
Most chimney fires can be prevented by having the chimney and flue professionally inspected and cleaned each year, and it’s not too late to have it done this season, as it could save your home, and more importantly, it could prevent a tragedy. Understanding what we commonly find during evaluations helps you recognize the importance of regular professional maintenance and the potential consequences of neglecting your chimney system.
Your chimney system protects your family from carbon monoxide poisoning, house fires, and structural damage that can cost $15,000-25,000 to repair. The problems discovered during inspections aren’t just inconveniences—they’re genuine safety hazards that require prompt attention from qualified professionals.
When you need expert chimney inspection and repair services in Norfolk and Plymouth County, Above and Beyond Chimney provides the thorough evaluations and skilled repairs that keep your home safe and your family protected.
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