Month: August 2025

If you’ve got a fireplace, you’ve got a chimney. And if you’ve got a chimney, you should have a chimney crown. Problem is, most homeowners don’t know what that is or why it’s important. But here’s the deal: that concrete or stone slab sitting on top of the chimney isn’t just there for decoration. It’s one of the most critical parts of your chimney system, and without it, you could be looking at major repair bills down the road.

What is a Chimney Crown?

The chimney crown is like a lid for your chimney. It’s the cap that covers the top of the brick or stone structure (but not the flue opening) — that’s what the cap does. The crown’s job is to keep water, snow, and ice from getting into the masonry and causing damage. Think of the crown like an umbrella for the chimney. Without it, rain would pour straight into the masonry and the space between the flue and chimney walls. And if you know anything, water and masonry don’t mix.

A good chimney crown slopes slightly downward so water runs off the sides instead of pooling on the top. It also extends a little past the chimney’s edges, kind of like a baseball cap brim, to keep water from running straight down the masonry.

Why You Absolutely Need One

Chimneys are exposed to everything Mother Nature throws at them: blazing sun, freezing temps, pounding rain, snow, and wind. Over time, all that weather takes a toll. The crown acts as your chimney’s first line of defense. Without it, you’re inviting a long list of problems, including:

• Masonry deterioration
• Flue damage
• Interior leaks

In short, a chimney without a crown is like a roof without shingles—it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Types of Crown Damage

Even if you have a chimney crown, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. Crowns can take a beating over the years, and when they start to fail, you have to act fast. Here are the most common types of chimney crown damage.

• Cracks and Splits: Temperature changes cause expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement creates cracks in the crown, which let in moisture. Even small cracks can turn into big ones quickly.
• Erosion: Rain, wind, and snow can wear the crown’s surface away, making it rough, pitted, and less effective at shedding water.
• Poor Construction: Some older crowns were made with the wrong materials (like standard mortar instead of concrete), making them more prone to damage. Others weren’t built with the proper slope, so water just sits there and seeps in.
• Rust Stains or Metal Failure: If your crown includes metal flashing or reinforcement, it can rust over time, leading to staining and potential structural issues.

When to Call a Pro

A little bit of wear and tear is normal, but here’s the thing: chimney crown damage can go from “no big deal” to “huge repair bill” pretty quickly. You should call a chimney professional if you notice:

• Visible cracks, especially wider than hairline
• Water stains in the home, which could mean your crown is letting water in
• Chunks or missing pieces
• Rust on the chimney cap or flue
• Pooling water on the crown, which means it’s not sloped correctly and needs to be fixed

A professional chimney sweep can inspect the crown and let you know whether it needs sealing, resurfacing, or a full rebuild. The good news is that if you catch problems early, repairs are usually quick and affordable. Wait too long and you could be looking at a much bigger job, like rebuilding part of the chimney.

Do you know what’s going on with your chimney crown? Call the experts at Northeastern Chimney Inc. We’re the most trusted chimney and fireplace professionals in Central Connecticut. Whether you need a crown installation, repair, chimney cleaning, or anything else, our expert team can handle it. Plus, we offer a 5-star guarantee, ensuring you’re happy with the work. Contact us today!

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

As with any other part of your chimney or furnace, you can experience damage or just regular wear and tear. 

This is why the furnace flue should indeed be inspected regularly. If a furnace flue is not venting properly, it can leak carbon monoxide gas into your home. This can be a deadly situation and should be taken seriously. This can also be detected by an inspection.

Your furnace flue is not maintained by your utility company. Many homeowners are unaware of this. A lack of maintenance or neglect can be life-threatening.

Potential Issues:

• A by-product of gas and oil furnaces can cause the flue lining to deteriorate or be eaten away. This acidic condensate can cause damaging effects to the flue furnace. 
• Broken pieces of the deteriorated furnace can cause a blockage that would allow poisonous gas to enter the home. These fumes are odorless, tasteless, and invisible. 
• Other blockages. If there is no chimney cap to prevent debris and animals from getting into the furnace, this can cause a blockage, also causing carbon monoxide poisoning.

When Should I Schedule A Flue Furnace Inspection?

Whenever you get a new flue installed, have a professional chimney specialist verify that the flue is in good working condition. Annual maintenance is important to the overall health of the flue. Call Northeastern Chimney for your appointment today.

What Problems Can Be Experienced?

• Backdraft. Exhaust being pulled into the home is a sure sign that backdraft is an issue. 
• Liner Damage. Especially in older homes, liners are made of terra-cotta clay tiles. Over time, the heat from the furnace starts to deteriorate the clay tiles.  
• Moisture/Condensation. If condensation or moisture is noted on the windows, especially when the furnace is just turned on, this may indicate that the furnace is not venting properly. This is caused by fumes leaking into the home from the furnace. 
• Incorrect Slope. Furnaces have high levels of condensation. If the slope of the furnace is not draining this condensation, it may trigger a shutdown. This can cause venting problems. 

As A Homeowner, What Can I Do?

• Book an annual furnace flue inspection. Maintenance and keeping up is important to the overall function and efficiency of your furnace. 
• Install and check your CO2 detector. Every home should have a CO2 detector. Have one installed or do it yourself. 

Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. This will cost you much less than if you let the damage to the fireplace and bricks go on too long.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Our technicians are trained and qualified to complete a quality job. We stand by our reputation. You can trust that we will take care of you in a timely and courteous manner. 

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

When you burn a fire in your fireplace, the heat is intense. A chimney liner is in place to protect the inside of the chimney as well as safeguard the home and the chimney structure. There are potential hazards associated with combustion, as well as corrosive byproducts that are distributed when wood is burned in the fireplace.  The liner serves as a protective barrier to shield you and your home from danger.

Fire Prevention:

Chimney liners help contain the heat and prevent it from transferring to combustible material like wood and insulation that is nearby. Chimneys can overheat and ignite nearby structures, potentially leading to dangerous chimney fires. Stainless steel liners have been proven to be a popular and effective material to use.

Improve Draft:

With a proper liner, exhaust gas will exit the chimney with ease. This will allow for a proper draft and prevent downdrafts. 

Gas Leak Prevention:

Liners prevent gases that can be deadly, such as carbon monoxide, from seeping into the home. The masonry may become brittle or cracked, which will allow gases into your home without a liner. 

Protecting Masonry:

A liner will protect the bricks and mortar by sheltering the chimney from the extensive heat emitted by the fire. The heat can dry out bricks and cause deterioration.

What Is The Lifespan of a Chimney Liner?

A liner should be up to code to properly protect your home. You can expect to get 15 to 20 years from a chimney liner. Stainless steel liners tend to last longer due to its strength. You can expect to get the maximum longevity with stainless steel compared to a clay liner. 

Is It Necessary to Have A Chimney Liner?

It is not a legal requirement to install a liner; however, most professionals would recommend one. Without one, you can expect the walls of the chimney to eventually deteriorate, and smoke will then seep through the cracks, causing dangerous fumes. 

What Are My Liner Options?

• Clay Tile Liners. The most common liner. This is the most inexpensive type of liner. However, with the low cost also comes a shorter lifespan. You can expect a clay liner to last 5 to 15 years.
• Metal Chimney Liners. Metal liners are stainless steel or aluminum. They are easy to install due to their lightweight. The cost is much more than the clay tile liner; however, you will benefit from the lifespan.
• Cast-In-Place Chimney Liners. At a lifespan of 50 years, you can imagine this being the most expensive. The cast-in-place liner also contributes to the overall structural stability of the chimney. 

Based on the time you will be in the home as well as your budget, there is a liner for you. The safety benefits are worth the expense. Contact Northeastern Chimney for more information on the type of chimney liner that is best for you.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Our technicians have years of experience and are trained and qualified.

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com