As strong as a well-built chimney is, it can begin to fail over time because of damage or old age. When chimney problems start, it’s best to take care of them sooner rather than later to keep the problems from becoming widespread and possibly dangerous.

Since 1990, Anderson’s Chimney & Masonry Service of New Cumberland, PA, has addressed every kind of chimney problem you can imagine, and we know how to solve yours.

Let’s look at some of the more common chimney issues that Pennsylvania homeowners deal with.

Leaky Chimney

Chimneys can leak for various reasons, including:

• Damaged or missing chimney cap
• Deteriorated bricks and mortar
• Warped or damaged chimney flashing

Intruding water can lead to further masonry damage as well as damage to the home’s walls, ceilings and attic. It can also start a mold growth.

Rusty Chimney

Certain metal chimney caps and chase covers can begin to rust and send ugly orange-red gunk down the sides of the chimney. Eventually, the component will degrade to the point that water, debris and small animals can enter the chimney. Rusted components should be replaced with new stainless-steel components.

Smelly Chimney

Chimney smells can be caused by excess creosote, excess flue moisture, tree debris, animal nests and dead animals. Creosote should be swept out once a year. Debris can be prevented with a sturdy chimney cap. Moisture issues should be inspected. Exhaust fans, HVAC systems and an airtight house can make the problem worse.

Animal Intrusion

Squirrels, birds, rodents, racoons, snakes and other small animals are attracted to open chimney flues. Some of the animals just hang out there. Others build nests for their babies. Others die. All of them are a problem that can be solved with chimney sweeping and a secure chimney cap.

Masonry Damage

Beyond leak issues, damaged chimney masonry can cause dangerous structural instability. Cracked bricks and crumbling mortar are the first signs that work needs to be done.

In some cases, early masonry damage can be remedied with brick replacement and tuckpointing, which adds fresh new mortar between the bricks. Severe damage usually requires partial or complete chimney rebuilding. If ignored, the masonry damage can lead to a leaning or collapsed chimney.

White Chimney Stains

This is usually caused by moisture leaching salts out of the chimney’s bricks. The stains themselves aren’t harmful, but the thing that’s causing the stains probably is. Have the masonry inspected to determine if water has moved into the chimney system and is causing damage.

Smoky Fireplace

Smoke backing up out of your fireplace means something is hindering the draft. Causes could include:

• A damper that isn’t fully open
• Excess creosote or debris narrowing the flue
• Debris or animals in the flue
• Clogged mesh on the chimney cap
• Improper flue/firebox size
• Using damp firewood that creates a lot of smoke

An inspection by our certified technicians will find out why there’s a smoke problem and what to do about it.

Help for All Your Chimney Problems

We know how to fix any chimney problem you might be having. We start with a thorough inspection to learn exactly what’s happening, and then our crew can get to work to solve the issue the right way.

Anderson’s Chimney & Masonry Service works throughout Shrewsbury, PA, York, PA, New Cumberland, PA, Camp Hill, PA, Hershey, PA, Lancaster, PA, Linglestown, PA, Lebanon, PA, Columbia, PA, Lititz, PA, and other Pennsylvania communities.

Speak with a chimney and fireplace expert by calling (717) 975-3526. You can also use our handy contact form.