Why older chimneys are vulnerable

Many Park Hill houses were built with wood-burning fireplaces and brick chimneys, and some original chimneys also vented coal or gas furnaces at one time. Depending on age, a flue may have a clay tile liner, a later metal liner, or in the oldest cases little more than the brick itself.

A chimney fire happens when creosote deposits inside the flue ignite. Some are loud and dramatic; others are slow and go unnoticed. Either way the temperatures inside the flue can be extreme, and clay tile liners can crack, mortar joints can open, and heat can reach wood framing that sits close to the masonry.

Smoke damage from a chimney fire often reaches rooms far from the hearth. Downdrafts and puffback push soot out of the firebox, and a cracked flue can leak smoke into closets and upper rooms beside the chimney. Decorative tile surrounds, mantels and built-ins around older fireplaces collect residue too.

Order of operations

  1. Stop using the fireplace.Do not light another fire, and do not run any appliance that vents into the same chimney until it has been inspected.
  2. Get a camera inspection.A chimney sweep or chimney professional can run a camera down the flue to look for cracked tiles, gaps and damage that cannot be seen from the firebox.
  3. Check the framing around the chimney.Ask for the attic and any accessible framing near the chimney to be checked for heat damage or charring.
  4. Clean rooms after the flue is secured.Soot cleanup in the living room is wasted effort if the flue keeps leaking residue, so plan room cleaning after the chimney is addressed or sealed off.
  5. Decide on chimney repair.Options range from repointing and repairing tiles to installing a new liner or rebuilding the top of the chimney.

Common repair paths

Option
Tile repair and repointing
When it tends to fit
Limited cracking near the top or isolated joints
Things to ask
Will the whole flue be verified after repair?
Option
Stainless steel liner
When it tends to fit
Cracked clay liner or no liner
Things to ask
Is it sized for the fireplace or appliance it will serve?
Option
Cast-in-place liner
When it tends to fit
Irregular or damaged flues
Things to ask
How is the work inspected and documented?
Option
Partial rebuild above the roof
When it tends to fit
Spalled or loose brick at the crown
Things to ask
Will the brick and mortar match the original?
Option
Decommission and cap
When it tends to fit
Fireplace will no longer be used
Things to ask
How does this affect home value or future use?

Which one fits depends on the inspection findings and how the chimney will be used afterward.

Common questions

Does homeowners insurance usually cover a chimney fire?

Sudden fire damage is commonly covered, while wear and maintenance issues are often excluded. The line between the two can be argued, so read your policy and document the inspection findings.

General information for Park Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.