If you’re like most homeowners with a fireplace, you probably never think about your chimney until there’s smoke billowing back into the living room. Like any home component, chimneys need regular maintenance and repairs to keep them in good condition. Ignoring chimney issues can lead to serious hazards, including house fires and carbon monoxide leaks.
Motown Fire is the go-to chimney service company in the Metro Detroit area. We have a beautiful showroom with many working fireplaces for you to browse, and our helpful staff is always ready to answer questions to ensure you get the best system for your home and budget.
If you have a chimney and fireplace, you’ll want to be aware of the most common issues that can affect performance and safety.
Leaky Flashing
Flashing is the metal that seals the intersection between your chimney and the roof. If it becomes corroded, loose, or improperly installed, water can leak into your attic or home interior, causing mold, ceiling stains, or structural damage.
Our chimney professionals can inspect the flashing and reseal or replace it. We can also apply a waterproof barrier to prevent future leaks.
Creosote Buildup
When you burn wood, it releases smoke that contains tar-like particles. These particles condense as they rise through the cooler chimney, forming a highly flammable substance called creosote. Over time, creosote buildup can ignite, causing a dangerous chimney fire.
The best fix for this problem is prevention. Schedule a professional chimney cleaning at least once a year, especially if you use your fireplace regularly. Also, it’s wise to burn seasoned firewood to limit the amount of smoke, which contributes to creosote issues.
Chimney Blockages
Bird nests, leaves, debris, or even deteriorated masonry can block the flue. This can prevent smoke and carbon monoxide from escaping, creating a dangerous situation inside your home.
The best way to fix this issue is to install a chimney cap with a metal mesh screen to keep out animals and debris. If your chimney is blocked, call one of our specialists for a thorough cleaning.
Spalling Bricks
Spalling occurs when moisture gets into bricks and causes the surface to flake, crumble, or pop off. This is usually due to water infiltration, freeze-thaw cycles, or using low-quality bricks.
Replace damaged bricks and apply a breathable waterproof sealant to protect the structure going forward. This can also extend your chimney’s lifespan and prevent further damage.
White Stains
Another common chimney issue is a process called efflorescence. This occurs when moisture inside the masonry evaporates and leaves behind white, powdery mineral deposits on the exterior of the chimney.
While it might seem like just a cosmetic problem, it’s actually a warning sign. It means water has traveled through the porous bricks or mortar to the outside—indicating significant moisture intrusion. If your bricks are absorbing that much water, there could be serious problems developing within your chimney structure.
Our chimney technicians can apply a waterproof sealant that allows water to escape while preventing it from getting in.
Motown Fire proudly serves homeowners in the Metro Detroit area as well as Chesterfield, MI, Grosse Pointe Park, MI, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, St. Clair Shores, MI, Auburn Hills, MI, and the surrounding towns.
Stop into our showroom located at 50760 Metzen Dr., Chesterfield Township, MI 48051 to see what we have to offer.