A chimney can become damaged and dangerous for a variety of reasons. There are situations when neglect is severe enough to cause lasting harm to both the house and people. Early identification of problems such as a crack in the chimney will aid in resolving chimney issues before they worsen. Damage to chimneys should not be taken lightly. They can lead to a variety of issues, such as chimney fires, moisture issues, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It is vital to address a chimney issue as soon as possible because it is likely to result in structural and health risks.

Most of the time, the severity of the risk is not taken seriously. Keep in mind that both health and structural issues can happen because of the crack in the chimney. When a chimney has problems, they do not occur all at once. Chimney problems will always be evident if you are careful enough and know where to look. You should be able to recognize a damaged chimney or chimney spalling without difficulty using the indications or suggestions provided here.

1. Fragments of the chimney in the fireplace

Chimney spalling or better known as finding chimney brick fragments accumulating inside your fireplace, is one of the first indications of a broken chimney. If a chimney sweep inspects the chimney each year, this won't be much of a problem. Once you've identified the issue, it's advisable to act swiftly by scheduling an inspection and making any necessary repairs to a crack in the chimney.

2. A broken or melted chimney crown

Both water and moisture can enter the chimney's structure if the chimney crown is damaged. Larger crack in the chimney, chimney spalling, and peeling are just a few of the issues that can result from too much moisture. Little can be done to stop chimney degradation unless the chimney crown is replaced and weatherproofed. In some cases, you will need to repair or even replace the whole chimney and the fireplace.

3. Paint and wallpaper damage

Whether wallpaper or paint is used to cover the wall nearest to the chimney is not important, as a crack in the chimney leaves behind visible traces. Damaged wallpaper or blistering on painted surfaces are more than sufficient to serve as a warning that the chimney contains too much moisture. Repainting or adding fresh wallpaper won't help the situation. Mold growth will be a very common problem in rooms that do not have adequate ventilation and around a wood fireplace. It is important to keep the chimney clean and ventilate the rooms as often as possible. It's necessary to pay attention to the core issues, such as chimney spalling. Either the chimney, the liner, or the complete chimney system will require repair. 

4. Worn-out linings

Linings are a component of the internal chimney's structure. Smoke flow is adversely impacted when the lining is worn out. The interruption in the passage of smoke and the return of its vapors into the structure is a concern for the home's residents, as it poses a serious health risk. Overheating of the chimney system is another frequent issue that damages the lines and can cause a fire. This can manifest as a crack in the chimney. A difficulty develops when the chimney heats up. Eventually, chimney spalling, or liner material along the stack (or lower) can fall into the fireplace.

5. Rust

Rust can form on the metal components of the chimney structure. This commonly happens when these parts are very damp because of rain or snow. Now, locating or recognizing a rust issue can be challenging for anyone who does not have any experience cleaning the chimney. That's why you need to do the chimney inspection. The majority of the time, homeowners don't learn until they are dealing with damaged components, such as a damper that won't work properly or chimney spalling. Rust will likely spread to the flue liner and other metal components, including your firebox, in addition to the chimney damper. A skilled chimney sweep's knowledge is crucial to resolving the issue. This helps to solve the issue by halting the rust-caused deterioration. 

6. Damaged mortar joints