From outside your chimney looks fine. So is everything fine? You could have serious problems inside the chimney. Problems that if left alone can cause serious issues. Continue the tour to see what may be happening inside your chimney.

Look inside. There is extensive damage to the inner clay lining of this chimney. Pieces have broken loose, and cracks have formed. There is also a large amount of creosote build-up. Older chimneys may not even have a liner. Moisture has found its way into the interior walls through loose or broken bricks. Mortar has also deteriorated. With more use will come more damage. The flue can become completely blocked and/or dangerous gases or fire may enter the house. There may be several reasons for this chimneys condition — chimney fires, improperly vented stove, poor construction, excessive moisture, and others.

Because of the condition of the clay liner and creosote build-up, a chimney fire has ignited that has reached the inner walls and roof of the home. It doesn't take much for a chimney fire to ignite. Once it does the fire will search for the easiest way to combustible materials in your home. A chimney fire can last a long time or a short time. You may not even be aware that you have had one. One chimney fire can go unnoticed, a second chimney fire can destroy a home. Once a chimney fire occurs the inside of your chimney can be severly damaged. The next chimney fire can find its way into your home through these damaged areas.