At Five Sons Chimney, we’ve seen it all—from animals nesting in flues to full-blown chimney fires that started from “just a little creosote.”
This blog post is a wake-up call. We’ll explain:
The biggest dangers of an unmaintained chimney
How problems build up quietly over time
The costs of ignoring warning signs
What you can do now to prevent disaster
1. Chimney Fires: More Common Than You Think.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), chimney fires cause tens of thousands of home fires every year. And most are caused by the exact same issue: creosote buildup.
Creosote is a tar-like residue that forms when you burn wood. If not cleaned out, it sticks to your flue walls and can ignite from a single spark or high flue temperature.
Signs of a Chimney Fire:
Loud cracking or popping noises
Dense smoke pouring into your home
A sudden, intense smell
Flames or embers coming from the chimney top
Cost of a Chimney Fire:
$3,000–$10,000 in damage (conservative estimate)
Possible loss of your home
Insurance complications if maintenance was neglected
Emotional and safety toll on your family
A yearly cleaning costs a few hundred dollars. A chimney fire can cost everything.
2. Carbon Monoxide Leaks: The Silent Killer.
A blocked, cracked, or damaged chimney can prevent deadly gases from venting properly. The biggest threat? Carbon monoxide (CO)—a colorless, odorless gas that can kill in minutes.
How Chimneys Contribute to CO Poisoning:
Blockages from soot, debris, or animals
Cracked liners letting gas leak into the home
Poor draft or venting in gas fireplaces or stoves
Symptoms of CO Poisoning:
Headache
Dizziness
Confusion
Nausea
Shortness of breath
If your chimney isn’t working as it should, carbon monoxide may be building up without you realizing it.
A working chimney protects your family from the dangers you can’t see.
3. Water Damage: Your Chimney’s Worst Enemy.
Water is one of the most destructive forces a chimney can face. Rain, snow, and ice can break down mortar, cause cracks in bricks, and rot the internal structure of your home if left unchecked.
Common Chimney Water Issues:
Leaky flashing around the chimney base
Cracked chimney crowns or masonry
Missing or broken chimney caps
Water seeping through damaged liners
Consequences of Water Damage:
Mold growth inside walls
Rotten wood framing
Ceiling and wall stains
Expensive interior repairs
Moisture + time = major damage. A simple waterproofing treatment or cap replacement from Five Sons Chimney can save you thousands.
4. Structural Deterioration.
As your chimney ages, it’s exposed to extreme heat, cold, and moisture. Without regular inspections, small cracks can turn into major structural problems:
Loose bricks or stones
Crumbling mortar
Tilting or leaning chimney stacks
Collapsed flue liners
These aren’t just cosmetic issues. A damaged chimney can collapse—or fail to vent properly, leading to fire or smoke damage.
Would you ignore a crack in your foundation? Your chimney deserves the same attention.
5. Animal Infestations.
You’d be surprised how often we find:
Birds nesting in chimneys
Squirrels or raccoons stuck inside
Insects building hives in the flue
These pests not only block airflow—they often die inside the chimney, causing odors, contamination, and serious health risks.
A proper chimney cap with a screened cover is a simple, affordable solution—and we install them all the time.
6. Insurance and Code Violations.
Many homeowners don’t realize that failing to maintain your chimney can void your home insurance coverage in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide incident.
If you can’t prove that your chimney was regularly inspected and serviced by a professional, your insurer might deny your claim—even for legitimate damage.
Likewise, outdated or DIY-installed chimneys and stoves often don’t meet local code or manufacturer specs, which can cause issues when selling your home or filing claims.
Five Sons Chimney provides official documentation for every job—keeping you covered and compliant.
7. Inefficient Heating = Wasted Money.
If your chimney or stove isn’t working at peak efficiency, you're losing money every time you burn wood, gas, or pellets.
A dirty flue, clogged stove pipe, or leaky liner reduces heat output and increases the fuel needed to keep your home warm.
Let us help you:
Burn less wood for more heat
Lower your energy bills
Extend the life of your stove or fireplace
Enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable home
Don’t Wait for a Sign — Be Proactive.
Here’s the thing about chimney problems: they rarely come with clear warnings until it’s too late. That’s why annual inspections and maintenance are essential, even if everything “seems fine.”
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore:
Strange odors from the fireplace
Smoke backing into the room
White stains on chimney exterior (efflorescence)
Bits of flue tile in the firebox
Cracked or shifting bricks
Rust on the damper or firebox
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to call Five Sons Chimney.
What You Can Expect from Our Team.
We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to help. Our goal is to give you peace of mind and a safer, more efficient home.
Our Services Include:
✅ Chimney Cleaning & Inspections
✅ Stove & Fireplace Installation
✅ Chimney Liner Installation
✅ Cap and Crown Repair
✅ Waterproofing and Masonry Work
✅ Full-system safety reports
We explain every step, show you photos of what we find, and never push repairs you don’t need. Just honest, expert service.