Emergency Chimney Sweep: 8 Reasons Why You Might Need One

An emergency chimney sweep is often necessary when a problem with your chimney could pose a safety concern. This is not like regular maintenance, which is scheduled for chimneys in advance. It’s often warranted at the last minute to address specific, acute issues that can be of immediate risk to the household.

In this article, we examine the common reasons for needing an emergency chimney sweep and offer some tips on how to choose the right one. We’ll also give you advice on how to choose the right emergency chimney sweep service. After reading this article, you’ll know what signs to look out for so you can avoid risky incidents in your house.

8 Reasons Why An Emergency Chimney Sweep is Needed

Here are the top reasons why you need an emergency chimney sweep right away.

1. Blocked Chimney Flue

A blocked chimney flue requires an emergency chimney sweep because it can pose so many risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke and fume inhalation, fire, and structural damage. It can also have legal implications; home insurance companies can void your policy or increase pricing if you haven’t been maintaining your chimney.

Thankfully, it’s not that hard to recognize a blocked chimney flue. If you notice that your fireplace is not working as efficiently, with smoke entering the room instead of rising through the chimney, it could indicate a blocked flue. A blocked chimney flue can also make it difficult to light or maintain a fire due to inadequate oxygen entering the flue.

You may notice unpleasant smells as a blocked chimney can accumulate soot, creosote, and other combustion products. If you have a carbon monoxide detector, it may alert you to the presence of dangerous gas, which accumulates due to improper venting caused by a chimney blockage. 

Lastly, you may hear the sounds of birds or animals, which can cause a blockage in the chimney. If you hear wildlife sounds coming from your chimney, that’s a clear sign of a blockage that requires immediate attention.

2. Chimney Fire Risk

Chimney fires can occur suddenly and spread rapidly. There are warning signs to look out for; if you notice any of these, book an appointment for a chimney sweep right away. 

• Excessive creosote build-up – Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct of wood combustion that accumulates on the inner walls of a chimney. If the buildup is over ⅛ inches thick, you need to hire professionals with the right equipment (ladder, gloves, etc.) to clear it up.
• Loud cracking and popping sounds – These sounds are caused by intense heat and rapid burning of material. If you hear loud cracking and popping sounds, it could indicate that creosote or other debris inside the chimney has caught fire.
• Dense smoke – If an unusual amount of dense smoke is coming out of the chimney, it’s a sign of poor combustion and could cause a fire to start. Pay close attention, especially if a strong, acrid smell accompanies the smoke.
• Intense, hot smell – You will also notice a very hot, intense smell permeating throughout your home, even when the fireplace is not in use. This signals that a fire is within the chimney structure.
• Sparks or flames visible at the top of the chimney – Flames or sparks shooting out of the chimney top are clear signs of a chimney fire. This happens when the fire has reached its highest level of intensity.
• Rumbling noises that sound like a freight train or low-flying airplane – This sound is a result of air and combustion fumes being rapidly drawn through the chimney. 
• Hot areas on the walls or ceiling around the chimney – If the walls or ceiling near the chimney feel unusually hot to touch, it could mean excessive heat is being transferred by a fire or improper insulation of the chimney.
• Changes in fireplace draft patterns – If you’re having trouble starting a fire or you notice a change in the performance of your fireplace, it’s a sign your chimney is not working properly and may be at risk of catching fire.

3. Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when carbon-based fuels such as wood, gas, coal, oil, and kerosene do not burn completely. When your chimney is malfunctioning, it can lead to the release of carbon monoxide.

This is very dangerous since carbon monoxide is hard to detect without a CO detector. Carbon monoxide is a silent threat that can have harmful health effects, including oxygen deprivation, flu-like symptoms, impaired vision, coordination problems, convulsions, cardiac arrest, and potentially death.

You may not realize you’re being poisoned until you’re incapacitated, reducing your ability to escape the fire. Those who survive severe CO poisoning can suffer long-term health consequences like neurological damage, cognitive difficulties, emotional and behavioral changes, and motor coordination problems. 

Due to these dangers, it’s important to have carbon monoxide detectors and ensure regular fireplace cleaning and chimney maintenance. 

4. Animal Infestations

The presence of animals can result in unpleasant odors from droppings, urine, decay, or even the animal itself if it dies inside the chimney. If you notice wildlife sounds or unusual smells, it could mean your chimney has been infested with animals. 

This requires an emergency chimney sweep because animals create blockages that restrict airflow and proper venting of smoke and combustion gases. Animals also leave behind twigs, leaves, and other flammable materials, which can pose a serious fire hazard. Depending on the size of the animal, they can even cause significant structural damage to the chimney, dislodging bricks, tiles, or chimney caps. 

A professional emergency chimney sweep can do the job of safe and humane removal of animals or nests, cleaning and sanitizing, and implementing preventative measures to discourage animals from entering.

5. Obstructed Chimney Cap

An obstructed chimney cap does not just affect the efficiency of your fireplace; it can also pose a safety hazard. Proper airflow is essential for combustion, and if the chimney cap is blocked, it can lead to poor burning, resulting in more smoke and less heat.

You run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and creosote buildup. Obstructions can also cause moisture to build up in the chimney, deteriorating it over time. Chimney professionals will make it a priority to remove the obstruction and conduct inspections for additional issues.

6. Structural Damage

A structurally damaged chimney poses a direct threat to the safety of the household. It often comes in the form of cracks or gaps, which can expose parts of the building to high temperatures and high gases, leading to a fire. It can also let water into the chimney, leading to further deterioration and potentially affecting the interior of your home, including walls, ceilings, and insulation. Once there is water intrusion, your home can be prone to mold growth, which can pose health risks.

The people who do emergency repairs will conduct a thorough chimney inspection to assess the damage and perform the necessary fixes and structural reinforcements to ensure it is safe and functional.

7. Weather-Related Damage

Severe weather damage can cause issues for your chimney. It can bring debris, such as leaves, branches, or even snow and ice, into your chimney, causing it to get blocked. Heavy rain, snow, or ice can invite water to enter cracks or damage masonry and parts of the chimney structure, leading to significant damage to mortar, bricks, metal components, and even your interior walls and ceilings over time.

Extreme weather, such as strong winds and lightning strikes, can severely damage the structural integrity of the chimney. This damage not only compromises the chimney’s ability to function properly but also poses a risk of collapse, endangering the household. 

Because of these concerns, it’s important to get urgent help from a professional chimney sweep, especially if your area has recently experienced severe weather. They will perform an emergency inspection to clear any blockages or repair structural and water damage, ensuring your chimney is safe to use. 

8. Unusual Smells and Smoke

When you notice strange smells coming from your chimney, it could indicate excessive creosote buildup. Unusual smells may also signal a blockage in the chimney flue, such as bird nests and debris, or it could also mean that the chimney liner is deteriorating. These issues restrict the proper flow of smoke and gas out of the home. Another cause of unusual smells is persistent moisture in the chimney.

As soon as you notice unusual smells and smoke coming from your chimney, book an emergency sweep immediately. These issues pose risks that compromise safety. 

Choosing an Emergency Chimney Sweep Service

Selecting a professional to perform an emergency chimney repair requires careful consideration. You want a company that provides high-quality, reliable service. To help you out, we’ve shared important things to keep in mind when selecting the right service provider for your needs.

1. Look for certification

The chimney pros you hire should be certified by a recognized authority such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) in the United States. This means that technicians have undergone proper training and follow the industry’s standards.

2. Check for insurance and licensing

The chimney sweep company should have liability insurance and be fully licensed to operate in your area. This protects customers like you in case there are accidents or damage to your property during the service.

3. Experience and availability matter

Choose a company that has extensive experience and knowledge of fireplaces and chimney repairs. They are more likely to identify and effectively solve a variety of chimney issues. Since you require help for emergencies, the company should be able to provide prompt and flexible scheduling. Check to see if they provide 24//7 emergency services to address urgent issues outside of regular business hours.

4. Ask about procedures and safety practices

Ask the chimney sweep company about their process. A thorough service should include a visual inspection of the chimney and fireplace, cleaning of creosote and soot with a brush, and removing other obstructions. They should also inform you of any issues they find during the inspection,

In addition, chimney sweep contractors should wear proper protective gear and tools and follow industry-standard safety practices. 

5. Research, research, research

Read as many customer reviews and testimonials as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask the company for references. Information and feedback from previous clients can give insight into the company’s reliability, quality of work, and customer service. You can even ask their network about the company’s service results.

Don’t just limit yourself to one company, either. Get estimates from multiple service providers to compare the cost. Just be careful of businesses who give you an estimate that seems too good to be true, as it may indicate subpar service or hidden fees. Quality and safety should never be sacrificed for the sake of a lower price. It’s better to pay higher if it means you get excellence in return.

6. Professionalism and customer service

Pay attention to the company’s professionalism on your first appointment. They should be willing to answer your questions, set the right expectations of their chimney services, and treat you with respect. 

Additionally, check to see if they offer after-service support or a warranty on their work. This gives you peace of mind since you know their team can help in case any issues arise after the initial chimney cleaning and inspection.

Conclusion

You don’t want to delay an emergency chimney sweep. Pay attention to the signs of chimney distress, such as unusual odors, smoke backdraft, or visible deterioration, and seek immediate help from a licensed contractor. 

As a homeowner, it helps to take a proactive approach so you can enjoy massive benefits, such as safeguarding your loved ones and enhancing the efficiency and longevity of your fireplace.

Protect your home and your loved ones by scheduling an emergency chimney sweep today.