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In areas of earthquakes, many structures don’t take the shaking very well. Damage often occurs and needs to be determined. You do not want heat & smoke to go where they do not belong.
“Every year” according to the CSIA, “ un-safe chimneys cause significant numbers of injuries and deaths and account for more than $200 million in property losses.”

Some chimeny flaws are obvious: missing or broken bricks, cracked or missing mortar, eroded masonry, water damage to interior walls and ceilings. There are additional signs of trouble that chimney specialists recognize.

Exterior problems
- Absence of the chimney cap to keep rain and other elements out.
- A deteriorating crown, intended to keep weather and critters out.
- Dark staining.
- Missing or flawed flashing where chimney meets roof.
- A chimney on the downside of a sloped roof also needs a “ cricket” to deflect water.
- A powdery white deposit, called “efflorescence,” from water mixing with salts in mortar.
- Cracking - caused by earthquakes, movement in the foundation and chimney fires.
- Moss, algae or vines clinging to the chimney, keeping the brick or concrete damp.

Interior trouble signs
-Blocked or partially blocked flue from debris and deteriorating mortar washed down by flue gas condensate.
- Rusting metal firebox and damper assembly.
- Deteriorating back wall of fireplace.
- Water under the fireplace insert or running down the flue into a hearth stove.
- Eroded or missing mortar in clay tile flue liner joints.
- Cracked clay tile.
- Lack of a proper flue liner for venting a gas furnace or gas fireplace log set.
- A damaged or improperly installed flue liner.
- No flue liner at all.
- Damp or staining wallpaper, peeling paint on wall, ceilings.

Damage from water penetration is irreversible, so don’t wait any longer. We are happy to help you with any questions you have.