Is There Something Spooky In Your Chimney?
Spooky season comes with a heightened suspicion of any noises you may hear in the wee hours of the morning. Luckily, if you’re a homeowner with a chimney, you may have a very logical reason for some of those noises. While we can’t promise no spooky happenings are going on, we can help to alleviate some concern by going over potential causes.
Critter Visitors
Chirping, scurrying or rustling in your chimney or fireplace, could indicate a critter has made its way inside. They may just be passing through, or they may be planning an extended stay. Birds may wander in the top of your chimney to build a nest, while other animals may fall in and struggle to get out.
Some animals may also stockpile debris into the chimney for the winter months. This could cause a rustling noise if animals’ step on the leaves or other debris and this collection can signal if you have visitors. Make sure to schedule a cleaning to take care of any debris build up.
Creosote Buildup
Related to cleanings, creosote is a byproduct that naturally accumulates on your interior chimney walls and must be tackled regularly. Creosote develops a thick, tar-like substance that can take on a sticky consistency. All homeowners are strongly encouraged to schedule an annual cleaning to minimise the buildup and potential risks that come along with it.
You may be wondering how does this relate to spooky noises? As creosote builds up, it slowly narrows the passageway for smoke and gas to leave your chimney. This restricts airflow which can lead to a rumbling noise when you light your fire.
Wind, storms, or other natural elements
Many chimneys fall directly in a wind path. When it’s particularly stormy or you experience a strong gust, you may hear howling or whistling noises. This is typically not something to be concerned about, but if you want to damper this noise, you can install a chimney cap. These are also great additions to protect against rain, snow, and debris.
Potential structural concerns
Lastly, structural issues are the most concerning possibility. Since your chimney is exposed to the elements at all times, break down or natural deterioration is always possible. Any gaps or cracks can accumulate and leave you with potential issues. If you hear an increase of different types of noises, it may be due to structural issues.
If you suspect you may have structural issues, you should call a chimney professional as soon as possible. The sooner these issues are caught, the less expensive the repair may be.
In need of a chimney check up?
Fire N’ Stone has been the go-to chimney and fireplace contractor in the central New Hampshire area since 1999. Our experienced team offers a full range of services, including inspections, maintenance and chimney sweeping, rebuilding, repairs, custom stonework, and more. We are always more than happy to assist you with any questions pertaining to your fireplace.
Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We are a family-owned and locally operated company, so you can expect 5-star customer service on every call.