Humidity & Your Chimney

When people think about humidity, they usually think of summer rainstorms or damp closets stuffed full of clothes. An important addition to that list should be chimneys. Like anything else in your home, humidity infiltration will cause numerous problems. Here are some of the things you should be aware of when it comes to humidity and your chimney.

Humidity in Your Chimney Can Cause Mold and Mildew

If you have noticed a musty, dank, or even smoky smell coming from your fireplace, there is a strong possibility that it has mold and mildew growth. During the summer, warmer, humid air turns your chimney into an incubator for mold and mildew. Summer provides ideal conditions for rapid mold and mildew growth. If you have a small leak in your chimney, it can lead to big problems by letting additional moisture in to feed and nourish the mold and mildew. If unchecked, mold and mildew can cause problems for those with respiratory aliments. Mold spores are dangerous for asthma sufferers and cannot be allowed to persist.

Humidity in Your Chimney Could Be from a Cracked Chimney Crown

At the pinnacle of your chimney is a structure known as a chimney crown. This concrete slab is designed to usher water away from your flue and protect the whole chimney from damage. Occasionally, the crown itself will become damaged and allow water to seep into the brick below. Once large amounts of humidity are absorbed by the bricks in your chimney; it will start to break down and eventually topple over.

Humidity in Your Chimney Could be From a Damaged or Absent Cap

Chimney caps are vital to protecting your chimney from moisture and humidity. They cover the flue to keep things such as rain and hail out of your chimney’s flue. When there is no chimney cap, humidity will build up in your chimney. It can also build up in your fireplace from a waterlogged firebox. Repairing or installing a chimney cap is a smart investment when it comes to protecting your chimney from humidity.

A Qualified Chimney Sweep Service Should Attended to Humidity in Your Chimney

Don’t attempt to remove mold or repair damage to your chimney yourself. You won’t be as effective as a professional chimney sweep service and may even cause severe damage to your chimney. Our chimney sweeps have the proper equipment and training to rectify issues in your chimney from humidity.  A chimney inspection will help find the cause of the humidity and promptly deal with it.

Chimney Sweeps, Inc. Will Fix Your Chimney’s Humidity Issues

Do you smell mold in your chimney? Is there water in your firebox? Please refrain from attempting to repair the damage yourself. If you live in the greater San Diego area, contact us. One of our chimney experts will be happy to discuss the options available to rid your chimney of humidity and ensure there are no other issues present. Don’t wait until dealing with humidity in your chimney becomes an expensive problem; get in touch today. We look forward to assisting you.