1) Black seeping through the mortar joints in the attic, basement, or above the roof could be a weakening of the chimney from improper venting.

2) Scorched tops of your water heater or heating system could mean the chimney is not pulling the carbon monoxide out safely.

3) Exccesive moisture in the area around your heating systems may mean a plugged chimney.

4) Rotting connector pipes from the heating system into the chimney generally mean the chimney is not funtioning properly.


5) White dust material on the outside of your chimney could mean the flue gasses are condensing in the chimney and deteriorating the chimney from the inside out.

6) Missing brick is an indication of substantial deteriortion and potential back up of carbon monoxide into the home.

7) Smoke coming into the home when you are having a fire or the heat is on could mean the chimney is not pulling properly or the damper is not correctly installed. There are dampers on some heating systems as well.

8) Heating systems and water heaters shutting off could mean your chimney is downdrafting and allowing the harmfull gasses back into the home.