What Causes Discoloration on Your Chimney?
Though you are enjoying the beautiful summer days and nights, don’t neglect your chimney. Now is a time to be aware of any changes you may see in the color and wear on the bricks of your chimney. Your chimney puts up with a lot. Harsh winters and scorching hot summers. These changes in temperatures can cause damage to your chimney. When you are outside, take a look at your chimney. Any discoloration is a sign that there may be an issue. Taking care of these issues will allow you longevity using your chimney.
What the Color of Your Chimney Means
- White Stain - Efflorescence affects chimneys when there is a water issue. You may see this white powdery stain on the inside as well as the outside. When water is absorbed in masonry the minerals in the water will leave a white dusty powder. This is a clear sign that there is possibly water intrusion that will require a chimney leak repair service.
- Black Stain - Ask yourself if you are burning the proper wood. Is it seasoned? Is it a nice hardwood like Birch, Beech, or Oak that you are burning? If you are burning cardboard or other forms of paper you will get a black stain on the inside of your firebox. This is from soot and carbon. This black stain can be removed easily. Yet, it is unsightly. Burlington Fireplace will be happy to sweep your fireplace.
- Green Stain - If you see green stains in your firebox, this is algae or mold. When you see mold, you are most likely looking at a water leak. The growth most likely was there for some time. Most likely the leak was there long enough for bacteria to grow. If mold or algae is seen, it is time to call us at Burlington Fireplace to rectify the situation.
- Stains From The Top of Your Chimney - What if you are seeing brown or black stains? Brown or Black stains seen at the top of your chimney may indicate a creosote buildup in your chimney. You would see this just below the flue opening. It is very dangerous if there is a major build-up of creosote. Contact us to schedule an expert chimney cleaning to remove this dangerous and flammable build up as soon as possible!
Trusted and Reliable Chimney Services
If you’re in the Burlington area, call Burlington Fireplace to schedule an appointment today at 262-763-3522or contact us online for a free estimate and to get the job started! We will be happy to meet with you. We expertly service customers throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, including Sturtevant, WI; Union Grove, WI; Des Plaines, IL; and Rockford, IL. No matter the build-up or problem, no job is too big for us.
We are a full-fledged, family-owned, and operated fireplace and chimney company, serving southeastern Wisconsin since '95. Fireplaces are our life. We try our best to help everyone out with simple questions. We would very much appreciate the chance to bring warmth and comfort to your home.