Identifying The Types Of Chimney Discoloration:
Many homeowners may incorrectly assume that any discoloration on their chimney’s is just a sign of age and use. Unfortunately, any discoloration is usually a sign of a problem with the chimney’s structure. There are many different types of discoloration, ranging in severity, but most will require a certified professional to properly diagnose and treat the issue.
Efflorescence
The white staining that is commonly found on older chimneys is called efflorescence. This white crystallized or powdery substance forms when too much moisture is let into the masonry surface. As the excess moisture moves through the masonry walls and evaporates on the other side, it leaves behind salt deposits. The salt deposits are what gives the walls a white appearance. Cracks in the mansory could be causing excess moisture to seep through the chimney walls. While efflorescence is fairly easy to remove and will not cause further damage, it is a sign of a moisture problem in the chimney itself. A certified sweep will be able to remove the white residue from the chimney’s exterior and diagnose what is causing it to form in the first place.
Brown Or Green Stains
Ah, the nemesis of chimneys – water damage. It’s like the silent troublemaker that can wreak havoc if left unchecked. Those dark stains are like warning signs, telling tales of moisture misadventures.
Efflorescence and excess moisture seeping through the bricks—quite the duo in causing those ominous stains. It’s like your chimney’s way of saying, “Hey, I need some attention here!” And the clogged roof gutter scenario adds a plot twist—water overflow playing a part in this moisture drama.
Structural issues are like the villains in this story, waiting to pounce if the exterior masonry walls deteriorate. It’s almost like a chimney thriller, with the stakes rising with every raindrop. But, fear not, for professionals can be the heroes, sealing up those cracks and applying water repellants to shield against the moisture onslaught.
And then there’s the green-tinted stains, the telltale signs of algae or mold making a cozy home in those damp crevices. It’s like a tiny ecosystem setting up shop on your chimney. A professional intervention becomes the plot twist that saves the day, preventing moisture from turning your chimney into an unintentional habitat.
It’s fascinating how something as seemingly small as a stain can be a symptom of more profound issues. The remedy, of course, lies in the hands of the chimney whisperers, sealing, and protecting against the elements.
Anything else you’d like to know about the intriguing world of chimneys and their tales of water woe?
Black Stains
Black stains on the outside of a chimney, especially near the top, are usually due to soot wash off. When it rains, the soot left on the chimney cap from evaporating gases washes off and down the exterior of the building. A chimney that is not burning properly could also cause soot to build up on the chimney cap. When a fire is not burning hot enough, the top of the chimney will be much colder than the gases attempting to escape and condensation will occur. This causes particles to stick to the chimney and chimney cap, which is known as soot. You can minimize these unsightly black streaks by having your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. A certified professional will be able to identify any problems with the chimney cap or the performance of the chimney.
Stains on your chimney may seem like just a sign of age, but they are usually a sign of something going wrong with your chimney. A certified chimney sweep will be able to clean the stains and identify why the staining is occurring. If you have staining that hasn’t been checked out, be sure to give us a call today to set up an appointment!
Source: https://bulldogchimneysweeps.com/identifying-the-types-of-chimney-discoloration/
