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What Causes Discoloration on Your Chimney?

Chimney stains are worse than mere eyesores. No matter what causes discoloration on your chimney, help is needed! You can trust a CSIA-certified chimney sweep company such as Chimney Saver Solutions to pinpoint the cause and provide the right fix. The color of the staining provides helpful clues, as shown below.

white stains on chimney from water intrusion in Chesterfield VA and Richmond VAEfflorescence aka White Chimney Discoloration

You know that efflorescence has occurred when you see powdery white stains appear on the interior or exterior of a chimney. Efflorescence is evidence that water intrusion has occurred to bricks containing water-soluble salts. After the salts dissolve, they migrate to the surface or brick face, appearing as white crystalline deposits.

Only bricks containing salts leave evidence of water intrusion in the form of chimney discoloration. So, bricks with no staining can also contain water. The best way to know for sure is from an expert chimney inspection. This is important because a destructive process begins when protections fail and, as a result, water intrusion occurs. Each brick experiences damaging movement because it expands and contracts when the water freezes and thaws in winter. The affected masonry must be replaced. Otherwise, the bricks eventually break down. The chimney begins to lean and could collapse.

Brown or Black Stains at the Chimney Top

The sooty substance known as creosote is produced by wood-burning. Creosote may be causing discoloration on your chimney for two distinct reasons. First, when you see black or brown stains at the top of your chimney, it usually means that excessive creosote inside your flue liner is causing the staining.

Fire safety experts recommend removing creosote once 1/8” has built up. If chimney cleaning is neglected, creosote could continue to build up, layer upon layer. Finally, creosote will block chimney flues and prevent toxic combustion gases from escaping the home. If there is black or brown discoloration on your chimney top, schedule professional chimney cleaning as soon as possible.

Secondly, creosote is highly flammable and is also associated with black staining caused by a chimney fire. When a chimney fire occurs, it is usually because a floating ember has ignited creosote. Always schedule a chimney inspection after chimney fires because, in most cases, they result in structural damage.

Green, Dark Green, or Blueish Stains

If you see blueish, green, or dark green stains on your chimney, it is usually an indication of mold or algae growth. Especially if a smell like mildewed laundry is coming from your fireplace, call a chimney professional right away. Humidity and darkness create the right environment for mold to thrive. Mold is a threat to health, and algae is a substance that can be destructive to the structure of your chimney. It is important to schedule the removal of the mold and algae in your chimney without delay.

The humidity that leads to mold growth is a sign that moisture is inside the chimney or masonry system. A qualified chimney technician will determine where the moisture is coming from and whether masonry repairs are necessary.

Signs of chimney damage and leaking chimney in Richmond VA and Chesterfield VACall the Chimney Pros for Help with Chimney Discoloration

The chimney experts at Chimney Saver Solutions know what causes discoloration on your chimney. You can also rely on their experience and training to provide chimney cleaning, mold removal, masonry repairs, chimney inspection, or any other services required to address chimney staining. Because moisture is the primary culprit, services such as a chimney crown rebuild, chimney flue liner replacement, or a full or partial masonry rebuild may be required.

Contact Chimney Saver today about chimney discoloration and any other chimney maintenance services you may need. We also offer the installation of new fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and heating stoves. Call us at 804-440-5000 or fill out our online contact form today.

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