How to Prevent Chimney Rust

With so many things to do around the house, maintaining your chimney sometimes falls by the wayside. Chimneys, while robust, are susceptible to wear and tear, especially if you live in an area with harsh winters. One common chimney problem that goes overlooked is rust. So, how does a chimney rust, and what can you do about it?

What Causes Chimney Rust?

Chimneys rust from constant exposure to water and failure to stay on top of maintenance, like annual chimney inspections. In contrast, it’s not the bricks rusting, but the metal components like the cap, chase cover, flue liner, or damper. If you notice rust stains on the chimney, it’s essential to schedule an inspection by a trained professional to repair the damage and prevent further deterioration.

Signs of Rust

Rust can appear in many places around your fireplace and chimney. Here are the most common places you’ll see rust.

The Exterior

The first place you’ll likely see rust is on the chimney’s exterior. When metal components like the chase cover or cap corrode, the stains run down the chimney in orange, brown, or red streaks.

The Flashing

Flashing is the metal installed where your chimney contacts the roof to prevent water from leaking into the house. Some flashing is made from copper or PVC, which are rust-resistant; however, steel does rust. If the flashing deteriorates, water can get into the home.

The Firebox

If you see rust in your firebox, call a chimney professional as soon as possible because this could mean that your flue liner is damaged, making it unsafe to use your fireplace. The flue liner protects the combustible portions of your house from the intense heat in the chimney and toxic gases from seeping back into the home.

Removing Rust Stains

Rust stains aren’t just unsightly; they can indicate a severe problem. Moreover, some rust is acidic and will eat through your chimney’s masonry materials, causing them to break down more quickly. Fire N’ Stone uses professional-grade solutions for effective rust and other stain removals, such as creosote, mildew, and algae.

How to Prevent Chimney Rust

Rust stains on your chimney can be unsightly and difficult to remove, and as mentioned, they could indicate a deeper problem. Taking the following steps to prevent rust now will save you a headache in the future.

1. Inspect your chimney regularly for cracks or holes; these can allow water to enter and cause rusting.
2. Apply a waterproof sealant to any cracks or holes you find.
3. Clean your chimney regularly to remove any soot or debris that could cause staining.

Experts recommend hiring a certified chimney specialist to clean and inspect your chimney once a year. Professionals have the training to spot issues a novice may miss that could impact your fireplace’s performance or your family’s safety.

From Frame to Finish, We Do it All

Fire N’ Stone is the fireplace and chimney professional people in Tilton, NH, trust because our team is made up of highly trained, fully insured, certified technicians who use the highest-quality products and deliver top-rated customer service. Whether you need chimney sweeping, flue liner repair, tuckpointing, a complete chimney rebuild, custom stone work, or a new fireplace installation, you can count on us to do the job right the first time.

Contact us today at 603-293-4040 and speak to one of our pros.