The best way to keep your chimney in good condition and your home comfortably cozy year-round is to have regular inspections by a qualified professional. But if you’re in between scheduled inspections, or you’ve just moved into a new home with an older chimney, there are a few things you can keep an eye out for to know if you need chimney repairs anytime soon.

The Leaning Chimney

While you might think a chimney with a slight lean is a charming, quirky feature of your new house, a leaning chimney is a key sign chimney repairs are in your future. A serious lean indicates structural problems, and in the worst-case scenario, a leaning chimney could become a falling chimney, causing further damage to your home.

Crumbling Mortar

Mortar is what holds the bricks of your chimney together, so if the mortar is damaged, you may find yourself with a loosening pile of bricks. How can you tell if your mortar is damaged? Look for places where the mortar seems to be thin or missing. Chunks of crumbling mortar around the chimney can also be a sign chimney repairs are called for.

Interior Signals

Not every chimney repair warning sign appears on the outside of your home. You can also carefully check the room with your fireplace for clues. Water damage can occur if your chimney has cracks or gaps between the bricks, leading to ceiling stains, damaged paint or wallpaper, and the faint musty smell that indicates the arrival of mold growth.