Why Is My Chimney Discolored?

Over the years your chimney goes through a lot of abuse. Not only from the wear and tear that your chimney endures on a regular basis. There are noticeable stains that can be seen on your chimney. Some stains are normal from regular wear and tear, but there are stains that can be concerning. Let’s address a few common stains that may occur on your chimney.

Common Reasons Why Stains Happen

Some common reasons you may see stains on your chimney could be Algae Growth, Creosote, Corrosion / Rust, Mineral Salts, Mildew / Mold, Paint Run-Off, and Soot Build-Up. Each type of stain can be caused by a different factor.

Let’s talk about the various types of stains that you may see on your chimney.

Different Types of Stains

Black soot stains – Black and brown stains are often caused by excess creosote. Creosote is caused by regular use of the fireplace, as well as the use of green wood or unseasoned wood. A chimney not regularly swept will also cause black soot stains. Smoldering fires at low temperatures will cause creosote as well.

Dark Brown and Green Stains – This is typically a sign that there is mold growing in the chimney. Mold is caused by excessive moisture, like efflorescence. This can be caused by mold on the outside of the house. A clogged gutter can be causing the issue.

Red / Rust-Colored stain – Metal chimneys, antenna mounts, or other metal may have rusted leaving a reddish-brown color. A rusted cap may cause a rust stain on your chimney bricks. Over time they can deteriorate and cause problems.

White stains – Efflorescence is a mineral salt left on the surface of brick as water evaporates from it. This is caused by excessive moisture within the chimney structure. This is a normal occurrence that happens when water evaporates and then salt comes to the surface.

Green stains – Dark green stains on the outside of the chimney are caused by algae growth. This is seen in areas where water has been allowed to pool. Usually near the cap or where there is not an appropriate overhang.

Identifying these stains is important in the correction of any of these issues. First and foremost, once you identify these issues you need to reach out to a professional to help with the situation.

Annual Sweep and Inspection

That is your first step in identifying any problems that may occur. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield County. All our Chimney Technicians are CSIA certified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

In addition, Northeastern Chimney, Inc. maintains a rigorous training schedule and a strict code of performance and ethics. As members of the NCSG, we stay on the cutting edge of the latest technologies in sweeping and masonry repair. Click on the logo to visit the NCSG website.

Every one of our chimney sweeps (not just the owner) are fully certified by the CSIA. That means that the sweep we send to your home has proven expertise in the sweep industry. Contact Northeastern Chimney, LLC at 860-233-5770 or send our office a message with our online contact form.