You can spot many chimney hazards in Fort Washington yourself, but only up to a point. Learn the safe, simple checks every homeowner should do, and the red flags that mean you must stop DIYing and call a pro. Carbon monoxide leaks and creosote fires don’t wait for ‘the right time.’
What Can Fort Washington Homeowners Safely Check in Their Chimneys (And the Right Way)
Start outside your home. Look for cracks in the brick or mortar around the chimney base, especially after Fort Washington’s freeze-thaw cycles. Use a flashlight to check for soot stains on the exterior bricks, which signal poor draft or creosote buildup inside. Next, inspect the chimney cap: Is it rusted, bent, or missing? A damaged cap lets rainwater seep in, corroding the flue over time. Inside, if you have a glass fireplace door, wipe it clean and look for yellow or orange flames (a sign of incomplete combustion) or excessive smoke (a clogged flue). Never stick your head up the chimney, carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. If you smell gas or see smoke spilling into the room, leave immediately and call 911 before contacting a chimney sweep.
Step-by-Step: How to Inspect Your Chimney Crown and Flashing in Fort Washington
The crown (the concrete or mortar top of your chimney) and flashing (the metal seal between the chimney and roof) are your first line of defense against water damage. From a ladder (or a sturdy extension pole), check the crown for deep cracks, crumbling edges, or moss growth, all signs it’s failing. Use a screwdriver to gently probe soft spots; if it crumbles, it’s time for repair. For flashing, look for rust, gaps, or missing sealant. Fort Washington’s humid summers accelerate rust, so inspect after heavy rains. If you see water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney, stop using the fireplace and call a pro, water damage weakens the flue and can lead to structural failure. Learn more about chimney crown restoration in our Fort Washington guide.
When Should You Stop DIY Chimney Work and Call a Fort Washington Professional?
If you notice any of these, do not attempt to clean or repair the chimney yourself. Creosote buildup: A thick, tarry coating inside the flue (visible through a chimney camera or if you’ve had a recent sweep) is a fire hazard. Animal nests: Birds, squirrels, or raccoons block airflow and create fire risks, never reach in to remove them. Rust or holes in the flue liner: Exposed metal or missing liners mean toxic gases can leak into your home. Condensation or ice dams: Frost forming inside the chimney or icicles hanging from the cap signal a severe draft problem. Carbon monoxide alarms activating: If your CO detector sounds near the fireplace, evacuate immediately and call 911, then contact a licensed chimney sweep like Forest Green Chimney Corp for an emergency inspection. See our guide on NFPA inspection levels for Fort Washington homes.
Which Chimney Tasks Are Too Dangerous to DIY in Fort Washington (And Why)
Avoid these high-risk tasks at all costs. Attempting to remove creosote by scraping or burning releases poisonous fumes and can spark a chimney fire. Repairing flue liners: Improperly installed liners create gaps where carbon monoxide seeps through. Cutting or modifying the chimney cap: A poorly fitted cap worsens draft issues. Ignoring code violations: Fort Washington follows Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code. DIY repairs that fail inspections can void your homeowner’s insurance. Using chemical cleaners: These damage masonry and flue materials. Even attempting to sweep a blocked chimney with a brush can dislodge debris into your home. If your chimney hasn’t been swept in over a year, or if you’ve had any smoke or soot issues, schedule a professional sweep. Compare DIY vs. pro chimney cleaning here to see why pros are worth the investment.
When to Contact Forest Green Chimney Corp in Fort Washington (And How We Assist)
We’re here for every level of chimney concern, from routine maintenance to emergencies. Call us if: - You’ve spotted creosote stage 2 or 3 (glossy or hard, tar-like buildup). - Your fireplace puffs thick smoke even with a new damper. - You hear loud roaring or backdrafting when lighting a fire. - Your chimney smells like gas when cold (a sign of a cracked flue). - You’re preparing to sell your home, a clean chimney is a selling point. Forest Green Chimney Corp serves Fort Washington, Ambler, Plymouth Meeting, and surrounding towns like Glenside and Jenkintown. We offer same-day emergency service for fire or CO risks, and our certified sweeps use video inspections to spot hidden damage. Get a free written quote for your Fort Washington chimney, we’ll explain exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it safely. See our service areas for nearby towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Fort Washington fireplace smokes a lot when I light it, is this normal after a cold winter?
Heavy smoke isn’t normal. It often signals creosote buildup, a clogged flue, or a broken damper. If smoke clears after a few minutes, a sweep may help. But if it smokes badly every time, call a chimney expert, this could mean a severe blockage or draft failure, both serious fire risks. Review our Fort Washington chimney troubleshooting guide before booking a sweep.
Why does my Fort Washington chimney smell like gas when it’s not in use?
A gas-like smell from a cold chimney almost always means carbon monoxide leaking through a cracked flue liner or damaged mortar. Never ignore this. CO is odorless and deadly. Stop using the fireplace, open windows, and evacuate if you suspect a leak. Call 911 first, then contact Forest Green Chimney Corp for an emergency inspection. Learn about CO risks in our safety guide.
I found black soot stains on my ceiling near the chimney, is this just normal wear, or should I worry?
Black soot on your ceiling is never normal, it means creosote or smoke is escaping through cracks in the chimney or flashing. This is a fire and CO risk. Stop using the fireplace and call a chimney sweep to inspect for flue leaks, damaged liners, or poor sealing. Fort Washington’s older homes are especially prone to this issue. See our guide on chimney crown and flashing repairs to understand how water damage leads to soot leaks.