Stove Depot & Chimney Works: Aspen, CO Residents’ Top Choice for Chimney & Fireplace Services

What Are the Signs of Chimney Liner Damage?

The chimney liner plays a big role in how well – and how safely – your chimney operates. It protects the surrounding areas of your home from heat and combustion byproducts, it improves draft efficiency, and it ensures that harmful gases (like smoke and carbon monoxide) are properly vented. 

That being said, when the liner is damaged, your chimney becomes significantly more dangerous to use – even if everything looks fine from the outside. So, how can you know whether or not your liner might be damaged?

• Your inspection reveals issues. You should always be scheduling annual chimney inspections with a professional chimney sweep. If they spot issues, discontinue use until all damages are addressed.
• Pieces of flue tile are in your firebox. If you notice flue tiles or debris in your firebox between inspections, this usually means the liner is cracking or spalling – and may not be able to contain heat or gases safely.
• You notice smoke or strange odors. A cracked or improperly sized liner may not be venting smoke efficiently. This can result in smoky odors lingering in your home, especially during or after a fire. Worse, it can allow carbon monoxide to enter your living space, posing a serious health risk.
• You have more creosote than what’s normal. If your liner is damaged or poorly constructed, creosote may accumulate unevenly or excessively – which increases the risk of experiencing chimney fires.
• There’s odd staining on the chimney exterior. White (efflorescence), black, or rust-colored stains on the chimney’s outer masonry can indicate that acidic condensation or combustion gases are seeping through cracks in the liner.
• You have trouble starting fires. If smoke seems to linger or if your fires are harder to start, the liner may be blocked, deteriorated, or improperly sized. All of these issues compromise the chimney’s ability to draw air up and out.
• You notice water leaks or moisture in the firebox. A cracked liner can allow moisture to seep into areas it shouldn’t, resulting in a wet or musty smell, rust on chimney parts, or even visible water in the firebox.

No matter the issues you’re dealing with, a damaged liner isn’t something to ignore – it compromises both your safety and your chimney’s ability to function properly and efficiently. If you have any concerns, don’t wait to reach out – we’d be happy to take a look.

Can My Chimney Still Leak Even If I Have a Cap Installed?

Yes, your chimney can absolutely still leak, even if you have the best chimney cap installed and it’s doing its job perfectly. We’re not trying to diminish the importance of a chimney cap – it’s a critical component for protecting your chimney – but it’s just one part of a larger system designed to keep water out. 

Where else can chimney leaks originate from?

• Cracked or damaged chimney crown. The chimney crown is the cement slab that seals the top of the chimney around the flue. If the crown cracks or deteriorates, water can seep down the chimney sides – cap or no cap.
• Deteriorating brick or mortar. Chimney masonry is porous, which means, over time, rain and snow can soak into the bricks and mortar if the chimney hasn’t been waterproofed. Freeze/thaw cycles cause these materials to crack and break apart, allowing water to infiltrate.
• Faulty or missing flashing. Flashing is the metal barrier that seals the joint where the chimney meets the roof. If flashing is poorly installed, rusted, or lifting, water can leak in around the chimney base – often appearing inside the attic, walls, or ceilings, as a result.
• Damaged flue tiles. Water can sometimes sneak in between the flue tiles if the joints have deteriorated, allowing moisture to travel down inside the flue, even with a cap in place.
• Missing or damaged chase cover. Your chase cover serves as a metal crown for prefabricated systems (and some masonry ones, as well). If it’s compromised, you’ll be prone to experience leaks and water damage.

Chimney caps are vital, yes…but they’re not a cure-all. Think of them as the umbrella during a rain storm – it plays a big role, but it works better if you have a raincoat, rain boots, a brimmed hat, gloves, etc. To keep your chimney truly leak-free, the entire structure needs to be in good condition and properly maintained.

Because water can cause so much damage, it’s important to stay vigilant and call in a chimney tech at the first sign of trouble – e.g. water stains on ceilings or walls near the chimney, a musty smell coming from the fireplace, rust on fireplace components, visible mold growth, etc. In addition, don’t neglect annual inspections, and be sure to invest in all necessary leak prevention services.

Aspen, CO Chimney Sweep: Can We Travel to You Soon?

Aspen, CO is a mountain town well-known for its natural beauty and world-class skiing. Beyond skiing, Aspen offers activities like hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, and white-water rafting – and it’s a great place for photographers to capture unforgettable sights. In fact, the Maroon Bells, two iconic – snow-capped peaks in Colorado’s Elk Mountains – are among the most photographed peaks in North America.

Love spending days in the sun? On average, Aspen has over 300 days of sunshine every year. This makes it easy to get out and enjoy spots like Independence Pass, the Grottos Trail, the John Denver Sanctuary, and more. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the Silver Queen Gondola for the best views around.

Interested in art, history, and design? The Aspen Art Museum, designed by architect Shigeru Ban, features rotating exhibitions and a rooftop sculpture garden. You could also visit the Wheeler-Stallard House or take a Downtown History Tour.

There’s so much to love about this area, as well as surrounding spots like El Jebel, Carbondale, Redstone, Marble, and more. And on those rare days when the sun isn’t out, the winds are extra strong, and/or snowfall is heavy, we want to be the team you trust to keep your household warmer. For fireplace installs, annual chimney sweepings, venting repairs, and more, trust Stove Depot – every time.

Ready To Work With Aspen’s Best Chimney Company? Reach Out Now

At Stove Depot, we take pride in delivering expert chimney services near you in Aspen and beyond. Whether you need a fireplace installation, a chimney cleaning, an extensive masonry repair, or a full heating system upgrade, our experienced team is here to help. Don’t wait until small issues become costly problems – contact us today to schedule your next service. We can’t wait to speak with you soon.