Is There Mold in my Fireplace and Chimney?
Did you know that mold can be a health threat and it grows in fireplaces and chimneys? Mold growth can occur anyplace where there is darkness, dampness, and poor ventilation. The fight against mold growth is waged in part through humidity controls such as the exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. But what do you do if there is mold in your fireplace and chimney?
What Causes Mold to Grow in Chimneys and Fireplaces?
The conditions for mold growth often occur inside fireplaces and chimneys. It is especially easy to understand with chimneys because they are dark and should be closed off from ventilation when the damper is closed. But where does the moisture come from?
If there is no chimney cap, it is easy to diagnose how moisture is getting into the chimney and fireplace. A chimney cap should be installed as soon as possible to keep moisture from dropping directly from the sky down into the chimney, whether in the form of rain, sleet, hail, or snow.
Moisture can get into the chimney, unfortunately, even if a chimney cap is correctly installed. Chimneys are highly vulnerable to moisture intrusion that ultimately destroys masonry. Moisture can leak into masonry through the following means and more:
- A cracked, deteriorating chimney crown
- Expired mortar that is cracking and flaking off
- The chimney flashing is not creating a watertight seal
- The chimney masonry is cracked
Problems Caused by Moisture in the Chimney
The development of mold, water damage, and unpleasant odors are among the problems that can result from moisture in the chimney and masonry system, as follows.
Mold Growth
Children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or other respiratory illnesses are most at risk for experiencing health issues caused by mold. Many of the health-related reactions to mold spores are like catching a cold, though, in rare instances, pneumonia can develop. The following are common symptoms of mold exposure:
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Worsening of asthma symptoms
Water Damage
A chimney leak can wreak all kinds of havoc. Dampers can become rusted, flue liners can deteriorate, and the chimney’s structural integrity could be compromised.
Nasty Odors
If you detect an unpleasant musty odor coming from your fireplace, it is a sign of moisture and possibly also mold in the chimney.
How to Remove Mold from a Chimney and Fireplace
The best way to confirm your suspicions that mold is growing in the chimney is to schedule a chimney inspection. If mold is discovered, the job of mold removable should be left to qualified chimney technicians. Mold is a health threat, and it is best to leave the task of removing it to trained chimney sweeps.
In addition, the fact that there is mold in the chimney is evidence of some type of moisture intrusion, which means chimney repairs are needed.
Contact Dubuque Fireplace & Patio Today
Contact the chimney sweeps at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio if you suspect that there is moisture and possibly also mold in your chimney. Call (563) 582-5156 or visit the showroom at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio today. If Highland WI is more convenient to you, call Chimney Specialists Inc., our sister store, at (608) 929-4887 or visit the Highland showroom. In addition to chimney services such as mold removal, we sell top-brand hearth products and provide professional installation.
