Coastal Chimney Care: What Jacksonville, NC Homeowners Should Know

Coastal air carries salt and stays humid most of the year, and metal chimney components pay the price. Caps, dampers, spark arrestors, and the flashing where the chimney meets the roof all corrode faster here than they would inland. A rusted-through cap stops keeping water and animals out, and failed flashing is one of the most common sources of chimney leaks.

Humidity also affects how a chimney smells. Creosote draws moisture, so a flue with buildup often gives off a stronger, mustier, campfire-like odor in the damp summer months — a sign it's due for a sweep even if you haven't burned in a while.

Winters in Jacksonville are mild, so a lot of fireplaces only get used a handful of times a year — or not at all. An unused flue isn't a safe flue, though. Birds and squirrels nest in quiet chimneys, moisture works on the liner and mortar, and old creosote keeps right on being flammable. If yours has sat idle, have it inspected before you put it back into service.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, and even a glancing tropical storm can lift a chimney cap, crack a crown, or tear at flashing. The damage isn't always visible from the ground, but it lets water straight into the system. After a major storm rolls through the Jacksonville area, it's worth having the chimney checked — catching a cracked crown early is far cheaper than repairing the water damage it causes.

If you're not sure where your chimney stands after this season's weather, Jacksonville Chimney Sweep Pros serves Jacksonville and the surrounding area. Call (910) 597-3918 for a free, no-obligation quote.