Home / Chimney Academy / Signs to Stop Using Your Fireplace
Signs You Should Stop Using Your Fireplace Until It Is Checked
Most fireplace problems are not emergencies, but some are reason enough to stop lighting fires until a professional has looked. This guide helps you tell the difference.
Stop and call: do not light a fire
| What you notice | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Smoke spilling into the room | Smoke and carbon monoxide can enter the home. See smoke problems and poor draft |
| A recent chimney fire, loud roaring or dense smoke from the chimney | The flue may be damaged. See after a suspected chimney fire |
| Pieces of tile, brick or mortar in the firebox | The flue or masonry may be failing |
| Gaps, cracks or loose bricks inside the firebox | Heat and smoke may reach combustible framing |
| Strong smoke or creosote odor when no fire is lit | Heavy deposits or moisture. See why does my chimney smell |
| Active water entering through the flue or firebox | Damage can spread. See why is my chimney leaking |
| A missing, damaged or bent chimney cap, or an animal in the flue | Blockage can force smoke and gas into the house |
Watch closely: arrange an inspection soon
- Rust on the damper or inside the firebox (see the signs of moisture).
- White staining on exterior brick, or flaking brick faces.
- A cold draft or a smell that changes with the weather.
- A fireplace that has not been used or checked for several years.
When in doubt, do not burn. A fire in a damaged chimney can cost far more than an inspection. If anyone in the home feels dizzy, has a headache or feels sick while a fire is going, go outside and call 911; carbon monoxide is covered in our carbon monoxide guide.
What an inspection will tell you
An inspection shows what the cause is, whether the chimney can be used as is, and what repairs are recommended. The three levels are explained in chimney inspection levels 1, 2 and 3.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the fireplace for just one more night?
If the sign is on the stop list, no. A single fire is enough to send smoke into the home or stress a damaged flue.
Is a small crack in the firebox serious?
It can be. Whether it matters depends on its size, depth and location, which an inspector can judge.
Do gas fireplaces have the same rules?
Many of the same warning signs apply, and gas appliances can also produce carbon monoxide. Have a qualified technician check anything unusual.
Book a check
Request a visit or call (862) 225-6529.
Sources
- Chimney Safety Institute of America: Chimney Fires
- CDC: About Carbon Monoxide (symptoms; fireplaces as a source)