Swarthmore’s older brick chimneys last longer with three low-effort habits: annual visual checks, keeping the crown sealed, and burning seasoned hardwood only. These steps cut water damage, creosote buildup, and costly masonry repairs.
Everyday Swarthmore habits that protect brick chimneys
Start with the crown—Swarthmore’s freeze-thaw winters crack unsealed crowns fast. After each rain, walk the yard and look for new white streaks on the brick below the chimney; that’s efflorescence from water pulling salts out of the mortar. A bead of exterior-grade masonry caulk along the crown edge keeps water out of the flue. Inside, burn only seasoned oak or maple from Swarthmore’s local firewood sellers; green wood makes twice the creosote and soots the flue faster. Finally, open the damper fully before every fire and leave it open until the fire is cold—this prevents warm, moist air from condensing on the cool flue tiles and rotting the mortar. Learn more about our full list of services.
Safe DIY checks you can do in 10 minutes every season
After each Swarthmore storm, climb onto the roof (use a sturdy ladder on level ground) and shine a flashlight down the flue from the top. Look for a quarter-inch gap between the flue tiles and the brick; that’s a liner separation that lets heat escape and water in. From the attic, shine a light up the flue and look for daylight at the base—if you see sky, the liner is cracked and needs a pro. On the ground, tap the chimney with a rubber mallet; a hollow sound means loose bricks. Mark any trouble spots with painter’s tape and schedule a deeper look before winter. See request a free estimate / contact us.
Warning signs that mean call a pro now, not later
If you smell a campfire odor indoors when the fireplace isn’t lit, creosote is likely coating the flue and could ignite. A sudden 10-degree drop in flue temperature measured with a simple infrared thermometer at the damper signals a blockage. New horizontal cracks in the brick above the roofline or white, fuzzy growth on the mortar joints are active water leaks that will rot the masonry in one Swarthmore winter. Any of these mean stop using the fireplace and call a sweep before the next burn.
What you should NEVER DIY on a Swarthmore brick chimney
Never power-wash the flue tiles—high pressure can crack the liner and force water deeper into the brick. Don’t apply regular paint or elastomeric coatings to the exterior brick; these trap moisture and accelerate spalling in our humid climate. Avoid DIY chimney caps made from hardware-store mesh—they rust shut and block airflow, forcing smoke back into the house. Finally, never attempt to reline the flue yourself; improper liner installation voids warranties and risks carbon monoxide leaks.
When to Call Midnight Blue Chimney Inc
If your Swarthmore chimney is over 20 years old, has visible cracks, or you’ve noticed any of the warning signs above, book a Level 2 inspection professional chimney inspection. We’ll check the liner with a camera, test the draft, and give you a clear repair plan before winter. Swarthmore homeowners who schedule before September get priority scheduling and a free crown seal check. Call us today or request an estimate online—we’re the local team that keeps older brick chimneys standing strong.
Quick Swarthmore-specific maintenance calendar
In April, after Swarthmore’s mud season, inspect the crown and re-caulk any gaps. In July, burn a small hot fire to dry the flue and check for smoke leaks at the damper. In October, schedule your annual sweep and Level 1 inspection before the first frost. If you use the fireplace daily, add a mid-winter visual check for new cracks. Keep a log on the fridge—date, what you saw, and any action taken. This simple habit catches most Swarthmore chimney problems before they become emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Swarthmore chimney has white streaks below the roofline—what’s causing it and can I fix it myself?
Those white streaks are efflorescence, salt pulled out by water seeping through cracked mortar or an unsealed crown. You can scrub them off with a stiff brush and water, but the real fix is sealing the crown with a high-temperature masonry sealer and repointing any loose joints. If the streaks return within a month, call a pro like us to assess the mortar before winter.
Why does my Swarthmore fireplace smell like campfire even when it’s not lit, and what can I do to stop it?
That campfire odor is creosote coating the flue tiles. Swarthmore’s humid air pulls moisture into the flue, trapping odors and accelerating buildup. Burn only seasoned hardwood, keep the damper fully open for 30 minutes after the fire dies, and schedule an annual sweep before September. If the smell persists, it’s time for a Level 2 inspection with a camera to check for hidden creosote.
Can I just patch the cracked bricks on my Swarthmore chimney with mortar from the hardware store?
No—hardware-store mortar isn’t rated for chimney temperatures and won’t bond to old, weathered brick. Swarthmore’s freeze-thaw cycles will pop out the patch within a season. Use a high-temperature refractory mortar and tuck-point only after a pro confirms the flue liner is intact. If the cracks are wider than a credit card, call a sweep before the next burn—the chimney may need a liner or rebuild.