What’s Causing Those Spooky Noises in My Chimney?

It can be a little unnerving to hear noises coming from your chimney and not immediately know what’s causing them. Ye Olde Brit Chimney Sweep of San Bernardino, CA, would like to share the most common reasons for chimney sounds and what you can do to stop the noise.

Animals have invaded the chimney

Noise made by small animals is a common reason for sounds in a chimney. A variety of critters, including birds, squirrels, bats, rodents and raccoons, like to take shelter in chimneys. Often, they build nests and have babies.

Aside from the racket these animals make, be aware that nesting materials and the occasional dead animal may cause a draft blockage that can send smoke and carbon monoxide out of the fireplace and into your room.

Solution: Have the chimney professionally swept (cleaned), and then install a sturdy chimney cap to keep debris from getting into the chimney.

The whispering wind

Sometimes wind whispers, and sometimes it howls. Either way, if it’s blowing down and through your chimney, you’re probably going to hear it and assume that your chimney is being haunted by an unruly ghost. Fireplace and chimney systems are designed to allow a certain amount of air to pass through them – it’s what makes fires easier to start and burn more efficiently.

But excess air, especially if it’s wind that’s blowing from the top down, is no good and needs to be stopped.

Solution: Install a chimney cap to prevent heavy downdrafts; keep the fireplace damper closed when you’re not using the fireplace.

Chimney structural noises

You may hear some cracking or popping sounds in your chimney. This can be caused by:

• Decaying bricks within the masonry
• Metal chimney parts being affected by hot and cold temperatures
• Pieces of a clay tile chimney liner breaking or separating
• Creosote expanding

Solution: If you hear noises that you believe could be caused by the above issues or related issues, it’s a good idea to have your chimney inspected by a licensed inspector before using your fireplace again.

Chimney fire sounds

Chimney fires happen more often than you probably think. Many of these fires are quick and go out on their own before they become obvious. But any chimney fire can cause serious damage to the interior parts of a chimney, so be aware of common chimney fire signs:

• Odd clicking or tapping noises
• A deep rumbling sound like a distant train
• Excess dark smoke coming from the top of the chimney or through the fireplace

Solution: If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately and evacuate the house. Never attempt to put out a chimney fire on your own. After the danger has passed, have the chimney inspected and evaluated before using the fireplace again.

How to keep your chimney safe

The best way to ensure the safety and efficiency of your chimney is to have it professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. Cleaning removes creosote and debris, and inspections will spot damage and malfunction you may not be aware of.

If you’re hearing noises in your chimney, or if it’s time to schedule a chimney sweep or inspection, Ye Olde Brit is here to help. We’ve served the greater San Bernardino, CA, area for more than 30 years with the right solutions for every chimney problem.

Give us a call, or reach out with our simple contact form.