A Clarkston Homeowner's Chimney Self-Inspection — and When to Stop

By Marcelo T. Chimney Co · Updated August 2, 2026

Clarkston’s older brick chimneys hide wear that’s easy to spot from the ground or attic. A quick self-inspection can catch trouble early — but know the limits. Stop at cracks, shifting bricks, or creosote buildup and call a pro before a small problem becomes a dangerous one.

Myth: A quick glance from the yard is enough to spot chimney trouble

Most Clarkston homeowners assume a visual check from the sidewalk is enough, but older masonry chimneys often hide damage behind the crown or inside the flue. Instead, grab binoculars to scan for cracked bricks, leaning sections, or missing mortar at the roofline. Pay special attention to the chimney cap — if it’s missing or cracked, rain and debris can enter and accelerate deterioration. If you spot uneven lines or crumbling bricks, stop and call a pro. blog/chimney-sweep-clarkston-ga-older-home-masonry-guide/. Learn more about our full list of services.

The 3 safe steps every Clarkston homeowner can take today

Start with a flashlight and a helper. From the attic, shine light down the flue and look for daylight — any gap means the liner may be cracked or missing. Next, check the smoke chamber for rough, uneven surfaces or excessive creosote (black, tarry buildup). Finally, inspect the damper for rust or warping. If the damper won’t open fully or the flue feels rough, stop and call a pro. These checks take 15 minutes and reveal 80% of common Clarkston chimney issues. compare/chimney-sweeping-vs-inspection/. See request a free estimate / contact us.

What most Clarkston homeowners miss: the crown and chase damage

The chimney crown is the concrete or mortar cap that keeps water out. In Clarkston’s humid climate, cracked crowns lead to water intrusion, which freezes and expands, cracking bricks from within. Look for spiderweb cracks or a sunken center. If the crown is damaged, patching it yourself with DIY caulk won’t last — water will still seep in. Similarly, chase covers on prefab chimneys rust through over time. If you see rust flakes or daylight through seams, stop and call a pro. blog/chimney-liner-installation-repair-clarkston-ga/. Explore about our team and credentials.

Warning signs that mean stop everything and call a pro

If you see white, chalky stains (efflorescence), large cracks wider than a credit card, or bricks that shift when you press them, your chimney may be structurally unsound. Creosote buildup thicker than 1/8 inch or a chimney that leans more than 2 degrees also demands immediate attention. Never attempt to clean heavy creosote yourself — disturbing it can release toxic fumes or spark a chimney fire. If your chimney is over 30 years old or shows any of these signs, call a certified sweep. services/. For details, see the areas we serve.

Why Clarkston’s older homes need extra caution

Many Clarkston homes built before 1960 have unlined chimneys or clay tile liners that crack with age. These liners protect your home from heat transfer and toxic gases. If your chimney lacks a liner or the liner is damaged, using the fireplace risks carbon monoxide poisoning or a house fire. Older mortar joints also erode faster in Georgia’s humidity. If your chimney was built before 1980, assume the liner needs inspection — even if the exterior looks fine. blog/full-masonry-chimney-inspection-clarkston-ga-what-to-expect/.

When to call Marcelo T. Chimney Co — and what we’ll do next

If your self-inspection reveals cracks, shifting bricks, missing liners, or heavy creosote, stop DIY work immediately. Our certified team uses video scanning to inspect flues, pressure tests for leaks, and repairs crowns, liners, and masonry with materials rated for Georgia’s climate. We also offer free estimates and serve all of Clarkston and nearby areas like Stone Mountain and Decatur. contact/.

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