Is Your Chimney Haunted

‘Twas the night before old Hallows Eve in Buffalo’s West Village neighborhood. You are sitting in the living room of a 19th-century Gothic Revival home, enjoying a cozy fire, when you suddenly hear weird noises in your chimney. The rattling, banging, whistling, and even howling sounds make you wonder if your chimney is haunted.

Well, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many homeowners in western New York experience ghostly noises coming from their chimneys. In fact, it’s one of the most common complaints we chimney professionals receive.

Why My Chimney Is Making Weird Noises?

So, what causes these haunting noises? And what should you do when you hear them?

The Likely Culprits

Several issues can cause strange chimney noises, but the most common culprits include:

Creosote buildup

Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that forms on the inner walls of chimneys when burning wood or other fuels. Over time, creosote can build up and harden, causing problems such as chimney fires, poor drafts, and strange noises.

Animals

Neighborhood wildlife of all kinds love to nest in chimneys. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even bats can all make their way into your chimney and cause all sorts of disturbances.

Loose or damaged components

When chimney components are loose or damaged, they can cause rattling and banging noises. It could be a broken damper or a loose or missing flue cap. It could even signify a more severe issue like structural damage.

Wind

Wind can also cause strange noises coming from your chimney. If your chimney doesn’t have a flue cap, or if the flue cap is damaged, wind can blow into the vent, making weird noises that can give the illusion of a haunted chimney.

What To Do

Sometimes, the problem may be simple, such as evicting small animals, replacing the chimney cap, or cleaning out creosote buildup. However, more extensive repairs may be necessary in other cases, such as replacing the damper or masonry repairs.

If you think your chimney is haunted, it may indicate a problem somewhere in the chimney or venting system. So, the best thing to do is to have a qualified chimney professional inspect it as soon as possible. The technician will be able to identify the root cause of the noises and recommend the appropriate repairs, alleviating the haunted ghostly sounds.

Here are some additional tips for preventing chimney ghosts:

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified chimney professional.
• Install a chimney cap to keep animals, precipitation, and wind out.
• Use only seasoned, dry wood when burning fires.
• Avoid burning trash or other materials in your fireplace.

Following the above tips can help prevent ghostly noises so you can sleep well at night, knowing your chimney is no longer haunting your house.

We Inspect Haunted and Historic Chimneys in Buffalo-Rochester, NY

We’re in your neighborhood! If your chimney moans and groans like a restless spirit, heed the warning and have it cleaned and inspected. Creosote buildup, animal nests, and other hazards can cause chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and structural damage. So, call Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney’s certified professionals at (716) 452-9156 in Buffalo or (585) 684-7197 in Rochester to schedule a visit with a Certified Chimney Sweep® today! You can also contact us online through our simple contact form.