There are a few things you can do to inspect your chimney for potential damage.

Using a pair of binoculars, stand outside your home and take a good look at your chimney. At a glance, do you notice anything different in its appearance? Keep an eye out for visible cracks in the chimney, loose or deteriorating mortar between the bricks, or tilting of the chimney as a whole. We also recommend checking for any sign of animal activity, as critters such as birds, squirrels, and raccoons often like to build their nests on chimneys and may involuntarily cause damage.

You can also check for chimney issues inside your home. If you’ve noticed water leaks/stains or unpleasant odors coming from your fireplace, you may be dealing with a chimney leak.