Is There Something Spooky Lurking in Your Chimney?

Is There Something Spooky Lurking in Your Chimney?

It’s spooky season, and hearing weird noises isn’t out of the ordinary, but if those sounds are originating out of your chimney, they could give you a fright. It’s not ghosts or goblins crawling around inside your chimney making noise, but something could be, or it could be another simple explanation. Let’s investigate: is something spooky lurking in your chimney?

spooky wildlife sounds in the chimney in Sheboygan WISpooky Chimney Sounds Caused by Wildlife

No, there isn’t a werewolf or zombie in your attic when you hear scratching and clawing sounds; in most cases, it will be birds, rodents, and, yes, apt for Halloween, bats. A professional chimney sweep service can remove them from your chimney and force them to take up residence elsewhere.

Wind-Generated Spooky Chimney Sounds

Don’t be alarmed if you hear an eerie whistling sound or moaning noise coming from your attic; it’s not something from the other side; it’s just the wind. If your chimney cap isn’t on straight or you don’t have a chimney cap at all, wind can cause strange noises. Obstructions in your chimney can cause the same kinds of spooky noises; a qualified chimney sweep service can resolve both issues.

Draft and Backdraft Caused Spooky Chimney Sounds

If you hear a distinct, booming, or rushing burst of air, the source of the sound in your chimney is most likely a draft or a backdraft. This phenomenon happens when the air is drawn into your chimney and forced downward into your fireplace. Backdrafts are often destructive because they push smoke and carbon monoxide back down your chimney and into your home.

A qualified chimney sweep service is your best bet at making sure your chimney is well-ventilated by cleaning it at least annually. You can also prevent spooky noises in your chimney by using fully cured wood, and your damper should remain open to aid with ventilation (when it isn’t raining). Safety should always come first; placing a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector fifteen feet from your fireplace to alert you of fires or carbon monoxide.

Expanding and Contracting Metal Make Spooky Chimney Sounds

A great number of chimneys have metal components inside them that can produce clicking or scuffling noises as the weather and heat from your fireplace cause them to expand or contract. It’s not a problem if you hear those sounds unless they occur all the time.

Eerie Chimney Noises Made by Structural Issues

A hushed cracking or scraping noise may be an early indicator that your chimney’s bricks or mortar are eroding in your chimney. If your chimney’s structural integrity is compromised, it could come tumbling down and possibly injure you or a family member.

Spooky Chimney Noises Caused by a Damaged Chimney Liner

If you hear a distinct popping or cracking noise when your fireplace is in use, it could be because of a damaged chimney liner. A damaged chimney liner must be dealt with immediately because of the inherent danger. Toxic fumes could infiltrate your home, and high heat could set your roof on fire.

creosote removal in Delavan WIIn Short

In most cases, hearing something that sounds like it came from a haunted house in your chimney is just the wind or wildlife, but in some cases, it could be the sign of more sinister issues that are bad beyond the spooky season. You can eliminate those problems by having a  chimney sweep inspect your chimney. So, please relax and enjoy the sounds of Halloween, as long as they don’t come from your chimney.

Get Rid of Your Chimney Noises

If you are in the greater Burlington area, and it sounds like you have spooks and monsters in your chimney, we will inspect your chimney to determine the cause of the sounds and resolve the issue. Don’t put up with unwanted sounds; contact us today.

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