Before Barrington’s humid summers hit, a quick exterior check and flue inspection can prevent costly water damage and draft issues. But know your limits—some repairs belong to licensed sweeps.
Exterior brick and mortar check
Walk around your chimney and look for cracked or missing bricks, crumbling mortar joints, or white mineral stains (efflorescence). In Barrington’s older homes, these often hide deeper water damage. Use binoculars if the stack is high. If you spot more than a few cracked bricks or gaps wider than a credit card, mark the spots with painter’s tape and call a pro. Small gaps can be temporarily sealed with high-temperature silicone, but this is only a stopgap—full crown repair belongs to a licensed sweep.
Flue and cap quick look
Shine a bright flashlight up the flue from the firebox. If you see heavy black buildup, shiny flakes, or a nest, stop and call a pro—this isn’t a DIY job. Check the chimney cap for rust, dents, or missing mesh. A missing or damaged cap lets summer storms and debris into the flue, which can lead to water damage and blockages. If the cap is loose or damaged, schedule a replacement before the next thunderstorm rolls in from Narragansett Bay.
Creosote level check from the firebox
With the fireplace cold and damper fully open, use a small mirror and a shop light to peer up the flue. Heavy black tarry deposits, shiny flakes, or a thick layer that looks like hardened candle wax are signs of dangerous creosote buildup. Light creosote can be scraped off with a stiff brush and safe fireplace habits, but medium or heavy buildup requires a certified sweep. Do not climb on the roof or use power tools—these tasks belong to licensed sweeps.
Warning signs you should never ignore
Stop all DIY work and call a professional immediately if you notice rust on the damper or firebox, a strong campfire smell in summer, soot on interior walls near the fireplace, or smoke backing up into the room when the damper is open. These signs often point to a blocked flue, cracked flue liner, or failing masonry. In Barrington’s older brick homes, hidden flue cracks can leak carbon monoxide into living spaces. Never attempt to drill, patch, or seal the flue yourself—call Ashbrook Chimney Corp for a full inspection.
Safe DIY maintenance you can do now
Remove ashes from the firebox with a metal shovel and store them in a sealed metal bucket away from the house. Inspect the firebox floor and walls for cracks wider than 1/8 inch—these can be filled with high-temperature mortar for a temporary fix, but a licensed sweep should evaluate them. Check the chimney crown for cracks and the flashing for gaps. If everything looks sound, schedule a professional cleaning for early fall—Barrington’s humid summers accelerate creosote formation.
When to call Ashbrook Chimney Corp
Call Ashbrook Chimney Corp if your chimney shows heavy creosote, cracked bricks or mortar, a damaged crown or cap, rust on the damper, or signs of water leaks inside the firebox. Our licensed sweeps serve Barrington and nearby towns like Bristol, East Providence, and Warwick, and we specialize in older masonry chimneys. We offer free estimates and can perform full masonry inspections, waterproofing, cap installation, and liner replacements. Don’t wait for a summer storm to reveal hidden damage—schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try to waterproof my Barrington chimney myself with a DIY sealant?
No. DIY waterproofing sealants can trap moisture inside older bricks, accelerating freeze-thaw damage. Only breathable, vapor-permeable waterproofing applied by a licensed sweep is safe for Barrington’s historic brickwork.
Is it worth replacing a rusted chimney cap before summer storms hit Barrington?
Yes. A rusted or missing cap invites water, debris, and even birds into your flue, which can lead to blockages and water damage. Replacing it now prevents costly repairs after a summer thunderstorm rolls in from the bay.
Do I really need a professional inspection if my Barrington chimney looks fine from the ground?
Absolutely. Many flue cracks, liner failures, and hidden nests aren’t visible from the ground. A certified sweep uses cameras and tools to spot issues before they become dangerous or expensive. Don’t skip this step—Barrington’s older homes often hide surprises.