To inspect the chimney cap you will need to get up to the top of the chimney. You want to inspect it or have a professional inspect it because a clogged chimney cap will cause the chimney’s draft to drastically decrease. Clogged chimney (often due to nests) Creosote buildup; Loose chimney flashing; Separation between chimney cricket and chimney (a cricket is a small roof transition piece) Poor venting; Though most of a chimney is immobile, it can still have failing parts. A lesson that many homeowners have learned the hard way is the critical importance of having their chimneys inspected and cleaned on an annual basis. Water is leaking in around your flue. When to Replace your Chimney Cap. They rotate by … If the metal mesh on the chimney cap is clogged or obstructed, it can prevent your chimney from venting properly. Use your flashlight to check the top portion of the chimney. Rotating chimney caps are passive ventilation devices that aid in the ventilation of chimney gasses. You can help reduce the amount of creosote that sticks to the inside of your chimney lining and clogs up your chimney cap by burning seasoned firewood and avoiding smoldering, smoky fires. The turbines on a draft-enhancing chimney cap are clogged or have stopped turning. The turbines can be difficult to clean and will start clogging up more and more as time goes on. Maintenance of chimney caps is important because the screens can become clogged. If this is the case, the best thing to do is to replace the chimney cap. Place the chimney cap in a bucket and attach the bucket with a bungee cord around your chimney piece. Wind: outdoor interference can interrupt the draft of smoke leaving your home and push it back down the chimney, but a chimney cap installation can amend this problem. Clogged chimney: your flue may be clogged if you see smoke in your home, which can be resolved with a chimney sweep. How to Lubricate a Rotating Chimney Cap. While this may be due to several issues, one of the most common has to do with the chimney cap being clogged. Different factors can cause clogged chimney. Check Your Chimney Cap. One complaint we get from time to time has to do with a fire that used to burn so quick, bright and wonderful, and is now coughing and sniffling; trying to just get going. This situation is especially common when spark arrestors are used. Your fireplace needs an adequate draft of outside air to feed the fire and smoke needs to be able to escape outside. With changing temperatures, environmental buildup and regular usage chimney caps can become clogged. On draft-enhancing chimney caps (the ones with turbines), it’s very easy for the turbines to get clogged and stop turning altogether. Why a Clogged Chimney Cap Can Cause the Sniffles. Step 4 – Check the Top of the Chimney. Debris has gotten in and clogged your flue. One of the first areas you should check for your back drafting issues is the chimney cap. You’ve had a chimney fire that’s warped and damaged the chimney cap. Clogged Chimney – Wood Stove Drafting Issues Can Be a Clue. Using a brush, poke inside the top portion and push down or pull out any debris or blocked pieces. A safe ladder set up is necessary, and it is wise to have a buddy hold the ladder for you just in case. A Clogged Chimney Cap. From the exterior, you may notice cracks in the brick or masonry. There are various reasons for a blocked or clogged chimney. Both wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves need regular upkeep to avoid clogging. Nests of birds and squirrels, leaves, debris accumulation and absence of chimney flue cap are the leading causes of a blocked chimney. Throw them in your bucket. The most common causes of chimney problems are the following: Obstructions in Chimney. The most common culprit is creosote.