Collingswood’s pre-1950s homes often have brick chimneys with cracked crowns or deteriorating liners. If your fireplace smokes more than usual or smells like gas, it’s not just a nuisance, it could mean hidden damage. A chimney sweep can spot these issues before they lead to costly repairs or safety hazards. Book a free estimate now before fall appointments fill up, our team specializes in older masonry and knows the quirks of Collingswood’s housing stock.
Myth: ‘My chimney looks fine, so it’s fine.’ Fact: Collingswood’s brickwork hides problems.
Older Collingswood homes often have chimneys built with softer brick or mortar that crumbles over decades. If you’ve noticed soot stains on the fireplace hearth or a musty smell when the fire’s off, that’s not normal, it’s a sign of poor draft or a cracked flue. Worse, water seeping through a damaged crown can rot wood framing inside your walls. Check our guide on masonry inspections to see what Collingswood homeowners miss. A chimney sweep isn’t just about cleaning; it’s the first step in catching structural issues before they worsen. If your home’s near the Collingswood train station or older neighborhoods like the Heights, schedule a sweep now, these areas see more moisture damage from the nearby wetlands.
Warning sign: ‘My gas fireplace smells like sewer.’ Fact: That’s not a venting issue, it’s a liner problem.
Gas fireplaces in older Collingswood homes often have single-wall metal liners that corrode or separate from the brick. If you smell sulfur or hear a hissing sound, your liner might be cracked, letting combustion gases leak into your home. Unlike wood-burning chimneys, gas systems don’t build creosote, but a failing liner can still cause carbon monoxide buildup. See how relining compares to inspections for older homes. Our team has seen this in Haddon Heights and Oaklyn too, where older gas lines were retrofitted without proper chimney upgrades. Don’t wait for a carbon monoxide detector to alert you, call for a chimney sweep and inspection before winter heating season starts.