Before climbing on your roof or poking inside your chimney, start with these safe Jonesboro-specific checks. Some issues are simple fixes; others demand a licensed pro—know the difference to protect your home and family.
Is your Jonesboro chimney leaking? Start with the roof and flashing
Grab a flashlight and binoculars—no climbing needed. Look for cracked or missing chimney crowns, damaged flashing around the base, or missing/misaligned shingles near the chimney. In Jonesboro’s humid summers and stormy seasons, water can seep through even tiny gaps. If you spot cracks wider than a credit card or rust streaks on the flashing, mark the spot and call a pro. Minor gaps? Seal them with high-temperature silicone caulk as a temporary fix, but plan a full masonry inspection soon—older brickwork in Jonesboro homes often hides unseen damage.
When your chimney smells like campfire long after use, check the damper and smoke chamber
Turn off your HVAC and light a small smoke test: close the damper, light a match near the fireplace opening, and watch smoke behavior. If smoke lingers or rolls back into the room, your damper may be stuck shut or corroded—common in older Jonesboro homes with infrequent use. Check the damper handle and pivot points for rust or debris; lubricate with graphite powder if moving freely. If the smoke chamber walls are coated in black, tarry buildup, stop DIY here—this is creosote Level 3, a fire hazard. Schedule a Level 2 inspection immediately.
Is your chimney drawing smoke poorly? Inspect the flue from the ground
Stand back and observe your chimney while a family member lights a small, smokeless fire (or use a smoke pellet if you have one). The smoke should rise straight up and out. If it curls back down or enters the room, your flue may be partially blocked by debris, a collapsed liner, or critter nests—squirrels love Jonesboro attics. Use a mirror and flashlight to peek up from the fireplace opening; never stick anything down the flue. If you see blockages or hear scratching sounds, call a pro. A blocked flue is a silent killer—carbon monoxide risk is real.
Brickwork looking sad? Spot the 5 signs your Jonesboro chimney needs masonry help
Walk around your chimney and look for: 1) White, powdery efflorescence (salt stains), 2) Gaps wider than ¼ inch between bricks, 3) Horizontal cracks in the mortar, 4) Leaning or bulging sections, 5) Crumbling bricks at the top. In Jonesboro’s clay-heavy soil and freeze-thaw cycles, older masonry often fails first at the crown or top courses. Minor cracks can wait until your next sweep and inspection, but leaning or large gaps mean stop using the fireplace now and call a pro. Delaying risks structural failure—especially in century-old Jonesboro homes.
What NOT to DIY: 3 chimney jobs that always require a licensed pro in Jonesboro
Never attempt to reline a flue yourself—modern liners must meet local codes and often require permits in Jonesboro. Repairing or replacing a chimney crown with concrete is deceptively tricky; poor mixing or curing leads to cracks that invite water damage. Lastly, removing a chimney cap or installing a new one without proper sealing can block airflow and trap moisture. These jobs seem simple but often void warranties or violate safety standards. Leave them to certified sweeps—your family’s safety is worth the cost.
When to Call Rafael T. Chimney LLC: Jonesboro’s trusted older-home experts
If your chimney is over 20 years old, built with soft brick, or shows signs of shifting, call us before DIY becomes risky. We specialize in older Jonesboro homes where masonry and liners degrade faster due to local climate and soil conditions. Our team handles everything from crown repairs to full relining, and we document every step for insurance and warranty purposes. Don’t wait for a cold snap—schedule a free estimate today. We serve Jonesboro and nearby areas like Rex, Morrow, and Lovejoy, with fast, licensed service you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a chimney inspection cost for a 1920s Jonesboro home with a brick chimney?
Expect $120–$200 for a Level 1 inspection in Jonesboro, covering accessible areas and basic safety checks. Older homes often need a Level 2 inspection ($250–$400) to assess hidden damage behind walls or in the attic. Rafael T. Chimney LLC offers flat-rate pricing—no surprises. Compare costs and services here.
Can I burn pine in my Jonesboro fireplace this winter, or will it damage my older chimney?
Pine creates more creosote than hardwoods, accelerating buildup in older flues common in Jonesboro. Stick to oak, hickory, or maple, and burn hot fires weekly to reduce residue. Always use dry, seasoned wood—wet wood increases chimney wear. Need fuel tips? Ask us during your next service.
My chimney leans slightly—should I repair it now or wait until spring in Jonesboro?
A slight lean in an older Jonesboro chimney can signal foundation shift or masonry failure. Don’t wait—call a pro immediately. Delaying risks collapse, especially during winter storms. Rafael T. Chimney LLC offers emergency assessments in Jonesboro and nearby towns like Forest Park.