Chimneys are a highly neglected aspect of home maintenance, but they're one of the most important parts of your home. A damaged or dirty chimney can lead to chimney fires. According to Bob Vila, the U.S. alone has more than 25,000 chimney fires annually. If you have a chimney, here are eight signs you should watch for so you know when it's time for chimney repairs.

1. Degradation

Your chimney isn't going to last forever, and you'll probably see some visible degradation before you have it repaired or replaced. Take a look at your chimney to see if the bricks and mortar are still in good shape. Mortar joints are often the first thing to go as a result of repeated exposure to harsh weather, but you might notice bricks wearing down a bit as well. Degradation is especially common in areas that get a lot of rain and snow.

2. Cracks

When you're looking at your chimney to figure out if it needs repairs, cracks are one of the main things to look for. Keep in mind that you might not need chimney repairs depending on the appearance and severity of the cracks in your chimney. If you see small cracks that only run through part of a brick, you probably don't have anything to worry about. If you notice large, zig-zagging cracks that go from the top of a brick all the way to the bottom, you need chimney repairs. Severe cracks can eventually cause your chimney to collapse if you don't get them fixed.

3. Rust

There are a few chimney parts that are made of metal, so rust can be a sign that it's time for chimney repairs. If you notice any rust on your chimney damper, smoke shelf, or flashing, you should call a professional to replace any rusty parts. Preventing rust is a big problem in coastal cities and areas that get a lot of rain, so you need to keep an eye out so you know when to call an expert.

4. Interior Damage

Take a light and check out the inside of your chimney. Do you notice any obvious damage? If your chimney is damaged on the inside, it might not be containing the heat of the smoke and fire like it's supposed to. Severe cracks can let water in and smoke out, which is the last thing you want to happen when you're burning a fire in your home.

5. Age

How old is your chimney? Even if you take good care of a chimney, you can only expect it to last so long. As bricks and mortar start to degrade, your chimney can really show its age. You can generally expect a chimney to last 50 to 100 years, but that depends on your chimney and where you live. Wet climates can shorten the lifespan of your chimney, and your chimney won't last as long if it wasn't built properly.

6. Melting

With all the heat from the smoke and fire, you might notice your siding or roofing starting to melt a bit. If anything around your chimney is melting when you start a fire, avoid starting any fires and call an expert for chimney repairs. If your chimney isn't properly containing heat or smoke, you've got a big problem on your hands.

7. Efflorescence

Do you see a white, powdery coating on the outside of your chimney? This white coating is known as efflorescence, and it happens when moisture moves through the bricks in your chimney and carries minerals with it. A small amount of efflorescence is normal and easy to clean, but severe efflorescence can be a sign that you've got a moisture problem. If your chimney has large white patches on it, you might need chimney repairs.

8. Crumbling Bricks

As the weather wears on your chimney over the years, you might notice chunks missing from individual bricks. There's not much you can do to keep your chimney from degrading and crumbling over the years, but you should keep an eye on your chimney so you know when it's time for chimney repairs.

Keeping your chimney in good shape is essential if you want to prevent chimney fires. If your home is older or you live in a wet climate, routine chimney inspections and cleanings are even more important. Contact Upper Lakes Chimney & Masonry LLC for a chimney inspection and maintenance so you can protect your home.