7 Signs Your Murfreesboro Suburbs Chimney Needs a Pro Sweep: And How to Spot Them Before It’s Too Late

By Juan Rodriguez Chimney LLC Team · Updated October 16, 2026

If your Murfreesboro-area chimney shows black soot stains on the fireplace ledge, a strong smoke smell when lighting fires, or cracks in the brickwork near the flue, you need a professional sweep now. These signs mean creosote buildup, liner damage, or structural risks, all of which can lead to chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks. Older brick homes in Smyrna and Franklin suburbs are especially vulnerable due to their age and masonry wear. A licensed sweep will clean the flue, inspect the liner, and check for hidden damage before winter makes problems worse.

1. A chimney inspection is a detailed check of your flue, liner, and masonry, not just a quick sweep. In Murfreesboro, where older brick homes dominate, this means spotting hidden cracks in mortar joints, rust in metal liners, or even animal nests blocking airflow.

A true inspection goes beyond brushing out soot. In Murfreesboro’s humid summers and freeze-thaw cycles, brick chimneys develop hairline cracks that let moisture seep in, rotting wood framing inside walls. We’ve seen homes on Old Fort Parkway where the chimney looked fine from the outside, but the liner was corroded from years of unchecked moisture. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) recommends Level 2 inspections (which include removing the damper) for homes with any signs of damage or before selling a property. Your chimney’s last inspection might be older than your granddad’s brick fireplace. Before the first frost hits Murfreesboro’s historic neighborhoods, especially those with 1920s Craftsman or 1950s ranch homes, book a sweep to check for hidden cracks in the masonry or a liner that’s seen better days. Book a Murfreesboro inspection today to catch issues before they become emergencies.

2. Creosote buildup isn’t just black gunk, it’s a fire waiting to happen. In Murfreesboro’s dry fall and winter months, creosote hardens into a tar-like substance that ignites at 1,100°F. If you see glossy black streaks on the flue or a tarry residue on the fireplace ledge, your chimney is at high risk.

Creosote forms from incomplete wood combustion, and older brick chimneys in Smyrna and Franklin suburbs often trap more of it due to poor draft or damaged liners. We’ve pulled out chunks of Stage 3 creosote, like coal tar, that looked like they’d been baked onto the flue. This stage is extremely flammable. The National Fire Protection Association the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)) reports that creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires, and 22% of those fires spread to the home’s roof or walls. If your chimney hasn’t been swept since last winter, assume creosote has built up. Hardwoods like oak and hickory burn hotter and produce more creosote, so if you’ve switched to them, you’ll need more frequent sweeps. Learn how often to sweep your Murfreesboro chimney based on your wood type.

3. Rust stains inside your fireplace mean your chimney liner is failing. In Murfreesboro’s wet springs and damp winters, metal liners corrode faster, especially in older homes where the original clay flue is cracked or missing entirely.

Rust on the fireplace walls or damper isn’t normal. It means moisture is condensing inside the flue, often because the liner is rusted through or the chimney isn’t drawing properly. We’ve torn down chimneys on College Grove Drive where the liner was so corroded it had turned to dust. Without a liner, hot gases can crack the masonry or, worse, leak carbon monoxide into your home. If you see rust, schedule a Level 2 inspection immediately. Many Murfreesboro homeowners assume their brick chimney is “safe” because it’s old, but unlined brick chimneys are more dangerous, they offer zero protection against sparks or corrosive gases. See how to tell if your chimney has a liner, or if it’s missing entirely.

4. A strong smoke smell when lighting the fire (even with dry wood) signals a blocked or damaged flue. In Murfreesboro’s tight neighborhoods, chimneys often share walls with adjacent properties, and a neighbor’s chimney issue can affect yours.

If smoke billows back into the room instead of up the chimney, your flue is either clogged with debris, creosote, or even a dead animal (we’ve pulled out raccoons, birds’ nests, and even a squirrel once in a Brentwood home). Poor draft can also stem from a cracked flue or a damaged cap. Murfreesboro’s wind patterns, especially in fall and winter, can create downdrafts that push smoke downward. Before lighting a fire, check the damper to ensure it opens fully. If smoke still lingers, the problem is higher up. A professional sweep will use a camera to inspect the flue and identify blockages. Need a draft test? Our Murfreesboro techs carry smoke puffers to diagnose the issue.

5. Cracks in the masonry or mortar joints let in water, which weakens brick and accelerates liner rust. Murfreesboro’s freeze-thaw cycles (where water seeps into cracks and expands when it freezes) are brutal on older brick chimneys.

Even small cracks, like those we’ve seen on chimneys near the Stone River, can let in rain, snowmelt, or even bird droppings, which erode mortar over time. If you notice crumbling mortar, efflorescence (white powdery deposits), or water stains on the ceiling near the chimney, moisture is getting in. Left unchecked, this leads to spalling (where bricks flake off) or even structural collapse. The EPA’s Burn Wise program the EPA's Burn Wise program warns that moisture damage shortens a chimney’s lifespan by decades. If your chimney has cracks wider than 1/8 inch, it’s time for repointing or tuckpointing. Learn how we repair historic masonry in Murfreesboro without damaging the original brickwork.

6. Soot stains on the fireplace ledge or walls mean your chimney isn’t drawing properly. In Murfreesboro’s older homes, this often happens when the flue is too small, the chimney is too short, or the roof venting is blocked by ice or debris.

A thin layer of soot is normal, but thick, black deposits indicate incomplete combustion, usually because the fire isn’t burning hot enough or the chimney isn’t pulling air correctly. This can happen in Murfreesboro’s newer subdivisions where chimneys are built too close to the roof ridge, reducing draft. If your fireplace has a glass door, check for excessive soot buildup on the inside of the glass. Another red flag: if the fire smolders instead of roaring, your chimney isn’t creating enough updraft. The fix might be as simple as cleaning the flue or adjusting the damper, but in older homes, it could mean the chimney needs a liner upgrade. See how we assess draft issues in Murfreesboro chimneys before they lead to carbon monoxide buildup.

7. Birds, squirrels, or insects nesting in your chimney create a fire hazard, and a health risk. Murfreesboro’s wooded areas and older neighborhoods attract wildlife, which often builds nests in unused chimneys.

Animal nests block airflow, trap moisture, and leave behind flammable nesting material. We’ve removed nests made of twigs, leaves, and even mud in chimneys across Smyrna and Franklin. The smell alone, a mix of ammonia and decay, is enough to warrant a sweep. Worse, animal droppings can corrode the liner or masonry over time. If you hear scratching or rustling in the chimney, or see feathers or fur around the damper, don’t wait. Animals will return if the chimney isn’t cleaned thoroughly. Our Murfreesboro techs use specialized tools to remove nests and ensure no debris remains. Need a wildlife removal sweep? We handle it safely, no harm to the animals.

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