If your Edina chimney is acting up, start with these safe checks first. But know when DIY stops and a licensed sweep must take over to protect your home and family from fire or carbon monoxide risks.
Step 1: Check the damper — is it opening and closing freely?
Before lighting a fire in your Edina fireplace, open the damper fully and ensure it moves smoothly. A stuck damper can trap smoke in your home or let cold air in, making your furnace work harder. If it’s stiff or won’t stay open, apply a dry lubricant like graphite powder to the hinges. Never force it open with tools. If the damper is missing or damaged, call a pro immediately — a broken damper can’t protect your home from backdrafts or carbon monoxide. Learn more about fireplace safety certifications in Edina
Step 2: Look for visible cracks or crumbling mortar on the chimney exterior
Walk around your Edina home and inspect the chimney’s brick or stone exterior from the ground. Use binoculars if needed. Look for hairline cracks, missing mortar, or leaning sections. Small surface cracks can often be patched with high-temperature masonry caulk, but deep cracks or shifting bricks mean structural trouble. Never climb onto the roof yourself — Edina’s steep pitches and summer storms make this a fall risk. If you see damage, call a licensed sweep to assess whether a repair or rebuild is needed. See our masonry repair guide for Edina homeowners
Step 3: Test your carbon monoxide detector — and replace the battery if needed
Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless and deadly. Before using your fireplace, test your CO detector by pressing the test button. If it doesn’t beep or the battery is low, replace it immediately. Edina homes with older detectors or no alarms are at higher risk. Never ignore a chirping alarm — it could mean CO is present. If your detector goes off while using the fireplace, evacuate and call 911. CO leaks often come from blocked chimneys or cracked flues. Learn how to detect CO leaks in your Edina home
Step 4: Clear debris from the chimney cap and flue opening
Use a flashlight to peer down the flue from the fireplace opening. If you see leaves, bird nests, or other debris, use a long-handled brush or shop vacuum to remove it. Never climb onto the roof or insert anything into the flue — Edina’s unpredictable winds and uneven shingles make this dangerous. If the blockage is deep or you feel resistance, stop and call a pro. A blocked flue can cause smoke backups or even a chimney fire. See our Edina chimney cap installation guide for preventative tips
Warning signs: Stop DIY and call a pro immediately
Some chimney issues are too risky for homeowners. Stop all DIY work and call a licensed sweep if you notice: thick creosote buildup (black, tarry, or shiny deposits), a strong burning odor when the fireplace isn’t in use, water stains on the ceiling near the chimney, or smoke entering your Edina home when the damper is open. These signs often point to hidden damage, a cracked flue liner, or a failing chimney crown. Ignoring them can lead to fire, CO poisoning, or costly structural repairs. Learn more about creosote removal in Edina
When to call Cloud Gray Chimney LLC — your Edina chimney experts
If your chimney is acting up and DIY checks didn’t solve the problem, it’s time to call the pros. Cloud Gray Chimney LLC serves Edina and the Twin Cities with licensed, insured sweeps who follow NFPA and CSIA safety standards. We offer thorough inspections, creosote removal, masonry repairs, and waterproofing — all with a focus on preventing fires and CO leaks. Our team can spot issues like cracked flues or deteriorating mortar that homeowners often miss. Book a visit today or see our full service list to keep your Edina chimney safe and efficient year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Edina fireplace smells like campfire even when I’m not using it. What does this mean and what should I do?
A persistent campfire smell usually means creosote or soot is trapped in your flue. While you can try airing out the room, if the odor lingers for days, it’s a sign of heavy buildup. Call a pro to inspect and clean the chimney. Ignoring it can lead to poor airflow or even a chimney fire.
After a windy Edina storm, my chimney is making a whistling noise when I use the fireplace. Is this normal?
No — whistling often means the flue is cracked, the chimney cap is missing, or the liner is damaged. Wind can force air through gaps, creating noise and even pulling smoke into your home. Don’t use the fireplace until a pro inspects it to prevent CO leaks or fire hazards.
I live in an older Edina home with a brick chimney. Are there any red flags I should check every season?
Yes — look for white, powdery stains (efflorescence), which signal water damage, or bricks that are soft or crumbling. Also check the chimney crown for cracks and the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. If you see any of these, call a pro to prevent water from weakening the structure or causing mold.