If you've just purchased your first home with a fireplace, you may not be familiar with the common indications of trouble. Since you can't always see problems just by looking at the chimney from outside, it's important that you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with some of the common hazards. Here are a few tips to help you recognize some potential chimney problems so you can address them right away.

Mortar Damage

Mortar is the material that you see between the chimney bricks, and it holds the bricks together. That means it serves an important structural role for the chimney. If you're seeing visible cracks, chips or crumbling in the mortar, that's a sign that your chimney needs attention.

Cracks in the mortar may indicate that there's a structural issue with the chimney or it may have shifted a bit. It can also cause moisture to seep inside the chimney. As that moisture freezes in cold temperatures, it can expand and cause the cracks to get larger. As soon as you see any damage in the mortar, you should call for a chimney cleaning and repair appointment right away.

Damaged Flue Tiles

When the flue tiles in your chimney are damaged, you may start seeing thin tile pieces at the base of the chimney, inside. This often indicates that there's damage to the chimney liner, and since that liner is a vital barrier component that protects the home and the chimney from heat, you need to address it right away. Don't ever light a fireplace when you suspect damage to the chimney liner or the flue tile.

Even if you aren't seeing visible damage, you should have the flue and chimney liner inspected at the start of every cool season, preferably before you light that first fire. You may even find that installing a stainless steel chimney liner is the best alternative in these situations. The liner will provide you with more lasting protection.

Wrinkles and Bubbles in the Wallpaper

One of the things that many homeowners overlook is bubbling and wrinkling in the wallpaper along the chimney wall. If this happens, it's a sign that you have moisture accumulating around the chimney area. Whether that moisture is seeping in from a crack outside or due to an internal problem in the chimney, you should never ignore it. You'll need the help of a chimney repair specialist right away.

Don't allow yourself to be caught unaware by common chimney problems. With the information here and regular visits from a chimney cleaning and repair contractor, you can stay ahead of problems before they become severe. For more information, check out sites like http://earlytimeshomesolutions.com.