What are signs my chimney or flue needs cleaning?

There are a few obvious signs your chimney or flue may need cleaning:

• Your fire is difficult to start or burning poorly, usually due to an insufficient supply of oxygen.
• Smoke is entering your living area instead of rising up your chimney or flue.
• There are odours coming from your fireplace – this is often a sign of a creosote buildup.
• Bits of soot or creosote are falling from your chimney into your fireplace, indicating there is a buildup that needs removing.
• Your chimney damper is black, indicating a creosote buildup.
• Your fireplace surround is getting black, oily spots.
• There’s evidence that birds or possums are inside your chimney.