Andover’s 1970s and 80s homes were built with chimneys designed for wood heat, not today’s gas inserts or modern fuels. Many owners don’t realize their flues may be cracked, lined improperly, or packed with decades of creosote. We’re seeing a jump in calls from homes on Oak Grove Lane and elsewhere after last winter’s freeze-thaw cycles widened old mortar joints.
Why Andover’s older chimneys fail faster than newer ones
Older masonry chimneys in Andover weren’t built for today’s heating habits. Many pre-1990 homes on streets like Elm Creek Drive or Crosstown Avenue still have unlined clay-tile flues that crack under Minnesota’s freeze-thaw swings. Others were retrofitted with gas inserts without proper relining, creating hidden gaps where heat escapes and carbon monoxide slips in. Add 30 years of creosote buildup—especially in homes that burned wet oak or pine—and you’ve got a chimney that’s one spark away from a costly repair or worse. services and inspection certification can spot these issues before they turn into emergencies.
What Andover homeowners should check right now
Walk your roof or peek up the flue with a flashlight. Look for missing mortar joints, white staining (efflorescence), or a chimney cap that’s rusted shut. Inside, check for soot stains on the ceiling near the fireplace or a musty smell in the hearth room—both point to leaks or blockages. If your chimney hasn’t been swept since the Clinton administration, it’s time. free estimate our certified team for a Level 2 inspection before winter sets in. And if you’ve swapped wood for a gas insert, don’t assume it’s safe—gas appliances need their own venting checks too.