A few days ago, my chimney also making a tapping sound and by that time I was fully annoyed by the tapping sound my chimney produced as I am a fireplace and ventilation expert.
I asked myself What causes the tapping sound in Chimney? but after some time I solved that issue.
After some time I got to know many of the people who have chimneys get confused after hearing these sounds even many of them get scared because they don’t know what is making the sound.
Here are Some Reasons that can Cause the Tapping Sound in Chimney:
- Loose or Damaged Flashing
- Wind-Induced Vibrations
- Animal Intrusion
- Loose Debris
- Creosote Buildup
- Damaged or Loose Chimney Components
- Thermal Expansion
In this article, we will discuss the causes of tapping sounds in chimneys, how to prevent them, and some safety precautions.
So Keep Scroll and Read……….
What is the Tapping Sound in Chimney?
In simple words, many times the tapping sounds are described as Regular or recurring sounds coming from the chimney which sounds like someone tapping on the surface.
During the daytime tapping sounds go unnoticed by the homeowners but at night when the environment is quiet that time they hear the tapping sounds.
From my personal experience tapping sound at night scared some people. (Not me)
What Causes the Tapping Sound in Chimney?
The common causes of tapping sound in chimneys are as follows:
1. Loose or Damaged Flashing
Flashing is kind of a small barrier around the chimney and the roof connected, flashing is just a seal to keep the water out and not to leak any heat from where it is not meant to be leaked.
Now the tapping sound is coming because of the wind on the roof which shakes the flashing, which results in a sound like tapping.
It’s made of copper which causes the amplification of the sound means it increases the sound more or less.
2. Wind-Induced Vibrations
Due to strong winds, vibrations often result in a tapping sound from the chimney. Vibrations are caused by the rattling of components inside the chimney to the wall or sometimes to each other.
3. Animal Intrusion
chimneys are a potent place to make their nest and for many other animals. It is a safe place and warm during winter, So of course they’re going to make their nest inside your chimney if they find a way to enter your chimney.
It causes the tapping sound to happen.
4. Loose Debris
If you haven’t cleaned your chimney for years then might this be a case for you because not regular cleaning of the chimney debris like dried leaves, sticks, dead insects, and small branches collected inside the chimney.
And when winds strike the debris they strike against each other or the chimney which produces the tapping sound in the chimney.
5. Creosote Buildup
The chances of producing the tapping sound due to creosote buildup are less but there is some chance that we can’t neglect need to address this side also.
Creosote will accumulate on the internal surface of the chimney making lining over time. If the creosote accumulation is significant then it might emit a tapping sound due to the contraction and expansion due to temperature changes.
6. Damaged or Loose Chimney Components
Components of the chimney such as the chimney cap, flue liner, and damper will become damaged or loose over time because of not properly maintained or not installed properly.
If the components of your chimney are damaged and not working properly then also these tapping sounds can occur frequently.
7. Thermal Expansion
When the temperature changes, the copper parts of your chimney, like the flue or ductwork, will expand and contract as it heats up or cools down.
This issue is known as Thermal Expansion due to contraction and expansion emitting these tapping sounds.
How to Fix Chimney Tapping Sound?
- Install components that are immune to high-speed wind like wind-resistant chimney components. It would be very helpful to reduce or eliminate the issue of wind-induced vibrations and tapping sounds.
- Clean the chimney regularly and remove any debris like dry leaves, small stickers, and dead insects that are causing these tapping sounds.
- If you find any animals or birds residing inside the chimney call a professional wildlife removal service to remove the bird or animal safely without causing any harm to both the homeowner and the birds or animal.
- To avoid the entry of birds inside the chimney consider installing a bird guard on the chimney.
- Check all the components like bold and nail to get to know how many components need to be tightened up.
- If your chimney has accumulated creosote then consider hiring a professional chimney cleaner because creosote cleanup requires some safety measures.
Conclusion
I hope you get all the answers to what causes the tapping sound in chimney with how to prevent tapping sound in chimney.
I would say it is a headache and plus if you are hiring someone to solve this issue you might have to pay a decent price for it.
And some chores with that with some discomfort into it.
I am not scaring you but only telling these things before taking any idiot action which is not needed.