Evidence of bricks broken by heat and cold over the years.
Chimney cap in serious
need of repair
Chimney cap repaired
Chimney bricks are actually made out of heat treated clay so when water gets in it will freeze in the winter and cause the bricks to crack and blowout.
Close examination shows the mortar allowing water in causing further damage
Chimney flue pipes can crack
inside your chimney
over time as well .
Sometimes a quick inspection can tell you the status of your chimney.