Can a Chimney Become Clogged With Snow?

Abandoned/Neglected Properties

• Abandoned or neglected properties are particularly at risk of snow problems. The snow falls inside the chimney, but does not have any heat that melts the snow and removes the clog. When you have a seasonal home, such as a winter retreat that only gets used a few times a year, you might have a clogged chimney. The problems worsen when you have other debris clogging the chimney. For example, you may have fallen leaves or tree limbs trapped in the chimney, which the snow falls on and creates a larger clog.

Frequently Used Chimneys

• Even if you live in one primary residence and frequently use the chimney, you still face a risk of a snow clog. According to Library Thinkquest, the problem frequently arises with chimneys in poor condition. If your chimney has a blocked opening, other clogged items or isn't regularly maintained, you are at risk of developing a problem with snow.

Warning

• Any type of clog in your chimney puts you at risk of carbon monoxide problems. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that comes from the ash and debris left behind on the chimney walls by your burning material. When you clean the chimney regularly and sweep the sides of the interior walls, you remove the ash. The opening at the top of the chimney also helps push some of the ash out of the chimney, which lessens the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If your chimney has a clog caused by snow, the snow stops the ash and other debris from exiting the chimney, which increases the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Prevention

• Keep your chimney in good condition, and perform a general check of the area prior to the first use of the chimney during the new season. Hire a professional chimney sweeper to clean the inside of the chimney, check for clogs and look for any blockage or damage to the chimney. Use a carbon monoxide detector near the chimney, which keeps track of the gas levels in the room and indicates when those levels rise to a potentially dangerous level.