A crack needs context: location, movement, water entry, and the surrounding masonry. Widening cracks, leaning, or loose masonry call for keeping clear and prompt professional evaluation.
Updated September 10, 2026
Your home in Truckee.
About 67% of occupied homes in Truckee heat primarily with utility gas. Many chimneys in Truckee therefore vent a gas furnace, boiler, or water heater rather than a wood fire, and those flues still need inspection for liner condition, moisture, and blockage. About 8.5% of occupied homes in Truckee use wood as their primary heating fuel. A wood-burning system that runs through the season needs creosote and liner inspection on a regular schedule. The nearest NOAA climate normals station (Truckee Ranger Station, about 2 miles from the Truckee city center) averages 7,941 heating degree days per year. That is a long heating season in which venting runs for months and freeze-thaw cycles work on exposed masonry, so check exposed brick and the crown after winter from a safe position.
What you can observe safely
- Photograph visible cracks safely from ground level.
- Keep any earlier photos for comparison.
What to avoid
- Do not climb onto the roof or enter the chimney.
- Do not alter gas components, venting, or safety controls.
- Do not use a test fire to diagnose the problem.
Possible causes to assess
- Masonry or mortar deterioration
- Movement requiring assessment
- Water-related damage
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Chimney repair in TruckeeA few common questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photo?
A photo can document a symptom and help prepare a visit. It cannot confirm concealed conditions or establish that a chimney or fuel-burning appliance is safe.