There’s nothing better on a cold winter evening than a night spent by a fire. Its warmth and the aroma of the wood burning, and the sound of crackling create lavish relaxation. If your chimney is mechanical, structural, or maintenance issues, an unattended fire within the hearth could quickly become a house fire that can cause havoc to the home and your loved ones. A lot of people don’t recognize that they require repairs until they’ve experienced irreparable damage that needs to be replaced, not repaired. It’s a good thing to check it regularly both on the outside and inside of your house can assist in keeping major issues at bay by fixing the most common issues early. There are five clear signs that suggest you need to hire a professional to repair your chimney immediately. Have you checked the signs?
A Missing Or Damaged Cap
For the majority of homeowners, the chimney is as simple as looking upwards to the chimney’s top. The cap is constructed of an extremely durable metal like stainless steel or copper and has vented sides so that smoke does not escape. The cap’s top is designed to wick water away from bricks and keep it from entering. It also keeps animals like birds and raccoons away so that they do not build nests that could cause fires or stop air from flowing out. If this isn’t present, then the exterior and the interior bricks are exposed to humidity that could cause them to degrade.
A Damaged Or Missing Crown
The cap is secured with the help of the crown. It is constructed of mortar or concrete that is affixed to the roof of the chimney in order to support the cap. Since those on the upper edges of many bricks are more porous than their sides, it’s crucial to ensure that a crown is installed. Does the crown appear affected in some way? If it’s flaking or cracked, it is necessary to make chimney repairs to repair or repair the crown. Also, look for flaking or receding corners which could weaken the structural integrity of the building.
White Stains On The Exterior Bricks
There are times when white stains appear appearing on exterior bricks following rain. The reason for this is due to salt getting introduced onto the surface by water within the bricks. When the walls are dry, salt tends to rise up to the surface. It is often referred to as efflorescence and is a fancy name to describe salt residue. Many homeowners clean it off without thinking about the implications. However, the accumulation of moisture could be very damaging. Make sure to get an estimate for chimney repair or replacement. If you leave this to get for too long, it could spark a fire inside your house.
Missing Or Damaged Mortar
The mortar that holds the structure in place is designed to withstand the elements and high temperatures, but it will not last for a long time. Use a small knife or another tool and scratch the mortar at any intersections. If it is easy to break off, breaks up, or becomes damaged, you’ll need chimney repairs as quickly as you can. Repairing mortar is often called tuck-pointing in the business. If you’ve waited for so long, you’re able to move some bricks; you’ll likely need to skip repairs and proceed to replace.
Firebox Damage Requires Immediate Chimney Repairs For Safety
The firebox is the inside portion of your fireplace where the grate is located, in addition to where the warmth from burning wood is enclosed by firebricks. Check for crumbling, loose or flaking mortar, along with efflorescence and loose firebricks. Any damage to the firebox must be repaired prior to lighting another fire. Because firebrick is fragile and requires a specific type of mortar, often referred to as Refractory cement, you must employ a professional home improvement firm that regularly does these kinds of repairs. They’ll have the experience to meet all of the chimney repair requirements swiftly and efficiently so that you can return to enjoying the flame in complete security.