#Chimney repair professional

If you don’t have a cap, or if yours is the wrong size, call a professional to have one installed. In addition, the Chimney should have a cap that is at least 3 inches wider than the Chimney opening.Ĭaps that are too small allow rain and snow to enter the Chimney, which can cause serious damage. If it isn’t, you could have serious drafting problems. The Chimney should be at least 2 feet taller than anything within a 10-foot radius of it. If your Chimney is the incorrect dimensions, it will not function properly. Here’s an example of flashing which allows water to enter a house that is under construction. It allows the chimney and roof to expand and contract at the right rates, without causing any damage. It is basically an expansion joint that’s made from two different materials. Faulty Flashingįlashing is the process of sealing the space between the chimney and the roof to keep rainwater out. The crown should have an upward slope that directs water away from the flue edges. This prevents mortar or brick from eroding along the vertical chimney surfaces.Ī properly constructed chimney crown should be overhanging, made from Portland cement-based mix. The chimney crown, which is located at the top of a chimney, acts as a shield against a number of dangers. These water-repellent treatments (also called “waterproofing”) can keep water from your chimney Crown of Chimneys Broken Make sure that there is no water infiltration inside any chimney or fireplace. To avoid all these dangers, keep a schedule for chimney inspections. Water damage can occur to exterior mortar and interior walls. This can also happen due to defective flashing at the roof–the to-chimbal junction. Water can get into the chimney through cracks in the crown or chimney shelf. When water reacts with creosote, it becomes acidic. This accelerates brick and mortar decay in fireplaces and chimneys. While water penetration can lead to mold growth, destruction, and other serious consequences, Water penetration can occur at multiple points. Look for cracks in mortar around the chimney and fireplace.Įvery day, more than 61 chimney fires are lit in the United States.ĭon’t panic if cracks develop in your fireplace or chimney.įireplace cracks can be repaired quickly. Fire risk could increase if it is not fixed promptly. If creosote buildup is more than 1/4 inch, it’s time to have a chimney cleaned.

Please Click Here for a Complete Article about Creosote. Some of these could be flammable.Ĭreosote (an oily substance) is the real culprit. Creosote (an oily substance) is a very similar substance to soot and can ignite by sparks.Ĭreosote, a flammable chemical, is formed from smoke and vapors of burning wood. It can cause a fire hazard.īrick cracks can lead to small areas of carbon buildup and waste particles. This illustration shows the buildup of a chimney flue. These small particles can build up and accumulate inside cracks in the masonry. The black smoke that comes out of a chimney is The reason for this is that smoke from a chimney can contain waste particles from a fire. CracksĬracks in the crown or firebox can be considered fire hazards under the NFPA. Over time, your chimney can develop problems that need to be repaired. It’s also one of the most vulnerable parts of your home, exposed to the elements and subject to wear and tear. Common Chimney ProblemsĪ Chimney is an important part of your home, providing ventilation for your fireplace or stove. These materials can be very vulnerable to rainwater damage if they’re not properly installed or maintained.Įxternal factors can cause serious damage to extremely porous chimneys. Masonry Chimney 101Ī chimney made of masonry can be made out of many materials, including concrete, bricks, mortar, concrete block and concrete block, cast iron and steel, and flue tile. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about repairing your chimney. Chimney repair can be a big job, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Then, it’s suddenly very important! If you’re having issues with your chimney, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible. Most people don’t give their chimney much thought – until there’s a problem.