Chimney Repair
Your home’s chimney needs regular attention to remain in good condition, especially after the chimney starts to age. Older chimneys often need masonry services to retain their integrity, good looks, and value. A chimney that is not well inspected or repaired may eventually degrade. Poor maintenance can lead to further damage and costly rebuilding.
How Often to Repair Your Chimney
Chimneys need to be inspected once yearly for signs of damage. Most structures do not need regular maintenance or repair, except for an inspection. The length of time that the masonry will last depends on the quality of the materials, the skill of the contractor who built the chimney, and the environment around the home. Some chimneys fall apart faster than others, so the only way to know how much time can go between masonry services is by having it evaluated by a professional.
Why Chimney Repair?
You know how special it feels to spend the evening curled around a warm fire. Getting your chimney repaired regularly ensures that you’re safe to use your chimney as often as you want. Without good maintenance, your chimney could fail, causing a fire, smoke damage, smoke inhalation, even potential injury or death. Chimney repair protects your home, your family, members of your household and your property’s value.
Signs Your Chimney Masonry Needs Repair
You might be able to tell that your chimney masonry needs repair, depending on the problems that are occurring. Look for the following warning signs:
- Salty or crusty white buildup on the outside of the bricks
- Crumbling bricks or chips in the masonry around the bricks
- Missing or loose bricks
- Missing mortar around the bricks
- Cracked chimney crown
Unfortunately, not all masonry problems are obvious to the untrained eye. Some cracks are too small to see from the yard, while other problems may be hidden behind the flashing around your chimney. Fire damage isn’t the only potential risk, if your chimney is in poor condition. Water damage can also occur.
You may not be able to tell that your chimney needs repair unless you hire a professional. Have your chimney inspected once every year by an experienced masonry contractor. With an annual inspection, you’ll be able to gauge the safety of your chimney, and you’ll be able to protect your property and household from potential fire.
Contact the Experts
Your home is too important to risk a fire or water damage. To ensure that your chimney is in good repair, contact a chimney and masonry expert for an appointment, inspection, and potential repairs today.