Chimney Maintenance Archives - Page 3 of 4

Waterproofing Your Chimney

Your chimney goes through a lot of wear and tear. Being constantly exposed to the outdoor elements causes a lot of damage in the long run, which ends up putting a strain on you and your pocketbook. A better option is to invest in preventative measures now, before having to face costly repairs in the future. One of the best things you can do for your chimney is have it waterproofed.

Water and Masonry

Water is very harmful the brick on your chimney and will end up causing a lot of deterioration if it is not properly protected. Through the process of freezing and thawing, the chimney experiences extra pressure, since water expands when it freezes. On top of that the mortar holding the brick together will wear down more quickly and any metal aspects on the chimney will rust or break down.

In the long run, these things will cause a lot of overall damage. Your chimney will eventually collapse if not properly taken care of, which is an extremely costly thing to repair. Rust, rotting, cracks, and stains are just a few more of the many issues that arise when water comes into contact with your masonry. If you spend the money waterproofing now, you will save yourself from expensive and time-consuming fixes in the future.

Preventing Water Damage

So, what needs to be done to prevent water damage from occurring? Here are a few things you can do.

Install A Chimney Cap: Chimney caps sit on top of the chimney and do not allow rain or other weather elements to enter it. They are typically inexpensive and work hard to protect your brick year round. They also protect it from birds and other animals that might want to build homes inside of your chimney.
Repair Cracks and Gaps: The mortar on your chimney breaks down as it is exposed to outdoor elements. If holes start to form, it allows more opportunities for water to enter the brick and cause more damage. Filling these gaps and patching up any cracks will benefit your chimney greatly for when nasty weather comes around.
Waterproofing: Since brick is known for sucking in water, it would be a wise idea to waterproof your entire chimney. The smartest and safest option is to hire a professional to do the job. Before anything is done, the brick needs to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any possible damage. Once that is done, the water repellent can be applied. An expert will know exactly what to look for, as far as needed repairs, and knows the proper chemicals that should be used.

Olde Town Chimney Sweeps has everything you need to get your chimney in the best possible condition. Give one of our experts a call today. We look forward to serving you!

Start Off 2016 With A Chimney Inspection

It is no secret that a fireplace often offers an idyllic image to most homeowners. When temperatures are low, the perfect spot to be is curled up in front of a fire with friends or family. Yet, a cozy night indoors can quickly go wrong if you are not taking the proper steps to keep your chimney safe for use. It is essential to get your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once per year to ensure that your home and family are staying safe.

Avoid Chimney Fires

Avoiding fires in the home and chimney is the main reason why a professional inspection is so important. When you use your chimney, creosote and other debris start to build up. The more often you use it, the more these substances will accumulate. Creosote is known for being highly flammable and the more there is, the higher your chances are of experiencing unwanted fires. An expert will know exactly where and what to clean, while using the proper chemicals to do so.

How you use your fireplace and how you burn your wood can also affect how quickly creosote builds up. The way air moves through a chimney has a lot to do with how efficient your fire will burn, which then affects debris accumulation. A professional will be able to ensure that air is running correctly through the chimney and can advise you on the right techniques to use to start and maintain a proper fire.

Avoid Structural Damages

Cracks and holes can quickly accumulate in a chimney, making everything run much less efficiently. They could lead to water damage, which will be cause for costly repairs in the future. It also leaves opportunity for smoke and debris to escape into your home, causing further damage to your possessions. On top of this, structural damage affects the look of your chimney and may eventually lead to discoloration, both of which lower the home’s overall value.

On a more serious note, failure to keep chimneys in proper condition can eventually lead to their collapse. If a chimney collapses, your entire home and surrounding homes will suffer, as the heavy brick falls and crashes into whatever is in its path. This could also cause serious injury to anyone nearby. Avoid costly repairs and medical bills by getting an inspection before it is too late.

Avoid Health Issues

When a chimney is not regularly maintained, smoke cannot escape properly. Having nowhere else to go, the smoke will back up into your home spreading possibly harmful toxins throughout the house. Not to mention, all of the excess dirt and debris build-up allows for more exposure to allergens. If you or a family member is already sensitive to these things, keeping a clean chimney is essential.

Olde Town Chimney Sweeps has all the tools you need for maintaining a safe and clean fireplace. Give our experts a call today!

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