Common Chimney Problems

Chimney repairs can add up, and it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. You don’t have to be a chimney expert to be aware of some of the problems your chimney sweep may recommend after an inspection. It’s never a good idea to put off chimney or fireplace repairs, since a lot of them can impact your home and create huge, expensive repairs later on. Here are some of the most common types of chimney repairs:

Chimney Crown and Cap

Even if you don’t use your fireplace that often, these are both top-priority repairs. The chimney’s crown and cap are how you keep out moisture, debris, and animals. The chimney crown can become cracked, and cracks will allow moisture to enter both the chimney and the structure of your home, which can cause a lot of damage. A chimney cap is what keeps everything out, and these can become deteriorated or damaged over time. If you want a chimney that is animal and debris-free, don’t neglect or put off this kind of repair.

Firebox

The firebox is where all the magic happens, and is the most visible part of your fireplace experience. It’s where you build and tend your fire. Fireboxes age, just like anything else, and can crack or become corroded with time. Smoke, just like water, seeks any escape, which you’ll have heat and toxic gases penetrating the structure of your home. Both of these kinds of damage can be very costly to repair, so it’s important to give that firebox the attention it needs.

Flashing

If your roof is leaking, it might not be the roof that needs to be repaired. The flashing of your chimney is the seal between the chimney and the roof. If the flashing is damaged or cracked, you’ve got an entry for water. Discoloration on the area of ceiling around the chimney is a sign that your flashing needs attention.

Brick and Mortar

Masonry chimneys are made of brick and mortar, which wears down from age and weather over the years. A chimney in need of repair might be leaning or crumbling. Tuckpointing is one of the many kinds of repairs we perform to masonry chimneys. It entails careful removal and replacement of the old mortar between the bricks to shore and seal up the chimney so it isn’t a liability to your home.

Flue Liner

Masonry chimneys often have clay flue liners that become cracked and deteriorated. This can be another entry point for heat and smoke damage to your home, as well as water damage. We use Heatshield® to line a damaged flue liner, though with extensive damage, a stainless steel flue liner may have to be installed.

Chimney Saver Solutions is certified and equipped to handle any type of repair your chimney can dish out. Give us a call to schedule an inspection to make sure your chimney is in ship-shape condition.