All About Chimney Repairs
A number of people may think that chimney repairs are an easy thing to do.
To the contrary, it is actually quite difficult because locating the damage needs a thorough inspection first.
You can do it on your own; you can probably use a pair of binoculars to get a visual, but the best thing to do is really is to have someone go up on the roof and inspect properly so that they can see the full extent of the damage.
Contacting a professional to check on your chimney is advisable.
This job is not a "Do-It-Yourself" kind of thing.
Doing chimney repairs involves an experienced professional (with masonry experience) climbing up on the roof andusing the correct equipment for inspection.
Getting to know your Chimney A chimney has three (3) parts:
If these are missing then there is a great chance that moisture will get into your fireplace.
This will cause damage in your home.
The technique of replacing the missing bricks and mortar is called the "tuck pointing".
This includes replacing failed joints (mortar) with new or fresh mortar.
It is a bit tricky because the mortar needs to have the correct consistency so it will work in the right way.
Other types of damage include cracked crown or cracks in the flue.
The working surroundings may be difficult to manage safely and care should be taken at all times.
Homeowners are recommended to have an inspection (annually) on their chimneys to see if they require any chimney repairs.
This will help them avoid major repairs from damages that are unseen.
You can also hire someone such as a chimney sweep and ask them to check on the status of your chimney.
It is better to be sure that your chimney is still working properly.
To the contrary, it is actually quite difficult because locating the damage needs a thorough inspection first.
You can do it on your own; you can probably use a pair of binoculars to get a visual, but the best thing to do is really is to have someone go up on the roof and inspect properly so that they can see the full extent of the damage.
Contacting a professional to check on your chimney is advisable.
This job is not a "Do-It-Yourself" kind of thing.
Doing chimney repairs involves an experienced professional (with masonry experience) climbing up on the roof andusing the correct equipment for inspection.
Getting to know your Chimney A chimney has three (3) parts:
- There is the "flue" and a lot of people know this one.
It is a passageway on the top part wherein smoke goes through to exit.
They are usually made of stainless steel or clay (baked). - We also have the "stack".
This can be seen outside and most of the time, it is covered with stone or brick. - Lastly, there is the "crown".
This part is usually prone to cracking because of the consistent heat source and this will in time lead to damage to the fireplace and even the home since moisture will seep in.
If these are missing then there is a great chance that moisture will get into your fireplace.
This will cause damage in your home.
The technique of replacing the missing bricks and mortar is called the "tuck pointing".
This includes replacing failed joints (mortar) with new or fresh mortar.
It is a bit tricky because the mortar needs to have the correct consistency so it will work in the right way.
Other types of damage include cracked crown or cracks in the flue.
The working surroundings may be difficult to manage safely and care should be taken at all times.
Homeowners are recommended to have an inspection (annually) on their chimneys to see if they require any chimney repairs.
This will help them avoid major repairs from damages that are unseen.
You can also hire someone such as a chimney sweep and ask them to check on the status of your chimney.
It is better to be sure that your chimney is still working properly.