If you have cracks on your chimney you must be wondering if you can repair them, right? Well, it’s possible. You can do some of the work yourself, but for the best outcome, hire chimney contractors to help you.

Here is how to fix some of the most common chimney cracks:

Vertical cracks

Vertical cracks come about from the vertical movement in the chimney structure, possibly due to foundation concerns or the building’s natural settling. Addressing these structural issues as soon as they happen is critical to preventing further damage and ensuring your home’s safety.

When dealing with vertical masonry chimney cracks, you should be cautious of the material you use to seal the cracks. To be safe, choose a flexible sealer explicitly made for masonry applications to allow for future movement without jeopardizing the repair’s integrity.

You should clean and prepare the area before applying the sealer or filler material to guarantee optimal adherence and long-term effects.

If foundation concerns cause the cracks, you should connect with chimney repair professionals who will examine the situation and offer proper solutions to strengthen your home.

Horizontal cracks

Thermal expansion, contraction, and freeze-thaw cycles’ moisture penetration are among the leading causes of horizontal cracks.

To avoid these types of cracks, ensure your chimney has correct expansion joints that allow for movement in the masonry, which can reduce stress on the structure.

Additionally, providing enough structural support via metal brackets or reinforcing bars can assist in reducing cracking caused by severe loads or lateral strain.

When dealing with existing horizontal cracks, you should monitor their size and pattern over time. Fill tiny cracks with caulk or mortar repair products to prevent further water entry. If the issues are severe, get professional help.

Remember that early diagnosis and action are critical to ensuring the safety and longevity of your masonry chimney, so try to hire technicians at least once a year to inspect your chimney.

Crown cracks

Crown cracks develop at the very top of the chimney, also known as the crown, and can cause significant structural damage if not treated and fixed immediately.

These fissures are expected since the crown is constantly exposed to adverse weather conditions, temperature variations, and moisture infiltration.

To fix these cracks, you must use flexible elastomeric sealants that expand and contract as temperature changes. To be safe, choose waterproofing sealants formulated exclusively for chimney crowns.

Besides sealing the cracks, it’s also wise to waterproof them. To do this, apply a water-repellent coating to the whole surface of the chimney. You should install adequate flashing around the chimney base to avoid water incursion. Remember to regularly inspect the surfaces to keep an eye on expanding cracks.

If a crack expands or a new one emerges, contact a professional for repair.

Spalling

This arises when moisture damage and freeze-thaw cycles cause the exterior layers of brick or stone to flake away, resulting in degradation.

To avoid spalling in the first place, use high-quality materials during construction and follow suitable repointing processes.

You also should use protective sealants developed for masonry surfaces that will help keep undesirable moisture out and extend the life of your chimney.

When you have existing spalling difficulties, fix them immediately to prevent further damage.

Begin by carefully removing loose or damaged bricks and cleaning the affected area.

Choose new materials that resemble the original in size, color, and texture.

Install the new bricks or stones using experienced repointing procedures.

This not only assures a snug fit but also contributes to your chimney’s structural integrity.

Stair step cracks

These cracks usually appear when there is uneven settling or movement within the chimney’s foundation, causing bricks to crack and separate along mortar joints. These cracks follow the brick design and occur in a zigzag manner.

To repair stair-step cracks, you must stabilize the foundation, replace any damaged bricks, and reinforce the brickwork using suitable techniques. For extra strength, masonry reinforcement can be accomplished by employing steel lintels or rebar.

Using chimney sealants can also help prevent moisture intrusion, which can lead to more cracking and damage over time.

In other cases, stair-step cracks may signify broader foundation difficulties that require professional care.

To adequately address this issue, consider hiring a structural engineer to examine your home’s overall stability and prescribe appropriate steps such as reinforcing foundations or building support beams if needed.

Efflorescence

While spalling can cause considerable damage to your chimney, you may also experience efflorescence. This problem develops when moisture in the chimney evaporates and leaves salt deposits, resulting in ugly white streaks on the chimney’s surface.

Efflorescence is not just a cosmetic concern but also indicates excess moisture in the structure, which can lead to more severe problems if left untreated. To combat efflorescence, first, identify and eliminate the moisture sources causing the problem.

When cleaning existing efflorescence deposits, use gentle methods like dry brushing or a light detergent solution to avoid damaging the stonework further.

Keep an eye on your chimney’s condition because simply cleaning the indicators of efflorescence will not repair the underlying problem, and treat any signs of excess moisture to avoid it becoming a recurring issue.

Mortar joint damage

Mortar deterioration is a prevalent problem in masonry chimneys and can be caused by various factors, including weathering, moisture penetration, and inappropriate mortar composition.

Damaged mortar joints not only jeopardize your chimney’s structural integrity but also represent a safety risk to your home.

One way to fix the problem is to use lime-based mortar, which is highly durable and compatible with old masonry materials.

Lime-based mortars provide high binding strength while remaining flexible enough to withstand modest structural motions without shattering.

Parting shot

These are some of the ways you can fix the cracks in your chimney. For the best outcome, ensure that you are following the right procedures for the type of crack you have in your property. As mentioned, to avoid being caught by surprise when your chimney fails, make it a habit to schedule an annual chimney inspection Ellicott City.

The post Can Chimney Cracks Be Repaired? first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

This post first appeared on https://www.firstclasschimneyservices.com

The chimney is an important part of your fireplace. With each fire, creosote, soot, and debris become lodged or build up in the chimney’s lining. If not cleaned out over time this can cause a chimney fire or send hazardous fumes into your home. As the fireplace burning season is coming to an end, it is important to clean out your chimney. Northeast Chimney is here for all your chimney concerns.

A straight chimney is quite common. It is a job that every chimney sweep is familiar with. But what if a chimney has a curve? Am I out of luck? Can I get someone to clean my chimney?

No, you are not out of luck and yes, a chimney sweep can clean out a curved chimney. Special tools are used when a chimney has a curve or a bend.

Tools That Are Needed

Chimney Brush

A brush that has a flexible pole to be able to go around the bends and curves of the fireplace.

Extension rods

A chimney extension rod is attached to the chimney brush. This enables the chimney sweep to reach high up into the chimney through the bends.

Drop cloths

Drop cloths and/or plastic sheets will protect the area around the fireplace. Keeping everything clean and dust-free.

Annual Inspection

Before you determine that your chimney needs cleaning, get an inspection. An annual inspection will help to determine if there is any damage. If identified early, this can be taken care of while a chimney sweep is working on your chimney.

Safety at All Costs 

At Northeast Chimney, we will take all the safety precautions necessary.

Once the chimney is cleaned, another inspection is conducted. This assures the homeowner that everything that needed to be done was.

What To Do Before Your Cleaning

• Clear a pathway to the fireplace.
• Make room in the driveway for the truck to park.
• Take down decorations from the mantel.
• Move furniture away from the fireplace.
• Cover any furniture.

When planning on cleaning a chimney whether it has a bend or not, it is important to contact a professional. Appropriate tools as well as safety precautions must be used. This is a job for professionals. We at Northeast Chimney have all the tools necessary to get the job done. Remember that a well-maintained chimney will allow for proper ventilation. It will prevent hazardous fumes and chimney fires. Fires run with proper cleaning also improve energy efficiency.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeast Chimney at 860-233-5770. We can clean your chimney no matter what bend or curve you have. We come with all the equipment needed for all sorts of chimneys.

We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are CSIA certified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)

In addition, Northeastern Chimney, Inc. maintains a rigorous training schedule and a strict code of performance and ethics.

The post Can My Chimney Be Cleaned If It Has A Bend? appeared first on .

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

A CSIA certified chimney sweep is a professional certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (or CSIA). All of Superior Chimney’s technicians and masons, not just some, are CSIA certified. These are highly trained professionals who are unquestionably the most qualified and knowledgeable people for the job. As Spring tries to make its way […]

The post A CSIA Professional’s Guide to Spring Cleaning appeared first on Chimney Repairs and Service Expertise.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

A missing chimney cap can make or break the chimney structure and safety of your home. It’s true that April showers bring May flowers. It also can bring severe storms that, in the Chicagoland area, will be sure to damage your chimney. You need all the necessary protection for the Spring months. If you go outside and look up at your chimney, is there a small metal cap on top? If the answer is yes, your chimney flue is protected. Check for rust or deterioration (if you can see it from the ground). If you don’t notice this necessary little cap, it’s really important you call a certified chimney professional. So, what happens if your chimney doesn’t have a cap?

A Chimney with No Cap

Did you know that chimneys are designed to have a chimney cap? The two are inseparable! A chimney needs a cap for the same reasons a home needs a roof!  A chimney without a cap will result in cold downdrafts, serious water leaks, visits from critters and damage to your home. Chimneys in the Chicagoland area are constantly exposed to the harsh elements. From rain, to snow, high winds, water, and animals, a chimney will quickly become damaged without the proper protection. Some drizzle may not sound like it can be damaging, but the porous bricks will store that water. Constant rain and humidity cause quick deterioration. As the chimney’s outside deteriorates, it becomes a fire hazard. Other objects like leaves or animals can clog the flue, causing a fire when it’s lit. A chimney cap protects the flue inside from water and other debris from entering it.

Does the Cap Stop Airflow?

Whether you have a chimney cap or not, airflow stays the same. The chimney cap is designed so that the wind from outside creates a small vacuum at the top of the flue, so the chimney should produce a constant draft, as designed. 

My Chimney Cap Looks Off!

Don’t worry, a chimney professional can help! If your chimney cap looks a bit small or big, it’s time to call a certified professional to get a replacement. Sometimes the cap can be shaking and loose, which is a sign of it being too big or about to blow off.  

There’s Still Water Leaking

Water leaking is not always because of a faulty chimney cap. Masonry deterioration or flashing deterioration will also cause leaks. Do you notice some drops of rainwater coming into your chimney? When the chimney flashing (the metal that seals the bottom of your chimney’s structure to the roof) becomes deteriorated, it will cause water leaks. Flashing can lose its seal due to harsh weather and wear and tear. Leaking from deteriorated flashing is also seen in walls, ceilings and the roof. If you’re noticing leaking in any of these places, it’s definitely time to call a certified professional for a chimney inspection. 

Help With a Missing Chimney Cap 

As spring rolls around the corner, call your chimney professional for help on installing a new chimney cap. If you notice a missing chimney cap, a faulty one, or worried about water leaks, a chimney professional will help put your mind at ease. Call Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349 and ask for a chimney inspection, today!

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Every blog post, video and chimney professional will tell you water damage to a chimney is the worst and the most common damage your chimney will go through. Plants, our bodies and animals are made up of at least 70% water! Yet, our chimneys are not. Chimneys are heavily affected by rain, wind and everyday weather that we experience in the Chicagoland area. During our inspections, water damage to the chimney is the most common. It’s not always easy to spot, either. Sometimes, you can directly see it in the form of deteriorating masonry. Other times, your chimney professional might mention some rust or shaling inside the flue, or the metal pipe that runs directly from your fireplace to the outside. So, let’s see…Which of the below scenarios will the chimney win against water damage, and which will it will lose!

1. Your chimney professional reports small cracks in the mortar on the outside of your chimney. It doesn’t sound too serious, it’s just a few cracks. Will the Chicagoland spring storms cause worse damage?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. All it takes is a few cracks in the mortar caused by weather changes throughout the winter to start the deterioration process. As spring rolls into full force, you’ll see the cracks become bigger. High winds from dangerous storms with possible hail and powerful rain sit within the cracks, quickly eating away at the porous material. You’re in definite need of tuckpointing!

• You don’t need to use your fireplace anymore, because it’s getting warmer outside. When you’re closing up the fireplace, you notice a strange smell. It smells damp and musty. What happened? 

This is a job for a chimney professional! If you’re noticing any musty smell coming from your chimney at any point of the year, it’s likely water has seeped into your chimney and settled. Mold and mildew began to grow. A chimney cap can prevent a lot of water from seeping into the chimney’s flue, but it doesn’t do a perfect job. Getting your chimney regularly inspected will help prevent mold and mildew growth. 

• Your chimney professional recommended something called Chimney Saver. They applied this clear substance onto your chimney, and after a while, you’ve noticed your chimney looks dry and new! Did the chimney finally beat water?

Chimney Saver is a waterproofing agent. It’s designed to minimize masonry deterioration, prevent water penetration, and preserve any tuckpointing repairs that were made before application. In this case, yes, the chimney finally wins! Ask your Superior Chimney professional for additional information on applying Chimney Saver this spring, in preparation for the upcoming storm season.

Preparing For Water Damage from the Chimney

It looks like, without any prevention, water wins! With spring storms right around the corner, it’s the perfect time for water to start damaging the exterior and interior of your chimney. If you notice any cracks, deterioration, or musty smells already, it’s important to take care of these problems before they become worse. Care for any current water damage and protect it from the coming storms by calling Superior Chimney professionals for an inspection at 877-244-6349. 

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

The ABC’s of tuckpointing chimney repair include chimney size, repair and materials. Have you ever browsed online, especially a website like Instagram or Facebook, and saw photos of perfect homes? It feels like you do home repairs almost every day! Those home improvement shows on HGTV make a living off of the perfect interior and exterior of the home, and promising that if you complete the steps on their program, you’d achieve the same. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as the media makes it seem. Yet, your chimney can look TV ready, with the help of a chimney professional! Superior Chimney will help you with your chimney repair, but in order to begin, you must learn the ABC’s of tuckpointing chimney repair. 

A Brief Review of Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is the process of repairing the damaged brick or stone mortar on the external part of the chimney. It’s good to get a tuckpointing chimney repair in order to fully ensure that your chimney is safe and in working order. Trying tuckpointing yourself is not encouraged, because a chimney professional uses specialized methods in order to enhance the aesthetic of your chimney, and check for and fix any further repairs. 

Tuckpointing Materials

Tuckpointing materials include the color and type of brick mortar or stone mortar that will make up the structure of your chimney. Usually, the brick color and mortar will contrast or compliment the color of your home. Tuckpointing your chimney will ensure that the chimney is up to working standard. Tuckpointing repair minimizes deterioration while repairing all flaws currently present. Post tuckpointing, a chimney professional will add a layer of Chimney Saver on top to prevent further deterioration from water damage. Chimney saver repels water from the harsh Chicagoland weather changes, such as rain, freezing temperatures, and humidity. 

Functioning Repair

Your chimney is more than an eye catcher for the passerby. Sure, while your neighbors are walking their dog, they’ll most definitely catch a glimpse of your chimney. However, a chimney serves an important role in your home. If the chimney is very damaged, you see chunks of brick or mortar falling off, or even a missing brick, the chimney will surely collapse eventually. A collapsed chimney is a serious repair that requires a chimney rebuild. You certainly won’t be able to use the chimney, as toxic gasses may become blocked in the flue and flow back into your home. It’s important to hire a Superior Chimney professional to ensure the function of your chimney!

Tuckpointing Chimney Repair: Next Steps

If you’ve noticed some damage to the outside of your chimney, want an aesthetic makeover, or are worried about hidden damages, calling a Superior Chimney professional will certainly ease your worries. We have extensive experience around the Chicagoland area repairing chimneys and educating homeowners about keeping their chimney and home safe. Call us today for a chimney inspection, your first step for a tuckpointing chimney repair, at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

As the weather starts to turn warmer, we find ourselves outside more. The leaves from the winter need to be raked up. Pruning needs to be done. There are many tasks that await as we launch into spring. The list is endless. But now is not the time to forget about your fireplace and chimney. The spring is a great time to have your chimney inspected and to make an appointment for a chimney sweep. You will be able to get an appointment without much trouble. Holding off will only get you on a waitlist or not the most desirable time and date. Call Northeast Chimney today to arrange for your spring cleaning and inspection. You will be ready when the fall rolls around next October. 

What Can You Do to Make Your Chimney Sweep Experience Great?

Getting your house ready for the visit by the chimney sweep will help ease the visit. Here is what you can do.

• Clear the area from the door to the fireplace. Allowing a clear path will help our technician get to the fireplace without any trouble. They will have to bring in equipment.
• Allow space in your driveway so that the technician can park close to the house. 
• Move furniture away from the surrounding fireplace. Our technicians will cover anything in the surrounding area. 
• Take down decorations and store them in a safe place.
• Put pets in a locked room. We love our pets, but they can get afraid when someone new is in the house. It is best for all involved to have your pets in a safe spot. 

What To Expect During the Inspection?

We will be prepared with all the equipment needed for your inspection. Our technicians come with a wealth of knowledge. We can spot an issue well before it becomes a large expense. This is also a reason why an annual chimney inspection is suggested by the experts. Being ahead of the curve will save you in the future.

Here is what we will inspect.

• Interior Masonry.
• Exterior Masonry.
• Chimney Liner.
• Chimney Cap.
• Chimney Crown. 
• Chimney Flashing.

It’s spring, we have waited all year for this. The hope of new beginnings or rebirth. Buds are popping through the earth. The birds are chirping once again. Take this time to work with your Chimney sweep to come up with a plan for your chimney and fireplace. Taking care of this now will allow you more time in the fall preparing for winter. 

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeast Chimney at 860-233-5770. We can clean your chimney no matter what bend or curve you have. We come with all the equipment needed for all sorts of chimneys.

We service all Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our Chimney Technicians are CSIA certified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)

Also, Northeastern Chimney, Inc. maintains a rigorous training schedule and a strict code of performance and ethics.

The post Add Chimney Sweeping to Your Spring-Cleaning List   appeared first on .

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Commercial chimney liners are critical to containing and guiding byproducts of combustion safely out of your building. However, over time, these liners can deteriorate due to age, and wear and tear, potentially compromising its purpose. 

At Best Chimney Services, we have provided reliable and personalized chimney services in the Boston area since 1989. Our chimney technicians have years of experience and are dedicated to delivering excellent service. You can count on us to make sure your chimney is properly running. Give us a call for your residential and commercial chimney needs! 

If you have a commercial chimney, then it may be time to replace your liner. Learn more below!

Why a Commercial Chimney Liner is Important and How it Works

Commercial chimney venting has several important functions, including:

Safety

Your chimney liner is in charge of protecting the interior walls of your chimney from high temperatures and harsh byproducts, guiding toxic gases out of the building. The liner helps reduce the risk of fire hazards and carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s very important that the liner is intact.

Durability

Chimney liners are made to withstand high temperatures and corrosive substances in order to protect the structure of the chimney. The durability comes from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic. Without the liner, these high temperatures and byproducts would eat away at the masonry and result in dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

Efficiency

Commercial boilers often require specialty vents in order to avoid soot buildup and condensation issues. With the proper size liner, you can promote efficient drafting to ensure smoke and gases are properly removed from the building.

Signs Your Commercial Chimney Liner Needs to be Replaced

Cracks

If you notice any cracks, gaps, or fractures in your liner, this is the most evident sign that your liner needs to be replaced. These cracks can allow dangerously high heat and gas to escape and get into your building.

Corrosion

Corrosion in metal chimney liners can weaken the liner’s durability, putting it at risk for inefficient venting. We recommend looking for signs of rust, discoloration, and deterioration around the pipe that leads from the boiler to the chimney and check whether or not it’s corroding.

Creosote Buildup

If you’re noticing frequent creosote buildup, this can be a sign that your commercial chimney liner is no longer withholding and expelling toxic gases. It’s important that you have your liner replaced immediately because the buildup of creosote can put you at risk for a chimney fire.

Poor Drafting

Proper draft has several key factors including flow capacity, boiler specifications, lateral run length, chimney height, and location of the stack in relation to the building envelope to name just a few.  It is best to leave the investigating to the professionals to determine your specific lining needs.  

Call Best Chimney Services for a New Chimney Liner

Your commercial chimney liner is a critical component to the functionality and safety of your building. If you’ve noticed any signs of damage like the ones we mentioned above, we urge you to give us a call to resolve the issue before it can get dangerous and costly.

The post When Should You Replace Your Commercial Chimney Liner? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Good chimney flashing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you consider routine home maintenance, however, it plays a crucial role in keeping your household safe. 

At Best Chimney Services, we’ve taken care of homeowners’ chimneys since 1989. Whether you’re looking for routine chimney inspections, vital chimney repairs, or other chimney services, we’re here to help. Call Best Chimney Services for reliable chimney services you can lean on. In the meantime, we’re going to discuss the purpose of chimney flashing and how to recognize when it needs repair. But first, let’s delve into what chimney flashing is. 

What is Chimney Flashing?

Chimney flashing is the transition piece at the base of the chimney where the chimney meets the roof. The purpose of the flashing is to provide a seal between the chimney and the roof, ensuring that no water can seep into your home. This prevents costly water damage in your chimney and home. 

Why Good Chimney Flashing is Important

Chimney flashing is important because it helps you avoid any further chances of water damage. If water were to seep into the gaps between your chimney and roof, leaks caused by heavy rainfall or snow could follow and cause damage to your roof and home. Water build-up could also lead to mold growth, wood rot, corrosion of metal, and damage to masonry. If your chimney faces enough water damage, the brick and mortar will become brittle, risking the entire structural integrity. Good chimney flashing diverts rainwater away from the masonry to minimize harmful intrusion into the home. 

How to Know if You Need a Chimney Flashing Repair

Visible Damage

If you notice any visible damage on the paneling around your chimney’s base, that could be a sign for a chimney flashing repair. Inspect the flashing by looking for any signs of wear and tear, such as peeling, staining, or bent edges. If any of the flashing is cracked or missing, then you should schedule a flashing repair immediately.

Water Stains

As we mentioned, the purpose of chimney flashing is to create a seal between the inside of your home and the water outside. Therefore, a major sign that your chimney requires a flashing repair is water damage. Check for this by looking for water stains on your interior walls, like the ceiling and walls near your chimney. This could be an indication of a leak due to damaged flashing.

Loose Flashing 

Flashing is meant to be installed tightly against your chimney and the roof to create an airtight lock. If that flashing is loose or pulling away, then the seal has been compromised. Call your chimney technician immediately to have your flashing resealed or replaced.

Roof Wear

You may not have originally considered this, but roof wear is one way to tell if you need a flashing repair. If you have excessive wear on your roof, specifically around your chimney, this could indicate damage to your chimney flashing. We recommend looking for missing shingles around or near the flashing. If you’re having trouble identifying damage and are worried that your flashing needs repair, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

How to Repair Your Chimney Flashing

Your chimney flashing is important to maintaining your chimney’s structural integrity and preventing costly and dangerous damage. Therefore, we urge you to contact a professional chimney company that is experienced in chimney flashing and can ensure that it’s done properly.  

Call Best Chimney Services for Good Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing plays an important role in protecting your home from water damage. For reliable chimney flashing you can count on, call Best Chimney Services for high-quality craftsmanship.

The post Why Good Chimney Flashing is Important appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.