When you hire chimney contractors, you expect them to do a good job. Well, this is not always the case. Sometimes, they do a horrendous job that you have to redo. As you can guess, you have to spend more money on it.

To help you out, here are signs that your contractors didn’t do a good job, and how to hire the right professional for the task:

Signs of poor chimney workmanship

• For water to effectively shed off chimney crowns—the top part made of concrete, stone, or mortar— the part should be properly built to slope. When you hire the wrong contractors, they don’t do this right, and the area does not slope from the center to the edge. This means the water doesn’t drain as well as you would want.
• Inadequate caulking of the chimney’s sides or flashing where it meets the outer wall
• The chimney being rebuilt or replaced with the incorrect kind of brick, and the brick or stone being improperly patched, stained, or both.
• Mortar splattered on the brick, mortar joints failing to match the existing color and finish, and/or clear indications that the wrong mortar was used during the repointing.
• The chimney rain cap is too small or not firmly fastened.
• In the mortar joints and/or masonry units (brick, stone, block), including stucco, are minute fractures that can be seen.
• Paint peeling and scaling and failing to adhere effectively.
• The chimney appears unfinished and unclean due to inadequate cleaning.
• The chimney is adequately sealed or covered with a high-quality commercial water repellant.
• When a fracture in a mortar joint is sealed with clear silicone, the result is a terrible aesthetic and an almost instantaneous failure.

Due to the problems that can arise from hiring the wrong contractor, it is not a good idea to take the chimney repair job lightly. If chimneys are not correctly fixed, they may eventually leak, cause internal water damage, and possibly even cause structural damage to the house or roof.

Understanding chimney repairs

Since most homes have a chimney, chimney repair work is extremely common. The good thing is that most chimneys are still constructed using masonry; the most popular materials for chimney construction are brick, stone, or stucco.

While some repair contractors concentrate exclusively on outside chimney repairs, others clean or “sweep” the internal firebox, replace the chimney’s lining with more modern metal or traditional clay tile flues, and/or do interior firebox maintenance.

The owner has the option of choosing which chimney repair firm to work with, but generally speaking, the organizations that offer a one-stop shop have limited expertise when it comes to masonry repairs on the exterior of the chimney.

It’s easy to understand why. The highly competent masonry repair professionals in their industries are the best talent these “Do it all” chimney companies cannot attract with greater salaries and perks to remain competitive.

They are thus forced to “Do it All” with the help of less experienced personnel.

A “Do it All” technician (a handyman with limited masonry experience) will notice the difference in craftsmanship between a chimney completed by an expert and one done by a layperson. The quality and longevity of masonry and chimney repairs can vary greatly.

How do you hire the right contractor for your project?

For you to get the results in your project you should only hire highly experienced contractors. While the cost difference may reach up to 50%, the repair work will save you significant money over time since there won’t be any need for rework anytime soon. It will look fantastic for many years.

You should look for a reputable contractor or specialist in masonry and chimney restoration. A reputable provider will offer a prompt and equitable quote and a full craftsmanship warranty lasting at least two to three years.

Occasionally, a contractor of this kind will even promise that there won’t be any leaks during the warranty period—unless there’s a natural or artificial disaster, like a tree falling on the chimney, etc.

This skilled masonry contractor will be able to deliver a finished result that will prevent your chimney from leaking for years. They will also know how to make long-lasting upgrades and repairs to your chimney and that water is terrible for masonry.

Compared to the “Do It All” kind, they will provide superior protection against the weather for your chimney and valuable belongings.

Hiring a chimney sweep service is fine if you want your flues or chimney liner cleaned, but don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to the brick structure of your cherished home’s outside chimney.

Where can you locate the specialists in chimney repairs and masonry restoration? By checking with the Better Business Bureau, look for A+ accredited masonry restoration or repair firms. Next, look up A-rated businesses on Angie’s List by cross-referencing it, visiting Google+ pages, etc.

Finding out who is a current member of trade associations like IREM (International Real Estate Management), IFMA (International Facilities Management Association), and/or BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) could be beneficial.

A contractor member of a professional body will most likely provide a better service as they are concerned about losing their accreditation.

Parting shot

As you have read, it’s paramount that you know the chimney repair Columbia MD that you hire. As a rule of thumb, take your time to research and find a reputable one that will give you the great experience that you are after.

As mentioned, only work with a reputable contractor, preferably one accredited by a professional body. This way, you will be sure they will give you a great experience as they will be cautious about losing their accreditation if they provide poor artistry.

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