During the cold winter months, there are some chimney repairs that are not convenient to have taken care of, and that are only completed when absolutely necessary. As the springtime comes, many homeowners take advantage of the warmer weather to do maintenance on their chimneys, however. After all, consistently maintaining your chimney with annual inspections, regular sweeps, and necessary repairs is the best way to keep your chimney in proper working order for the long run.

Do you have a chimney in the Greater Boston, MA area? Best Chimney Services is an all-service chimney company that has been serving the area since 1989. Call us at (781) 893-6611 to discuss your chimney repairs or other services!

Now, we’ll discuss three chimney repairs that you may need this spring!

Common Spring Chimney Repairs

Though our team receives many calls for different spring chimney repairs, the following are some of the most frequently needed repairs in New England.

Pointing

When a chimney is starting to deteriorate, but the bricks still appear to be in good shape, chimney pointing may be your solution. Pointing is when the mortar joints between the bricks are partially ground out and filled back in with new mortar. The mortar in between the bricks can become soft and crumbly even though the bricks are still intact. Removing the old mortar and replacing it can add new life to the chimney, stop water leaks and save thousands in rebuilding costs.  After your chimney has been re-pointed, consider waterproofing to protect your investment.  Contact us to schedule an appointment!

Flashing Repairs

Chimney flashing repairs are another common spring chimney repair. Chimney flashing plays a key role in keeping your home safe from water. It is located at the point where the roof and chimney meet, and it acts as a sealant to keep water from entering the chimney and roof.

After the cold and windy wintertime, flashing repairs are oftentimes necessary. Some signs that you may need chimney flashing repairs include condensation in your firebox, moisture stains on the walls near the chimney, a musty smell near your chimney, or water droplets in your chimney. Our team provides chimney flashing repair service and would be happy to assist you. Click here to contact us.

Chimney Rebuilds

The winter can also take a toll on a chimney’s masonry, making springtime rebuilds necessary. Many clients ask us about the difference between chimney rebuilding and repointing. Chimney repointing suffices when the mortar between the bricks has worn away and can be reapplied to fill in the gaps. However, rebuilding is needed when the bricks are deteriorating as well.

With Boston’s Best Chimney’s chimney rebuilding service, we take down your existing structure and rebuild it after having discussed color and style options. A chimney rebuild will not only keep your chimney in working order, but it can also give your home a stylish boost! Contact us to book an estimate for a chimney rebuild.

Contact Us for Your Greater Boston, MA Area Spring Chimney Repairs

Spring is the perfect time to make sure that your chimney is working well after the long, cold winter. Call our team to discuss the repairs that your chimney needs. We look forward to assisting you!

The post 3 Chimney Repairs You May Need This Spring appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

There isn’t a lot of use for your fireplace in the summer, but you need to take some important steps in order to make sure that the chimney and fireplace are ready during the return of cold winter. In order to make sure that the fireplace and chimney are ready during the return of the cold weather, consider these safety issues. It is especially important to consider that a poorly maintained fireplace can be hazardous to everyone. Aside from a chimney sweep, you need to do your part in making sure that you are able to maintain the chimney all year round.

If you want to know more about the best maintenance tips during the off-season, read on.

Schedule an Inspection

A professional chimney sweep can check your fireplace, so they can look for signs of damage, wear and tear, inefficiency, moisture leaks, blockage, cracks, and more. It can be difficult to discover the damage inside the chimney flue without helping a professional. Being unable to detect even a tiny crack in the lining could lead to a house fire because of the intense heat from the fireplace that reaches combustible parts of the home.

Chimney Cleaning

As indicated, wood fire smoke leaves a bit of residue in the chimneys. A lot of the homeowners are surprised to find out how sticky creosote can get that it clings to the inner walls after only one season. Chimneys that have not been inspected for several years may have a build-up level of that, and it could cause a fire.

Aside from smoke residue, chimneys normally wind up with debris like leaves, bird nests, and twigs. The obstructions can cause a serious problem with the airflow and it provides fuel to fire If you do not take care of it.

Make Sure the Damper is Closed

If you own a wood-burning one, you have to make sure that the damper is closed when you are not using the fireplace. One of the things that a damper does is it seals of airflow between your home and the chimney. When a damper is unable to seal properly, the effect can be similar to having an open window inside your home all the time. Costs of energy are a lot higher when the summer air conditioning and winter heat escape through the chimney. A damper also prevents critters from going into your home through the chimney. If your fireplace uses gas, experts recommend that you should keep the damper open at all times so you can prevent gas buildup in case of a gas leak.

Replace or Install the Chimney Cap

You should incorporate a strong defense when it comes to fireplace maintenance, and that is a chimney cap. This reduces the damage caused by water to a chimney and wildlife. Snow and rain will enter an uncapped chimney and it will freeze and thaw, which causes damage and expansion. Small wildlife might nest in chimneys, which clogs them and it will potentially introduce ticks, worms, fleas, as well as other pests that cause diseases. A chimney cap that has a screen mesh is going to keep animals out while protecting your roof from sparks and embers.

You Need to Upgrade

Without needing to invest a lot, there are a lot of ways if you want to upgrade your fireplace’s efficiency. The fireplace liners and glass doors are only two of the best ways to get more out of it.

You can contact chimney inspection Upper Marlboro if you need professionals to come by and check your chimney and fireplace.

The post The Best Tips for Off-Season Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

The dryer vent. Who is thinking about cleaning the dryer vent when we clean them every time we do laundry, right? Let me share with you what I discovered this weekend. I spent some time outside this weekend trying to do two things at one time. 1. Enjoy some of the sunshine 2. Spring Clean.

Spring Cleaning

As Spring cleaning is well underway, it seems like the leaves never went away from the Fall. In every corner of the home, there’s a pile of leaves wet and stuck to the ground. However, on the back side of the home, the leaves made its way from one side to the other. I knew this was going to take a while.

As I reached the half way mark, I remembered that a family member was inside washing a load of laundry. I could hear the low sound of the dryer running. But wait…the flap is barely moving.

Dryer Vent Cleaning #1 Benefit

Let’s first discuss the #1 benefit of a dryer vent sweep. You get done with your laundry faster and your dryer unit lasts longer. If the dryer vent isn’t cleaned once per year, the hot moist air remains in the dryer and venting system. It takes longer for the dryer to complete its job. And…not very good for the life of your dryer unit either. Infrequent dryer vent service shortens the life of your dryer unit as it needs to work harder and longer to dry your clothes.  The moist air can also get trapped in your clothes and leave a musty smell. All that work, and you’re right back where you started.

Dryer Vent #1 Problem to Solve

The issue of dryer vents is a real one. According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 13,000 home dryer fires are reported each year. 34% of those fires are caused by lint. Now that’s not to say that you don’t clean your dryer vent. You do. But lint has a mind of its own. Some light and fluffy lint gets past the lint trap and accumulates in the duct that leads to the outside.

More Problems with Dryer Vents

Because we want you to be fully armed with information, here are some additional problematic signs that can cause a dryer vent fire.

• Clothes are too hot to touch. Remember, there’s a cool down before you take the clothes out. When that’s still too hot, that’s a sign the dryer vent is clogged.
• The room with the washer and dryer, it’s also too hot.
• The dryer vent flap or slats outside isn’t working properly. If you also notice in the picture, lint and debris begin to make its way out of the slats or flap. That’s pretty full.
•  Smell the dryer sheet. If you notice it doesn’t smell like the dryer sheet, there’s a clog.

What Can a Homeowner Do?

To begin, to check your dryer vent outside. Is it working properly? Is there anything overflowing outside? Next, throw in a load of laundry. Does it smell musty? A little or a lot? Is the dryer overly hot in the cool down?  Is it running longer than it used to?

If you get a slight yes to a full blown yes, then it’s time to get it cleaned by Superior Chimney. Give us a call at 877-244-6349 to schedule up your spring dryer vent cleaning. Smell like fresh spring!

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

As homeowners there are so many different maintenance items to track, that unfortunately, our chimneys don’t always get the care they need. When minor chimney damage is not repaired timely, it can accelerate into more extensive repair work requiring chimney re-pointing or rebuilding. Chimney rebuilding and re-pointing are repair processes that restore the chimney’s structural integrity and appearance. While they both may seem similar, they are entirely different techniques. Here is the difference between chimney rebuilding and re-pointing:

Chimney Repointing

The chimney is constructed with motor joints to keep the structure in place. As years go by, the mortar joints can begin to decay and create voids in areas of your chimney, such as in between the bricks. This is typically the result of exposure to the elements, including the freeze and thaw cycle during brutal Boston winters.

If your chimney’s bricks are in good shape, repointing might be the best option. This option helps repair the appearance and structure of your chimney. It also prevents further damage and moisture from entering the bricks. This can ultimately lead to your chimney experiencing significant structural damage to the point where it needs rebuilding.

The process of repointing involves grinding out the mortar joints between the brick within by 1/4″ to 1/2″. The joints are then filled back in with new mortar, and the excess is removed for a smooth and beautiful new look for your chimney!

Chimney Rebuilding

There are some circumstances where a chimney’s repair goes beyond repointing. Rebuilding a chimney is often the result of years of neglect. The chimney can be unsafe to use until it is rebuilt.

There are several types of chimney rebuilding:

• Partial chimney rebuild: This is performed on smaller sections on a larger chimney or a small chimney. It sometimes includes a chimney crown rebuild.
• Roofline up rebuilds: This is when a new chimney is built up from the roof flashing. A roof line-up rebuild is the best option when pointing won’t sufficiently repair the damage.
• Complete rebuild: A complete rebuild is needed when the entire chimney structure is damaged. Example scenarios that require a complete rebuild include spawning, leaning, and severe mortar deterioration.

Maintenance Helps Avoid Rebuilding and Repointing

The good news is that you can delay the need to rebuild or repoint your chimney by working with professionals. Yearly chimney sweeps and inspections ensure that your chimney is properly performing, and its structure isn’t compromised.

Best Chimney has served the Boston area for over 30 years with state-of-the-art chimney cleaning and masonry services. If you’re unsure if your chimney needs repointing, rebuilding, or some other type of repair, our professional team can guide you in the right direction. We also offer chimney inspections and chimney sweeps, essential to keeping your chimney in proper working order.

Contact us to discuss these services.

The post Is Your Chimney Showing Signs of Wear? Rebuild or Repoint? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Chimneys are designed to remove harmful gases from your home while your fireplace is in use, but they also work to help other harmful gases escape even when the fireplace is not in use. However, it can only do so when it is properly cleaned. Whether you use your fireplace regularly or not, you should have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year.  

As you know, spring is the best time to clean your chimney, so you might be ready to get out there and do it yourself. At first thought, just removing everyday build-up from your chimney appears to be something you can do on your own. It might seem easy, but it’s not just a simple sweep!  

So, what do chimney cleaning professionals do that you can’t?  

Chimney cleaning is more than just cleaning; it is a full-service inspection of the entire chimney and fireplace system for any damage, debris, or build-up that poses potentially hazardous concerns for you and your family. Our certified experts complete this process by first performing a full sweep of the fireplace and chimney, followed by a thorough camera scope of the interior of the system, and then an 18-point inspection analyzing every component of the chimney and fireplace which is documented and conveyed over to you via professional and organized report.

Identify & Repair Potential Damages  

Our technicians can identify standard damages that can occur whether you frequently use your fireplace or not. Whether it is routine build-up, missing caps, damaged flues, or bad flashing, we are trained to identify these issues at the very beginning and help homeowners avoid more invasive problems. Any recommended repairs are unique and prevalent to your specific setup, aiming to prevent you from having more significant and more costly issues later.  

Recognize Deterioration  

There may be underlying problems that only a trained technician can discover, such as deterioration. If an excessive amount of water enters the chimney, it can damage the liner or flue and cause deterioration to occur more quickly. This is something that is more difficult for the average person to identify, yet it can cause major issues.   

Discovering Unwanted Chimney Visitors  

Cleaning can also require the removal of rodents or birds and their nests. Most people would not want to spend their weekends handling wildlife from their chimneys. Professionals are trained to handle various types of wildlife situations and advise specific caps or adjustments to keep these pesky visitors out of your chimney.  

Cleaning with Less Mess and Less Stress 

If you use your fireplace, a coating and debris can form throughout your chimney and, if left untreated, can cause more severe damage to the chimney and to your health. Professionals clean all of this out to give you peace of mind and help you rest and breathe easily. They can also handle the cleaning in a less invasive way than most do-it-yourself options might provide. If you think about the mess all of this can make, it can definitely be overwhelming if you are not accustomed to it.   

For any Atlanta-area homeowners who are considering cleaning their own chimneys themselves, we’d highly recommend considering these reasons above for leaving the cleaning to a team of trusted professionals. If you have more questions about hiring a chimney and fireplace team to inspect and clean your chimney, give us a call! We’re here to provide the best service available and answer any questions or concerns you may have.  

The post Why Chimney Cleaning Should Be Left to Professionals first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

The chimney brick is one of the most important building elements, the construction, and repair of it are incredibly difficult and expensive. Therefore, you do not have to save money during this part of the construction.

When it comes to building a chimney using bricks, it is important to carefully analyze the features of ordered materials. Solid and hollow bricks are popular for chimney construction. During a chimney inspection, you need to know which types of bricks are best if you want to have a new one built. You have to know that chimneys do not last forever, but you want one that will last a long time.

You must read this article until the end if you want to find out more.

Chimney Constructed with Solid Bricks

You must use normal-quality solid bricks. Bricks must not contain a lot of marl and it needs to have a straight and smooth side surface. Thankfully, the manufacturer should be well chosen because most of them save on solid bricks production, and that is why people tend to buy those that are not of high quality. Right now, a lot of manufacturers consider buying hollow ceramic bricks and chimney blocks as their main products.

Do Not Choose a Hollow Brick Chimney

Unfortunately, hollow bricks are normally used during chimney construction. This mistake is serious and often appears because of how ignorant investors are, especially in a contract for chimney construction with materials that are supplied by a general contractor.

The chimney’s entire length must be made using solid bricks. It is dangerous to build on top of the chimney over hollow brick roofs. When you look from the outside, the brick looks like a solid one, and a lot of investors do not realize what chimneys are made of.

The chimney execution from hollow bricks can lead to water penetration into the water, which means stormwater penetration under the roof covering and thermal insulation wetting can happen. If your entire chimney is made of hollow bricks, it can cause dampness on the wall surfaces at the chimney location.

Engineered Bricks

This type is created by the use of high temperatures. It leads to a strong and dense brick, that can withstand water absorption. Engineered bricks are best for load-bearing because it is very strong, resistant to moisture, and can withstand chemicals.

Burnt Clay Bricks

This kind of brick is made by pressing it into molds and then you fire it in a kiln. They are used for function than aesthetics. When they are used, they need plastering or rendering.

Sand Lime Bricks

Sand Lime bricks are created with sand, fly ash and lime. They are formed using a chemical process to form a brick shape. They are normally grey and not red.

Concrete Bricks

Concrete bricks have a great aesthetic appearance so they are normally used in facades and fences. Concrete bricks can be made in different colors because pigments are used in the production process.

Fly Ash Bricks

Fly ash and clay bricks are best for this kind of brick. They are 1,000 degrees Celsius. When they get water and moisture, they expand, which is something that you should consider before using.

Whatever kind of brick you choose, you are going to enjoy the strength, porosity, fire protection, and sound insulation. For chimneys, most people go for red ones because of their aesthetic appeal, but it depends on what you want.

If you have a hard time choosing which bricks to choose for better maintenance, you can always ask chimney contractors Bowie to help you make a decision.

The post How to Choose Chimney Bricks first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

According to the National Weather Service, the Kansas City metropolitan area experiences approximately 38 inches of rain annually, which is on par with the national average. However, frequent periods of heavy rain are not unusual. For example, in 1961, Kansas City recorded over 60 inches of rain in a single year! The freezing rain, snow, and ice in the winter and hot and humid summer weather can eventually damage the masonry allowing water to get inside the chimney. One of the first warning signs of masonry damage is efflorescence.

What is Efflorescence

Have you ever noticed a white powdery stain appearing on portions of your chimney? That’s efflorescence. It occurs when moisture penetrates deep within the brick’s layers drawing the salts to the surface. When the masonry is wet, like after rain, it appears that the white surface stains have been washed away, only to reappear after the chimney dries.

Ways to Remove Efflorescence

There are several ways you can remove the efflorescence, such as brushing the affected areas of the chimney with a water and vinegar solution or mild detergent. There are chemical masonry cleaners too. Unfortunately, however, these are not a permanent fix. The efflorescence will reappear when the absorbed moisture in the brickwork draws the salts back to the surface during the next precipitation event. Therefore, it’s highly recommended you consult with an experienced chimney professional to avoid further damage to the masonry.

How to Prevent Efflorescence

The first step in preventing efflorescence is to maintain your annual chimney inspections. A yearly chimney inspection is critical for detecting early signs of moisture intrusion and other issues before more significant problems occur. When a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep like Fluesbrothers performs a level I visual inspection, the entire chimney system is inspected, including the interior and exterior masonry for signs of water damage, such as efflorescence, cracking, spalling, and decaying or missing mortar. We also climb on top of the stack to ensure your chimney cap is secure and there are no cracks or storm damage to the chimney crown. The chimney cap and chimney crown are essential components for deflecting rain and snow away from the chimney, helping to prevent moisture intrusion like efflorescence that leads to more severe masonry damage, including spalling bricks.

Waterproofing Your Chimney

Since efflorescence indicates moisture is getting inside the bricks, waterproofing your chimney is the most effective way to prevent further masonry damage, such as cracking, flaking, and spalling that can result in severe structural issues. We use a water-permeable sealant that repels rain and snow while allowing the masonry to breathe. This is important so that trapped moisture can dissipate, preventing further masonry deterioration. A Certified Chimney Professional® should apply waterproof sealants to the chimney. It will also need to be reapplied every few years to maintain effectiveness.

Certified Chimney Sweep in Kansas City MO/KS

The Certified Chimney Professionals at Fluesbrothers provide expert chimney inspections, cleaning, and repair in Atherton, Blue Springs, Olathe, and communities in the KCK/KCMO region. Call 913-236-7141 or contact us online to schedule a chimney inspection today!

The post Facts About Efflorescence on Chimneys & What Homeowners Should Do appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Your fireplace is built to provide beauty and warmth. You can expect to not have any smelly odors coming into your home through the fireplace. However, bad smells can happen, and there are several reasons why. You can contact a chimney sweep to inspect your fireplace, but you must be aware of where these bad smells could be coming from. A lot of the issues that cause odor to get resolved when you contact professionals.

If you cannot really smell the odor, but other people in your home can, then you probably have to pay attention as well. You do not want your guests to smell something unpleasant when they come over to your place. Read on to know what those reasons might be.

Buildup of Creosote

In general, if your chimney has a tar or asphalt smell, it probably comes from a creosote buildup on the chimney walls. This is among the most common causes of a chimney odor, and creosote-related smells will normally get worse during the summer because people often turn on the air conditioner to fight humidity.

Animals

The sharp, sudden, rotting smells coming from your chimney could often be because of trapped animals. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, rats, and other small animals could end up in your chimney cap or other gaps. Unfortunately, when there are many animals that are unable to back out, they are left trapped inside.

While the live animals cause odors from their feces, urine, food, or nesting materials, a dead animal’s smell is overwhelming and it affects air quality. You must have them removed as soon as you find them to avoid bacteria exposure.

There is Negative Air Pressure

One of the main reasons odors go into homes is because of the fireplace’s negative air pressure. This problem mostly happens during the summer, after you have made improvements, like weatherizing, changing the vents, or after installing new windows, roof, kitchen exhaust fans, or bathroom exhaust fans. When you sell your home too tightly, even mild chimney odors could escape and go into your home instead of going up the chimney.

Excess Moisture and Water Intrusion

Do you notice musty odors? This is most likely an indication that there is water intrusion. The excess moisture and water leaks could be damaging to the chimney linings, cause rot and rust, and trigger decay and deterioration throughout the entire masonry, so if this causes chimney odors, you must address the problem right away.

The solution could be as simple as using a chimney cap or an installation of a top-mounter damper, but it could be a bigger problem.

Drafting

If your chimney is not drafting properly, gas, smoke, and chimney odors tend to linger inside your home. Smoky odors caused by drafting are normally there even long after you used the fireplace, especially during hot or windy days. Drafting issues are normally caused by a flue with an improper size; in case you installed a new fireplace or changed the source of fuels, the flue might need to be resized to prevent drafting.

Leaves

Leaves that fall inside your chimney and are left there can produce a rotting smell because they will decompose over time. Other debris can also end up in your chimney, which is another reason why you need a chimney cap, and it is a great accessory as well.

Water

Water can cause serious damage to the chimney’s masonry exterior and can cause odors as well. There will be a dank or damp smell that will come from your chimney.

You can contact chimney inspection Upper Marlboro to check what is causing the bad odor.

 

The post Main Causes of Chimney Odor first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

Chimney inspections and maintaining your chimney is vital to it being able to function long-term, so you don’t want to entrust it to just anyone. Someone who installs cabinets or garage doors isn’t qualified to take care of your chimney even if they try to convince you they are. It can be confusing, so here are some signs you’ve partnered with a trustworthy chimney sweep.

Look for a Certification

Unfortunately, no regulatory agency oversees the activities of chimney sweeps. Because of that fact, almost anyone can claim to be chimney sweeps, including scam artists who know nothing about the trade. The good news is that there is a gold standard of certifications when it comes to being a chimney sweep. The Chimney Sweep Institute of America (CSIA) is the premier chimney sweep educator in technical aspects and ethical behavior. If a chimney sweep is certified by the CSIA, you can count on their knowledge and professionalism. Another trustworthy certification is from the National Fireplace Institute, which is on par with CSIA.

Are They Insured?

Accidents happen, but you don’t want to be left holding the bill when they do. This point is crucial if you are about to sell your home. If damaged caused by a disreputable chimney sweep isn’t found before the sale, it could mean you will have to pay for the damage, possibly as the result of a lawsuit. A trustworthy chimney sweep will always be insured. In some areas, insurance may be required to operate as a chimney sweep and a sure sign that they are trustworthy.

Are They Licensed?

Another red flag is when a chimney sweep is not licensed, especially in an area where it is required. It’s another hallmark of a scam artist who may try to convince you to hire them from other services as well. Other times service companies who mean well, such as landscaping companies, will offer to clean your chimney but have neither the licensing of the training. Using an unlicensed chimney sweep could cause long-term damage to your chimney and put you and your family in danger from a fire.

Are They Experienced?

It’s not an automatic disqualifier if a chimney sweep is new to the field, as long as they are certified and licensed. The issue with new chimney sweeps is that they don’t have the experience to deal with unexpected or unusual chimney issues, and they may end up taking more time to figure out the problem, which will bring additional costs. An experienced chimney sweep will have dealt with most chimney issues and be able to resolve them quickly and efficiently. This fact is especially true for chimneys that have been around for fifty years or longer. They will be able to understand the chimney’s construction and if it requires hard to get parts. A new chimney sweep will take much longer to deal with old chimneys.

Do They Have a Good Reputation?

In the past, you would have to ask for references from a chimney sweep to find out how good they were, and most of those were assured to be good references. It is easy to find out if a chimney sweep is trustworthy in this day and age. Websites such as Yelp or reading a Google review for a company tell you everything you need to know about a chimney sweep. There will always be a certain number of negative reviews from people who like to complain, but if the majority of the reviews are complaints, you know it’s best to avoid that chimney sweep. Conversely, if most reviews are positive, it’s an indicator that you can hire the chimney sweep. You could use the old-fashioned method of asking for references, but it is unlikely that a chimney sweep even keeps customer references anymore.

You Can Trust Fluesbrothers for the Maintenance of Your Chimney

Fluesbrothers is a licensed, insured Chimney Sweep that is CSIA and National Fireplace Institute certified. We are also members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association. We also have over a decade and a half of inspecting, servicing and repairing chimneys. So when searching for a chimney sweep in the greater Kansas City area, Fluesbrothers is a company you can depend on and trust.

The post Signs You’ve Partnered with a Trustworthy Chimney Sweep appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Every homeowner, regardless of the size, location, or age of their home, faces one universal problem: moisture. A single incident of water damage can cause thousands of dollars worth of repair costs. This also applies to a home’s chimney. Ward off moisture damage with chimney sealant. A much-debated topic, today we’re going to address whether or not you should use a chimney sealant on your chimney system.

The moisture problem

As with any other part of your house, moisture can create a wide variety of problems including mold and algae growth. Specific to your chimney, moisture that makes its way into your masonry can also lead to a variety of structural issues. The freeze-thaw cycle magnifies this problem as water fills cracks, expands during a freeze, and then leaves larger cracks during a thaw.

Signs you need a chimney sealant

Moisture damage will present itself in several ways, including:

• Efflorescence: This is a leftover, white material that essentially is made up of mineral salts. When moisture is present and evaporates, it leaves behind this substance.
• Cracks: Cracks in your brick, mortar, and concrete all point to the freeze-thaw cycle.
• Spalling: A little rarer of a term, this is essentially peeling or flaking bricks.
• Physical damage: This includes damaged mortar joints, loose or missing bricks, as well as a leaning structure.

Repairing moisture damage

Before applying a sealant to your chimney, you should first repair the damage. Masonry cracks can be repaired via repointing or tuckpointing. Some water damage occurs due to a broken cap or crown; replacing or repairing those can prevent further damage.

In some extreme cases, you may need to replace some or all of your physical flue. In addition, rusted metal components such as flashing and your chase should also be replaced.

Should you use a chimney sealant?

We encourage all of our Northeastern Chimney, LLC customers to apply a sealant to their chimneys. We believe that this layer of protection can help prevent water damage and significantly extend the life of your chimney — sometimes upwards of 25 years.

Once you’ve mitigated existing problems, the next step is to apply sealant. We recommend a vapor-permeable sealant. This prevents water from penetrating your masonry while, at the same time, allowing the pores within the structure itself to physically “breathe.”

However, we also encourage homeowners to leave this particular task to the professionals. Certified chimney technicians understand how to properly apply sealant while keeping themselves safe in the process.

Why you should use a chimney sealant

In short, chimney sealants protect your chimney’s masonry from moisture. It helps to prevent cracks, reduces the likelihood of leaks, and extends the life of your chimney’s physical structure.

If you don’t know if your chimney has had sealant applied to it, or would like to schedule an inspection, let us know. It’s easy to get in touch with the team at Northeastern Chimney, LLC. Call us at 860-233-5770 or contact us through our website.

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