IS IT TIME FOR CHIMNEY REPAIR? 5 SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

Sometimes it is difficult to tell if your chimney needs to be cleaned or repaired. If your chimney is not in good condition, you can’t always tell just by looking at it. However, if you know what to look for, you may be able to spot the signs of necessary chimney repair. The team at Ageless Chimney wants to help keep you and your family safe. And since chimney safety is equivalent to safety from obvious fire hazards, we want you to become familiar with telltale signs of chimney damage. Here are some signs of impending chimney repair.

Mortar Joints are Damaged

It may require a rooftop vantage point to spot, but damaged mortar joints between chimney masonry is an issue which should be quickly repaired. Failing mortar joints can mean accelerated damage to the chimney, since the condition exposes the bricks to greater amounts of moisture. When water gets into small cracks in the masonry, they can turn into larger cracks, particularly as a result of freezing and thawing. Ultimately, if the problem isn’t addressed, the chimney could collapse. Call one of the professional chimney sweeps at ageless chimney to asses the situation right away.

Rust on Firebox or Damper

Signs of moisture in a chimney or fireplace are red flags that the chimney isn’t operating the way it should. Rust is one clue that there is too much moisture, and you may see rust in the firebox or on the damper. You’ll know to take a close look at the damper if it becomes difficult to operate or if it isn’t sealing properly. If there is moisture in the chimney, rust will create numerous problems, including causing flue tiles to crack. A cracked or deteriorated flue lining is highly dangerous, since it could allow too much heat into vulnerable areas and cause a house fire. If you notice your fireplace’s damper or firebox looking a bit rusty, call Ageless Chimney for an emergency inspection or chimney cleaning today!

Spalling on Bricks

Have you noticed your masonry popping out, peeling, or flaking off? This could be a sign of spalling. It should be pretty easy to spot spalling, since bits of it fall from the chimney. If this does not get repaired, your chimney could continue to crumble and cause an eventual collapse of your chimney.

Chimney Crown is Cracked

If you notice that the top of your chimney has a crack in it, you are definitely in need of not only a chimney cleaning company, but some major repairs as well. The chimney crown must always be in good condition because it provides the first line of defense against outdoor elements. If the crown is cracked, water could seep through and cause even larger cracks. Spalling would likely occur if this problem doesn’t get repaired right away.Damaged Wallpaper

Damaged Wallpaper

If you notice that the wallpaper is damaged in areas near the chimney, it could be because of excess moisture building up in the chimney. Whether the moisture problem is caused by any of the conditions already mentioned, or others that are less obvious, it should be repaired without delay. Remember that rust could lead to further damage as well.

If you notice any of the above problems with your chimney, please call Ageless Chimney right away! We pride ourselves on being the best Long Island chimney company because we care about the safety of our clients. Call us today for a free chimney repair estimate!