Why Chimney Repair Is Necessary
Chimneys need repair regularly to keep them working properly. There are a few chimney repairs that you can do on your own, but you should always call in the pros for more serious problems. These include a cracked flue liner, leaking flashing and mortar joint, and masonry damage. Chimney Repair CT can prevent a buildup of harmful substances like mold and carbon monoxide, which can cause health issues and even cause a house fire.
A chimney crown is a concrete structure that sits at the top of your masonry chimney to protect it from water. If this structure becomes cracked or damaged, it can lead to serious problems in your home and must be repaired or replaced. When a crack in the crown occurs, the surrounding masonry material is exposed to moisture and can start to deteriorate from the inside out. This is why it’s important to repair a cracked crown as soon as possible.
Chimney repairs should be done by an experienced professional to ensure the work is completed correctly. A professional will evaluate the crown to identify any issues that may be causing a problem, allowing them to be addressed before they escalate and become expensive. A cracked crown can be fixed with a simple resurfacing project that fills the cracks and seals the crown. This can be performed as a standalone service or as part of an overall chimney repair.
A chimney liner is an important part of a fireplace or heating stove’s vent system. It contains the hot flue gases so that they don’t spread and ignite nearby combustible building materials. It also provides a barrier to protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion. Deteriorated chimney liners can result in smoke leaks, equipment failure, and toxic flue gas. Moisture is a big problem for chimneys as it can lead to efflorescence or water stains on the interior masonry. It can also cause the bricks to deteriorate and crack.
If you have a leaking chimney, there are several ways to deal with this issue. First, check the top of the crown for cracks. The crown is a cement piece that sits on the top of the chimney where the tile flue liner meets it. A cracked chimney crown can let rain and snow into the chimney from the roof and cause water to seep down the tile flue liner and into your home. This is not a good situation and should be repaired promptly.
Your chimney is a complex structure with many components. There’s the crown that keeps out animals and debris, the masonry that covers the chimney and a flue liner, which vents the gases from the combustion process. Most homes have a clay flue liner made up of sections of tile stacked one on top of the other. The tiles are designed to absorb heat from the fireplace and disperse it evenly throughout the flue.
Over time, mortar joints between each section of clay tile can erode, allowing gaps or cracks in the flue liner. This can cause hazardous noxious flue gases like creosote, soot, carbon monoxide and corrosive chemicals to escape into your home. If you notice any gaps or cracks in your chimney, they are a sign of a problem and should be addressed immediately by a professional. The best option is to replace your flue with a stainless steel chimney liner. This method is much more durable and will protect your home for years to come.
If your chimney flashing is damaged or not installed correctly, it can let water in. This can cause roof damage, wood rot, and ceiling leaks. When it comes to leaking, the best way to prevent damage is to have your chimney flashing inspected and replaced by a professional as soon as possible. This is especially true if the flashing has been exposed to a storm or if its sealant has been compromised.
Chimney flashing is usually installed in two parts: the base, which covers the bottom of the chimney and extends onto the roof; and the cap, which is mortared into the bricks. If the cap flashing is pulled loose from the chimney, resecure it with roofing cement. You can also use drive-in expanding anchors to secure the lower flashing to the chimney bricks. But this method is less likely to solve the problem if you have highly porous bricks or cracks in the crown or mortar joints.
