To maintain your crackling fire through all the winters to come, it’s crucial to bear in mind that consistent chimney upkeep is essential for the safety of your home and the well-being of your family.
Neglected chimneys can result in a multitude of issues – none of which you’d want to subject your home or family to. In this article, we are going to talk about the importance of getting your chimney’s masonry fixed and what you can do about it.
Prevent Creosote Buildup in your Chimney Flue
Among the prevalent issues in chimney systems, creosote buildup is one of the most common. Creosote, a tar-like substance in black or brown, forms during wood combustion and adheres to the walls, gradually accumulating, particularly with frequent fireplace use.
Broken masonry inside the flume creates opportunities for creosote thick spots. To avert these pockets of buildup, it is vital not to skip your annual chimney inspection and cleaning. Skilled technicians can eliminate accumulated creosote, and mitigate the risk of a hazard.
Regular inspections extend beyond fire prevention; they are equally pivotal for identifying potential issues that might compromise the safety and efficiency of your chimney system.
Reduce the Chance of Poisonous Gases
A malfunctioning chimney poses a significant health risk as it hampers the proper expulsion of exhaust fumes from your fireplace. When these fumes cannot escape through the chimney because of some malfunction or delinquent masonry, they infiltrate your home, leading to the accumulation of poisonous gases.
Carbon monoxide is emitted from any fuel-burning appliance. Proper ventilation is an important part of having a fire. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is odorless and accumulates in enclosed spaces quickly. A blocked or uneven masonry job inhibits the ability of the carbon monoxide to clear, exposing anyone in your house to headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and, in severe cases, even death.
Other harmful byproducts of fuel burning appliances are nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. These gases have been linked to respiratory issues like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children or seniors with pre-existing conditions.
Regular chimney maintenance is crucial to mitigate these health risks and ensure the safe operation of your fireplace. It’s too dangerous to live in a home with botched masonry and an unsafe fireplace.
Reduce the Chance of Chimney Fires
Creosote and certain gases that build up in poorly built or maintained fireplaces can cause unexpected, and unsafe results. Creosote can build up in the overlap of poorly laid brick and catch fire unexpectedly.
Harmful gases, like carbon monoxide, can also get into your house and make people sick or even cause death.
Being diligent about your annual inspection allows your chimney sweep to spot areas of wear and tear before your chimney is in full use. Here in Portland, our storms are severe enough to do years of water damage in a single season, especially if the flashing was installed incorrectly to begin with. They can spot problems early on and fix them before they become big troubles. Chimney fires are no joke, so by getting your flue properly looked after, you’re taking smart steps to make sure everyone in your home stays safe.
Prevent a Leaky Chimney
Poorly laid brick and improperly installed flashing can lead to more than wear and tear. A leaking chimney is a problem for the whole home. Water sneaking in can damage the bricks and mortar, leading to costly repairs and structural problems.
Water damage isn’t often just on the surface. When water gets in, it seeps into the whole structure. This means you might need major reconstruction, not just a quick fix:
- Water seeps into cracks, making the mortar crumble.
- Bricks soak up moisture, making them weak and likely to break.
- Cold weather turns trapped water into ice, making cracks bigger and causing more damage.
- Dampness encourages mold growth, which can harm the air quality in your home.
Leaks in your chimney also put your home’s inside at risk. Water can travel down and ruin ceilings, walls, and even the floor. Before you know it, a small leak can turn into something much more.
If you notice crumbling concrete and mortar beyond normal wear and tear consider getting chimney masonry repair as a preventative measure. Watch out for damp spots, peeling paint, or white stains on bricks – they’re signs of trouble. Getting professional repairs now can save you a lot of money in the long run and keep your cozy fireplace spot safe.
Prevent Chimney Cap Damage
A chimney cap stops rainwater, leaves, and twigs from going into your Chimney. It also helps prevent and protect against water damage from impacting the mortar and brick. It also makes sure small animals don’t sneak in and build nests.
If the mesh part of the chimney cap is broken, that’s a sign problems are about to start.
But the good news is, you can get it fixed or get a new one, depending on how bad it is.
Prevent Chimney Obstructions
Chimney obstructions can cause big problems for your home. Don’t let your chimney turn into a storage space for things like bird nests, leaves, or soot. A blocked flue can block smoke and create dangerous conditions.
It’s not a small problem; a blocked chimney can put you and your family in danger of breathing in carbon monoxide. Make sure your chimney stays clear by getting it cleaned regularly.
When your chimney doesn’t work right, it’s not just the fumes you should worry about. A blocked chimney makes your fireplace less effective, putting extra stress on both your fireplace and your wallet.
Quickly fix chimney blockages with professional masonry repair experts ensure your fireplace works safely and well. It’s a good investment for your comfort and safety.
Maintaining your Chimney Masonry: Best Practices
To keep your chimney brick and mortar in good shape, stick to these important guidelines and tips for proper maintenance:
Regular Professional Inspections
Regular check-ups and cleanings by professionals should help you catch disintegrating mortar and brick on your roofline. Those events should be a health check for your entire chimney system, checking how severe the wear and tear is, that it is not blocked, and doesn’t have too much creosote buildup.
Get your chimney sweep to do a thorough cleaning to keep everything working as it should. They have the knowledge of what to look for and how to lower all potential risks.
Identifying When You Need to Have Your Chimney Swept
Figuring out when your chimney needs a sweep is easy when you know what to pay attention to. If you’re smelling smoke even after your fire is out, or if your fire isn’t burning like it should, that’s your chimney asking for a clean-up.
Having a yearly chimney sweep is a good idea, but in places like Portland with unpredictable weather, you might need it more often. Keep an eye on your fireplace, especially after heavy storms or quick freeze-thaw cycles. These conditions can lead to a buildup of debris and creosote, making it a good time to order a professional sweep.
New Home Purchases and Seismic Events
If you just moved into a new home, be sure to check your chimney’s masonry yourself. Neglect is the most common reason a chimney’s masonry would be off. Constant exposure to moisture can cause chimneys to fail building code or perform less than optimally. Earthquakes and seismic activity in the Pacific Northwest can also silently weaken your chimney’s structure, and without a professional inspection, you might have hidden dangers.
After a tremor or quake, don’t delay—have an expert look at your chimney and all masonry. Even small shakes can create cracks or subtly shift your alignment. These minor changes can have significant effects on your chimney’s performance and safety.
Call Portland Fireplace and Chimney for all your Chimney Masonry Repair!
When your chimney starts wearing down, you need to fix it fast. Not every Fireplace and Chimney Company is equipped to fix your masonry back to perfect form – but we are.
At Portland Fireplace and Chimney, our skilled team can handle all kinds of chimney repairs. We work often in older neighborhoods across Portland. We are a one-stop shop for all chimney inspection, cleaning, and repair that your home might need.
We know fixing your chimney is an important part of how cozy your home feels and that’s why we put so much attention on every job.
Don’t risk the heart of your home. Call Portland Fireplace and Chimney for chimney repairs. We’re here to keep your fireplace safe and working well. Get your free consultation today.
Frequently Ask Questions
How much to repair chimney masonry?
The cost of repairing chimney masonry can vary widely depending on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the materials used, and the location. Here are some factors that can influence the cost of chimney masonry repair:
- Extent of Damage: The more extensive the damage, the higher the repair cost. Cracks, spalling bricks, or damaged flue liners may all require different levels of repair.
- Materials: The type of materials used for repair, such as the type of bricks or mortar, can affect the cost. High-quality or specialized materials may be more expensive.
- Labor Costs: Labor costs vary based on location, the expertise of the mason, and the complexity of the repair. Skilled professionals may charge higher rates.
- Additional Repairs: If there are additional components of the chimney that need repair or replacement, such as the chimney cap, crown, or flashing, these can add to the overall cost.
- Accessibility: If the chimney is difficult to access, perhaps due to its location on the roof or other obstacles, it may increase labor costs.
Keep in mind that addressing chimney issues promptly is important to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.
Do chimney sweeps repair chimneys?
In general, most Chimney sweeps usually focus only on cleaning chimneys. If they find a problem, they might suggest a chimney repair expert to fix it. What makes Portland Fireplace and Chimney special is that we are a one-stop shop for all things fireplace including cleaning, inspecting, new installation, conversion, and repair.
Are chimney repairs covered by insurance?
In general, sudden events like a fire or storm that impact your chimney can be covered by insurance. But regular wear and tear or neglect usually isn’t covered. Always check your insurance policy and talk to your provider to see what’s included.
Portland Fireplace and Chimney Inc is your top notch pick for a fireplace and chimney company in the greater Portland metro area.