Post by : Admin
16-Apr-2020
From a distance, chimneys look like sturdy structures that don’t need much maintenance, but when you take a closer look, you’ll see that a chimney consists of several, not-so-durable components. All of these components need to be in good condition for your chimney to function smoothly.
Chimneys that aren’t working as they should are a serious hazard. There are around 25,000 chimney fires in the US every year, which cost homeowners thousands of dollars’ worth of property damage.
Thus, getting regular chimney maintenance is an effective way to prevent expensive damage to your property.
Neglecting chimney maintenance can have devastating consequences, including the following:
Small issues with chimney masonry can be treated; however, if you leave these problems untreated, the damage may become far more grave.
Exterior masonry that isn’t made of stone is prone to moisture damage. Unless it is repaired, it can cause serious structural damage to your chimney and roofing.
As strong as bricks are, they are porous. Bricks that aren’t protected with mortar absorb moisture in a way that’s similar to sponges.
Mortar seals last around 25 years, after which they will need to be replaced.
In the colder months of the year, masonry consistently expands and contracts with changes in the environment. After moisture seeps its way into cracks, and freezes and thaws, spalling starts; this is when bricks start popping off.
Unless the mortar seal is restored, the chimney will start to lean and eventually collapse.
Mortar mixes are also used to secure chimney crowns on top of chimneys; they begin to wear because of extreme weather conditions.
Once the mortar weakens, chimney crowns can’t effectively prevent moisture from entering the chimney. Increased moisture levels in the chimney stop its vents from functioning correctly, which can increase the chances of fire damage, smoke damage, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Flammable byproducts often get lodged in the chimney liner, which is located in the flue of the chimney. High temperatures in the chimney can damage the liner, which increases the chance of fires and buildup of toxic gases in the house.
With house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning being common problems in US houses, homeowners are advised to take chimney maintenance seriously.
Creative Masonry & Chimney is licensed and fully certified to handle all your chimney-related problems. We provide comprehensive chimney services in Connecticut. Our services include chimney inspections, chimney repairs, chimney cleaning, and chimney rebuilding.
We serve Granby, Bloomfield, Simsbury, Avon, West Hartford, Farmington, Bristol, and other nearby areas.
