Ignoring the warning signs that your chimney is in disrepair can result in structural damage or cause a house fire.
Many homeowners take their chimneys for granted and believe that they do not have to worry about maintaining the structure. But, problems do happen, and any chimney repairs should be done as quickly as possible. Maintaining your chimney is one of the best ways to ensure that your fireplace can operate safely and efficiently. Ignoring the warning signs that your chimney is in disrepair can result in structural damage or cause a house fire. Here are a few signs that your chimney needs repair.
Damaged Mortar Joints
Damaged mortar joints between chimney masonry is an issue that should be repaired immediately. Deteriorating mortar joints can cause accelerated damage to the chimney since the bricks are exposed to increased amounts of moisture. When water seeps into small cracks in the structure, they can grow into large cracks, specifically due to freezing and thawing. If the problem is not addressed, the chimney could collapse.
Efflorescence
The white discoloration that is often found on a chimney is called efflorescence. While it is pretty simple to remove the staining, cleaning it does not eliminate the problem. Efflorescence is a clear sign of excess moisture in the masonry structure. If the issue is not resolved, the chimney will begin to deteriorate, in addition to other potential moisture problems.
Rusted Damper
If you have trouble opening your damper or firebox, it is good to check to see if there is rust on it. A rusted damper indicates an excess of moisture in the chimney. If you have already addressed the root problem of the water issue, you will only need to replace these parts. If you can’t identify the cause of the rust, you should have your chimney inspected to determine why there is excess moisture.
Cracked Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the first line of defense against the elements, so the crown needs to be in good condition. When the crown is cracked, water gets in and freezes and thaws, causing bigger cracks. A damaged chimney crown allows moisture to seep between the chimney and the liner and into the chimney, which can cause flaking and spalling.
Spalling Bricks
Spalling happens when water enters the bricks and forces the masonry surface to pop out, peel off, or flake off. Sometimes salt is also forced outward from the inside and causes spalling. Spalling can also cause bricks and other parts of the masonry to fall away from the chimney. It is essential to replace broken or crumbling bricks to prevent further damage to your chimney.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys to Fix Your Leaky Chimney Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has been serving customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.