Suppose you have had a major fire, collapse, or extensive damage in a chimney system. Then you know how complex and costly it can be to fix and solve the issue. Fortunately, most disasters related to chimneys and fireplaces can be prevented through timely repair and reasonable maintenance.
Some chimney repair and maintenance to make it run safely and at its peak.
- Cracked Chimney
The cement crown on top of the chimney prevents water and debris from penetrating the inside of the structure. Once the cement crown begins to crack, water enters, freezes, and expands, causing wider cracks and greater damage, allowing water to be passed down through the brick and mortar underneath the crown.
Cracks in a chimney crown may sometimes be filled in to prevent further deterioration. The amount of degradation will be used to determine whether a crown needs partial or total reconstruction.
- Masonry repair (tuckpointing)
Tuckpointing is when strong, new mortar is placed in masonry sections where the original mortar has deteriorated. Tuckpointing, brick replacement, and waterproofing are methods by which water damage to masonry is prevented from getting worse.
Weather and seismic movements can weaken chimney masonry, but the primary cause of different degrees of damage is typically infiltrating water. The risk of a crooked chimney and even a complete collapse may be eliminated by proper masonry repair work done at the right time.
- Chimney cleaning (chimney sweep)
Cleaning creosote from the chimney flue isn’t generally considered a repair job. Still, it can prevent damage to the chimney liner and interior masonry that will become repair jobs. Creosote is a byproduct of combustion smoke and is highly acidic – as well as highly flammable.
Chimney Sweep Minneapolis, MN, Besides causing a destructive chimney fire, creosote can eat away the flue liner and bricks it sits on, creating a breach in the system and likely water damage to go with it. Only a licensed, professional chimney sweep should be permitted to remove creosote (and other obstructions). that may have entered the chimney from outdoors), as this person has the tools and experience to do the job safely and correctly. Different types of chimney repair and maintenance work
- Chimney cap
A damaged chimney cap will allow water and debris into the chimney system. Chimney caps can be repaired or replaced.
- Roof flashing
Damaged or warped roof flashing lets water run down into your home. It typically simply makes sense to have damaged flashing replaced.
- Chimney liner
Damaged clay, steel, or poured-in-place liners compromise the masonry of the chimney and compromise walls, insulation, rafters, and other building materials. Liners can be repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of damage.
Have your chimney inspected.
The first step in any project related to chimney repair involves a thorough inspection of the work. Annual chimney inspections can identify signs of problems that can be addressed before significant damage or malfunction occurs.
Content Kellington Remodeling & Restoration, LLC at (612) 490-4626 for all your chimney and kitchen remodeling needs.