Chimney Repairs You Need to Address Right Away

If you own a home, regardless of age, repairs are inevitable.  With most home repairs, a homeowner can predict the consequence if it is not repaired.  If there is a leak in the roof, the outcome will be water damage and mold.  A piece of loose carpet will mean the possibility of someone tripping and hurting themselves.  The advantage of those repairs is a dry and safe home. When something goes wrong with your chimney, it often goes undetected until it’s too late.  Too late for minor repairs or, worse yet, too late for a crumbling chimney or worse, a fire.

Here are a few tips that will save a lot of heartaches.

Annual Inspections

One of the first rules with owning a house with a chimney is an annual inspection.  Most people don’t feel comfortable sticking their heads in the firebox and looking up the chimney for fear of what they will find.  Others who do get up the nerve to stick their head up the chimney wouldn’t know a problem if they saw one.  Hiring a knowledgeable and reputable chimney company can solve many problems before they get out of hand.

 

 

Creosote

One of the prominent chimney issues is the build-up of creosote.  Creosote is a sticky residue caused by burning wood.  As the smoke from a fire rises, it cools and forms a thin coating of this sticky substance and is highly flammable.  When enough creosote builds up, it can catch flying embers and start a fire.  If that fire gets out of control, there could be a fire that burns other parts of the house.

Cracks in the chimney

It can be caused by the house settling, floods, high winds, thermal dynamics, or an earthquake but, all chimney cracks must be addressed.  Any break in the brick or stonework is inviting trouble.  If a fire starts, the flames can easily make their way through the small openings and start the roof burning.  If the homes are close in proximity, the fire can jump from one home to another.  Any small gaps need to be repaired for the homeowner’s safety and the safety of those nearby.

Check your damper

Making sure your damper is in good working order is the first line of defense for many things.  Closed, it will keep the cold or hot weather where it belongs.  Open it will allow your fire to stay in the firebox under control.  If it is closed while a fire is burning, your home will fill with smoke causing damage to structure and furnishings.

Chimney Caps

Having an annual chimney inspection can detect a loose-fitting chimney cap.  This cap may look like it doesn’t serve a purpose; however, it does.  This simple covering can keep out twigs, leaves, rain, and animals, all of which can wreak havoc on your chimney and your home.  They are sturdy but not indestructible.  Any high wind, hurricane, tornado, thunderstorm, and even hail could loosen or dislodge the cap.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC will service any chimney in the West Hartford region.  Our technicians are continually in training to give you better service and outstanding results. In addition, our masons are the best in the area, with an experience unmatched by other chimney companies.  Depend on Northeastern Chimney, LLC for all your chimney cleaning, inspections, repairs, and replacements.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

Phone: 860-233-5770