You may be tempted to use your fireplace now that winter is approaching, but what happens if you have a problem with your chimney? Why are you delaying chimney repairs if you see cracks in your chimney or bricks that have broken? Ignoring a problem won’t solve it. You could find yourself with a collapsed or malfunctioning chimney in the middle of winter if you do not act. What should you do and what could happen if needed chimney repairs are ignored? Find out more by reading on. For reliable chimney repair in Seattle, it’s crucial to address these concerns promptly to ensure a safe and functional fireplace throughout the colder months.
Chimney Water Damage
Water damage is the biggest threat to a chimney. You should repair your chimney if you notice cracks in the crown or sides. Water will seep into cracks in your chimney if you leave it as is. As the temperature falls below freezing, this water will expand, widening gaps and compromising the structural integrity. Through cracks, water can reach your fireplace and rust the firebox and fireplace doors. Water can migrate from a leaky chimney to other areas of your home, causing mold and rot to occur in the attic.
Ground Shifting Under Your Chimney
You can expect its collapse if you see fissures or a shift in the ground under your chimney. You need to repair it immediately to prevent the chimney from collapsing, which could cause injury to your family or pets. Even if it doesn’t fall, the chimney will have many leaks.
How to Repair a Leaky Chimney
The only way to fix a leaking chimney is by hiring a professional chimney sweep. The professional will perform a thorough inspection, and then make the necessary repairs. These are some types of repairs.
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is the repair method used if the cracks are found in the mortar holding the bricks in place. Tuckpointing involves removing old, damaged brick mortar and replacing it with new mortar that is resistant to cracking.
Brick Replacement
Bricks that are cracked, missing or broken must be replaced. The chimney sweep will use specialized tools and remove the damaged bricks, replacing them with new bricks. The chimney sweeps are sure to replace damaged bricks with matching ones in style and color.
The chimney sweep will suggest spraying a protective coat on the chimney after the mortar is cured. This will prolong its life.
Replace the Chimney Cap
A chimney cap can be a very useful tool in protecting your chimney. The cap can be used as an umbrella to keep water and debris out of the flue. The chimney sweeps can replace your cap if it becomes damaged or dislodged by high winds.
Chimney Crown Repair
The crown of a fireplace can be damaged by falling objects or limbs. In some cases it is simply the age of the fireplace. When the chimney crown is compromised, it can put the entire chimney at risk. The chimney sweeps can fill in the cracks to prevent further damage.
In conclusion
Delaying repairs on your fireplace will only delay the inevitable, and end up costing you more money in the future. Inspection and repair of any suspected damage or issue with your fireplace should be done as soon as you can to avoid further damage.
Trust Bricksmith Masonry LLC for Chimney Repair
Bricksmith Masonry LLC will inspect and repair any damaged chimneys before winter arrives. Our experienced and certified chimney sweeps can perform any repairs needed on your chimney.
