A tight chimney seal and waterproofing chimney is the best prevention for water damage into your home. Over time, concrete grout and brick will open up and allow rain water to enter the chimney and fireplace. Waterproofing chimney costs are minimal compared to the damage avoided. A chimney seal is your best defense for water damage.
This water will do substantial damage to the framing and structure of your living areas if not checked and stopped. A chimney inspection by a qualified and honest chimney company will uncover areas that can create issues in the near future.
Degraded grout and brick allow water to enter the chimney cap area. Chimney seal is the key.
Water penetration can wreak havoc on chimneys, leading to a variety of telltale signs indicating deterioration. Understanding these symptoms can help in addressing issues before they escalate into significant problems.
1. Degrading Mortar Joints
One of the initial indicators of water damage is the weakening of mortar joints. When mortar starts to decay, it loses its binding strength, potentially causing bricks to become loose and unstable.
2. Spalling Bricks
Spalling occurs when bricks start to flake, chip, or crumble. This happens because water infiltration causes masonry materials to expand and contract. Over time, this stresses the surface, leading to visible deterioration.
3. Cracks in the Chimney
Cracking is another common sign. Look for visible cracks in the chimney structure, as they can allow more water to seep in, worsening the situation. Addressing these cracks early can prevent further damage.
4. Chipping Masonry
Chipping or breaking off of masonry pieces is a clear sign of neglect and water-related damage. This not only affects the chimney’s functionality but also its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Regular maintenance and inspections can identify these issues early, ensuring your chimney remains safe and effective for years to come.
How is it fixed?
Elbow grease is required to dig out the old cracked and dried grout. Repointing the chimney with new grout and fixing any broken or chipped bricks solves the water problem. After all of the entrances of water are blocked, the entire structure is waterproofed with a coating designed to last upwards of 10 years. Waterproofing chimney structures is a wise investment for your home.
A well done chimney seal will last for a decade or more. During your annual chimney sweep inspection, any issues with water or cracks will be corrected. This includes the chimney flashing area also. Water finds its way into any small openings, even if they are not obvious.
Recently, the requests for chimney services near me on social media networks has surged. Why? Social proof and testimonials to assure trust.
We receive many stories of projects half completed and money wasted on up front advances. Burner phones used to disguise a shaky company. However, calls go unanswered and projects are left with little or no successful completions.
An honest trustworthy chimney sweep company will always get rave reviews and repeat customers year after year. Chimney services near me is one of the top requested searches in our industry. This is due to the cell phone GPS systems that allow local companies to pop up on the browsers of a customer phone.
Testimonials are the best way to research a company in the chimney industry. Therefore, don’t just check the company webpage. Check out Yelp Clear Chimney Reviews and Google Clear Chimney for reviews.
Google reviews provide an extra layer of protection for your investment.
What do people search for in chimney services?
First, the other terms we see are chimney cleaning near me, chimney repairs near me and chimney services near me. Secondly, since we are in the Knoxville TN area, our customers routinely see our ads. Finally, the research and testimonials start to matter.
Our customers or potential customers want to sleep well at night knowing their investment in their chimney and fireplace or stove is safe as money gets tighter. Social media allows this to happen quite easily. We are often mentioned on the Facebook boards in our town. For instance, it is like a town hall meeting with opinions, thumbs up and down and questions. Folks love to give their opinion. This is the backbone of social media.
In conclusion, we were always taught the cream rises to the top. Therefore, let Clear Chimney be your cream in your largest investment – your home. Here is how to call us in the Knoxville TN are.
Staging a house fireplace is one of the most overlooked gems in selling your home. A clean firebox and spotless screen or glass sells a home. Often, the fireplace and chimney are centerpieces of a large den or living room. If the fireplace screen, glass door or wood stove are dirty, the buyer may assume the chimney and chimney cap are also not well maintained.
Use a glass cleaner designed to remove the soot and ash from the glass if the fireplace has a glass door or you have a wood stove with a glass door, The glass will shine once the soot and grime are removed. This is the first level of cleaning in staging a house fireplace.
Cleaning the glass is number one for a well viewed fireplace
The second most important part of the fireplace is the bricks of the chimney or the flue pipe of the wood stove. Over time, the bricks can build up soot from the fumes of the fireplace. Use a highly diluted bleach and water solution to scrub the bricks. Pay attention to the mortar of the fireplace and chimney. The often white mortar will turn dark over time.
This difference in color between the upper and lower areas of the chimney and fireplace are noticeable. A buyer or prospect looking at the home will make a judgement, good or bad, as to the maintenance of the overall house based on the dirt of the fireplace.
Use binoculars to view the chimney from outside of the house. Is the chimney cap clean and in place? Is there any dark spots of soot or mold on the chimney? Can the flashing be seen and is it in place?
Most home inspectors do not do a thorough inspection of fireplaces. Therefore, many are not qualified to make a judgement about the safety and efficiency of wood stoves and fireplaces with chimneys.
Viewing a chimney and cap from the outside for staging.
In conclusion, make the fireplace and chimney a focal point of your living area. Keep it clean and inspected at least yearly for optimum operation and your family’s safety.
