When searching for a chimney repointing near me contractor, safety and quality are the main traits you want a professional chimney company to cover. This job is dangerous. Most of the time, we use a motorized lift to be able to reach the top of the chimney flue. The job requires hauling concrete mix and tools to the roof while strapped onto the lift frame for safety.
Over the years, water seeps into the mortar and bricks of most chimneys. When it freezes and thaws, the bricks are pulled apart and create holes where more water can enter.
This natural cycle is just one of the many factors that can affect the durability of brick during the repointing process.
This freeze and thaw cycle can have significant effects on the masonry of old homes. As water infiltrates these small cracks, the expansion from freezing causes the cracks to widen. Over time, this process weakens the structural integrity of the chimney.
If left unaddressed, the bricks or stones may eventually loosen and fall out, posing potential safety hazards. This not only affects the appearance and value of the home but can also lead to costly repairs if the damage progresses too far.
To mitigate these risks, regular maintenance and inspections are crucial, ensuring that any signs of wear and tear are promptly addressed before they escalate.
We use a special brick mortar and sealer to patch and seal these holes. First, we dig out any loose grit and dirt in the bricks. This is a time consuming job high up on the house. Therefore, you do not want to ask for the “cheapest” contractor when searching for ” chimney repointing near me.”
1. How do cracks form initially?
Cracks begin to develop when water penetrates the structure and undergoes cycles of freezing and thawing, which leads to expansion and contraction, compromising the integrity of the material.
2. What are the potential consequences of the bricks or stones falling out?
The detachment of bricks or stones poses a safety risk, as these materials can fall and potentially cause injury to anyone nearby.
3. What happens if the issue is neglected?
If the problem is ignored, the continuous cycle of freezing and thawing will eventually cause the structural elements like bricks or stones to become unstable and detach.
Most often we repair or replace the chimney cap at the same time as the repointing.
Repointing brick or stone is essential for maintaining old homes, as the mortar that holds the bricks or stone together deteriorates over time. This leads to cracks, allowing water to penetrate. If ignored, the freeze-thaw cycle will exacerbate these cracks, eventually leading to structural failure. Repointing involves removing about 1 inch of the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new, suitable mortar. It’s a critical maintenance task that should never be overlooked.
The significance of repointing extends beyond aesthetics; it plays a vital role in preserving the structural integrity of old buildings. Using the wrong type of mortar can cause irreversible damage, which is why it’s crucial to ensure that the contractor is knowledgeable about the appropriate materials and methods.
Most often, we repair or replace the chimney cap at the same time as the repointing. Your home might have wood shingles, but don’t forget about chimneys and foundation walls constructed with brick or stone. Keeping these areas well-maintained is essential to prevent costly damage and ensure the safety and durability of your home.
Key Factors Affecting Brick Durability
Material Sensitivity: Bricks are often softer on the inside, and any exposure during repointing can be detrimental. Ensuring that the inner material remains protected is crucial for maintaining longevity.
Workmanship Quality: The expertise of the craftsmen plays a significant role. Inadequate matching of the rake and color, or careless application of new mortar, can lead to both aesthetic and structural issues. Experienced workers might still misapply techniques, impacting the durability of the repair.
Proper Cleaning and Application: Dust and debris left during the process, as well as the inappropriate covering of bricks with new mortar, can obscure and even damage the surface. An acid wash might be suggested, but it doesn’t always resolve the misapplied layers.
Environmental Conditions: After repointing, environmental factors like rain can reveal hidden damages. If the work is not meticulously done, exposure to elements can worsen these issues over time.
By understanding these factors, you can better ensure that your brickwork remains sturdy and intact, minimizing future repairs and preserving its historical charm.
What Homeowners Need to Know When Hiring a Mason
Protecting your home starts with being informed. As a homeowner, you must equip yourself with the right knowledge to make sound decisions, especially when it comes to hiring a mason for projects involving brick or stone.
Understand Your Brick’s Needs
Age Matters: Older bricks, regardless if they’re from or 1940, should be treated with care. Approach them as if they are even older, like from 1890, to ensure their longevity.
Mortar Compatibility: The mortar should have a lower compression strength than the brick or stone it surrounds, and it should be highly vapor permeable. This helps maintain the integrity of your structure.
Specifics of Suitable Mortar
Composition: When replacing old mortar, opt for a mix that has less Portland Cement and more Lime and Sand. This softer mix prevents damage to the bricks.
Avoiding Damage: Using inappropriate mortar can lead to structural issues over time, as it might be too hard and stress the brick, causing cracks or spalling.
How to Evaluate a Mason
Ask the Right Questions: When hiring, inquire about the type of mortar the mason recommends. A knowledgeable mason will prioritize the right mix tailored to your specific needs.
Test Their Knowledge: Initially play the role of an uninformed client to gauge their expertise. Their answers will reveal their proficiency and understanding of historic masonry practices.
Empower Yourself
It’s essential to do your homework rather than blindly trust any professional. Making informed choices about masonry work can prevent costly future repairs and preserve the integrity of your home. Always remember: it’s better to ask questions and ensure your asset is protected than to face problems later on. Let the savvy homeowner be aware!
When working with historic masonry, selecting the appropriate mortar type is crucial to preserve the integrity and appearance of the structure. Among the options, Type N, Type O, and Type K mortars are generally recommended for most historic masonry applications.
Why These Types?
Type N: Known for its general-purpose use, Type N offers a good balance of strength and flexibility. It’s suitable for exterior and above-grade walls subjected to normal weather conditions.
Type O: This mortar offers a lower compressive strength, making it ideal for interior applications and repair work on softer materials often found in historic buildings.
Type K: This is the softest of the three and is particularly gentle on ancient masonry. It allows older materials to move and expand without cracking.
Choosing the Right Mortar
When hiring a mason, it’s important to confirm their knowledge of these mortar types. Ask them which type they’d suggest for your project and ensure they understand the unique requirements of historic masonry. This conversation can be a good gauge of their expertise in handling such delicate work.
Ultimately, the choice of mortar should always consider the specific characteristics of the historic structure and its existing materials to maintain both the building’s beauty and its structural integrity.
When dealing with foundation bricks that are shedding orange dust, it’s essential to determine the root cause to decide on the right professional to contact.
Assessing the Situation
First, inspect the extent of the damage:
Surface Level Dusting: If the dusting seems superficial, it often indicates aging bricks or minor mortar erosion.
Structural Cracks or Major Disintegration: More extensive deterioration could signal serious structural issues.
Who to Contact First?
Start with a Mason:
Specialized in Historic Buildings: Reach out to a mason experienced in historic preservation. Such professionals are knowledgeable about the specific materials and methods used in older structures and can advise on whether straightforward repairs might suffice.
Repair and Restoration: They can assess if the issue is due to improper materials like Portland cement and recommend appropriate mortar mixes for repairs.
Consider a Structural Engineer:
If the mason identifies potential structural weaknesses or you notice significant changes like large cracks or settling, a structural engineer should be your next call. Engineers bring an extensive understanding of load-bearing structures and can design solutions if foundational elements are compromised.
Why Start with a Mason?
A mason can often provide initial guidance at a lower cost than an engineer. Their familiarity with masonry work and historic home maintenance is invaluable for assessing whether the issue is cosmetic or if it indicates deeper problems. Moreover, starting with a mason can streamline the repair process if the issue is straightforward.
In summary, initiate the process by consulting a specialized mason for an evaluation. They can determine whether the problem requires simple maintenance or more extensive structural intervention, guiding you to the appropriate next steps.
The best way to find a honest and reliable chimney company is by referrals and testimonies. We are proud of our many jobs repointing chimneys. Make sure the chimney sweep you hire has insurance for your peace of mind.
Unfortunately, there are less than honest companies that want a quick patch it and go job for cash. If the price seems to be too good, it probably is way too low for a repointing project.
These types of jobs are easily close to $1,000 or more. The labor and expenses to repoint a chimney are simply high. The good news is a job well done is worth another 10 to 15 years of worry free chimney leaks and water damage.
Cameras used in chimney inspections are often cited as the reason the price for a chimney sweep is so high. Here is the truth about cameras. The technology is absolutely amazing. Marry up the old plumber camera with the new wi-fi cloud storage systems and this is a vital addition to your chimney’s analysis.
Now, home buyers demand a complete chimney cleaning to sell a home. The next level in peace of mind is a camera view into the chimney system. Better yet, the pictures and video are saved to a file for email or cloud storage. Tip – ask your insurance company if this inspection lowers the rate for homeowner insurance.
Streamline your insurance claims process with a comprehensive chimney camera inspection following storm damage. These inspections meticulously document chimney damage, ensuring you have the detailed evidence needed to support your claim. By providing professional and thorough documentation, these inspections simplify the insurance claims process, making it more efficient and less stressful.
When dealing with storm damage, having precise documentation can make a significant difference. Trust in the detailed reports produced by these inspections to facilitate a smoother claims experience. This could be a valuable step in not only securing your claim but also potentially reducing your homeowner’s insurance rates.
Advantages
Here are the advantages to using a chimney camera as part of a platinum chimney cleaning service. First, you will avoid the fly-by-night folks that offer a chimney sweep scam. These companies will not invest the money for a high quality camera to use in the inspection. These cameras are several thousands of dollars in cost. So, yes, there are folks that are using the camera to boost the prices of their sweep. The fact is an honest, reliable chimney sweep company will simply use a camera as another tool to a better service to their customers.
The second advantage is the tight spaces these cameras can see. They will identify small gaps in the bricks and transitions. Therefore, this allows for a fix before the problem gets out of control.
1. Why should I trust this service? The service is designed to deliver professional, reliable, and thorough documentation, ensuring a smoother experience with your insurance claims.
2. What kind of documentation is provided? You receive comprehensive documentation that includes detailed images and descriptions of the damage, creating a robust report for insurance purposes.
3. How does this inspection benefit the insurance claims process? By providing a clear and organized record of the damage, the inspection streamlines the process, making it easier for insurance companies to assess and approve claims.
4. What is the purpose of the inspection? The primary goal is to identify and document any damage caused by storms, which can be crucial for insurance claims.
5. How does the inspection process work? The inspection involves using advanced camera technology to thoroughly examine and capture images of any chimney damage, ensuring a detailed assessment.
How Chimney Video Inspections Reduce Carbon Monoxide Risks
Chimney video inspections play a critical role in minimizing the risk of carbon monoxide in your home. Here’s how:
Detecting Blockages: Video inspections allow for a thorough examination of your chimney flue. This advanced technology can identify obstructions, such as debris, animal nests, or soot buildup, that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Identifying Structural Issues: These inspections can reveal cracks or damage in the chimney lining that could lead to dangerous gas leaks. Repairing these issues is essential to preventing carbon monoxide from seeping into your living spaces.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation: Ensuring that your chimney is free of blockages and structural defects helps maintain proper ventilation. This is crucial for the safe operation of fireplaces and heating systems, as proper airflow ensures harmful gases are vented outside rather than accumulating indoors.
Routine Maintenance Planning: With video inspections, you can plan routine maintenance more effectively. By knowing the condition of your chimney, you can schedule timely repairs and cleanings to ensure it operates efficiently and safely year-round.
Taking advantage of these inspections not only safeguards your home against carbon monoxide but also offers peace of mind. Regular upkeep is essential for a safe and healthy living environment.
What do fire professionals think about chimney inspections?
Recently, we discussed the chimney inspections with a member of the Roane County TN fire department in our home area. He pointed out that several houses just recently burned down due to a build up in creosote. These homeowners had no idea that the chimneys were in critical need of an inspection.
Finally, many homes can be saved if we can get the word out about the Platinum Chimney Sweep Service using a camera for inspection.
Regular use of your chimney can lead to creosote buildup, a dangerous fire hazard lurking in many homes. This is where our advanced camera technology comes into play.
By utilizing video inspections, homeowners can:
Identify Creosote Buildup: Spot potential risks before they turn into costly disasters.
Schedule Timely Cleanings: Keep your chimney in optimal condition and significantly reduce fire risks.
Ensure Comprehensive Safety: Gain peace of mind knowing your home is protected from preventable chimney fires.
Stay proactive and protect your home with our state-of-the-art inspection services. With regular check-ups, you’re not just investing in a cleaning—you’re investing in safety.
Call us today and ask about the sweep service with our camera. Peace of mind is simply a phone or text message away.
It is very important to perform a chimney cleaning prior to the sell of your home. This is one of the most overlooked systems in a home inspection. The home inspector told us “we don’t have the expertise to check out the fireplace or chimney.” We have followed up on many recent home sales to find issues in the chimney or fireplaces.
Chimney cleaning (sweeping) is a dangerous but valuable service that prevents creosote build up. This is a highly flammable material and can start chimney fires.
If you are a home buyer, it is mandatory to inspect the chimney, the chimney cap and the chimney flue for defects and build up. The home inspection probably will not cover this in detail.
Below are the levels of chimney inspection and cleaning before you sell the home.
Level 1 inspection – a visual chimney and fireplace inspection. A chimney sweep uses a headlamp to look for damage, obstructions (bird nests, debris), creosote build up and soot. They are looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure, support and flue. Also, if a chimney liner is in place, is the connection sound. Finally, the chimney inspector will provide a report of the findings for the seller.
Level 2 inspection – required when major changes were made to the original system. Changes include: fuel type, the shape or material of the chimney flue and changes to the efficiency or chimney rating. This chimney inspection includes all level 1 steps. A level 2 inspection is required in some areas upon the sale or transfer of a home. Any event that caused damage to the chimney, its foundation or flue must be inspected.
Level 3 – includes both level 1 and level 2 chimney inspection items. Level 3 chimney inspection removes parts of the chimney wall, chimney crown and interior fire blocks. It also inspects the foundation (crawl spaces, supports), required limits from combustible materials and roof openings.
What is the cost for a chimney inspection?
Chimney cleaning cost to sell your home range from $250 to $1,800. The total price depends on the number of fireplaces and the levels of chimney inspection.
Realtors will update their skill training to advise home sellers of this vital inspection. It is an additional cost. The peace of mind in the buyer’s eyes is so worth the expense.
Finally, call your home insurance agent. Insurance companies lower the cost of house insurance if the chimney is inspected. Also, a monitored fire and smoke system lowers most insurance premiums.