The chimney is an integral part of your home structure that keeps your home warm in freezing weather. In most cases, wood and gas build a fire in the chimney. Proper cleaning is essential for smooth working. Yearly inspection helps to achieve this aim. Mason and fireplace professionals carryout some common chimney repairs occasionally that conserve its functionality and enable it to perform primary functions like:
• Removal of harmful byproducts produced during the burning of fuel
• Removal of excessive heat from combustible items near the fire
What are Common Chimney Repairs?
It is difficult to find out any kind of problems or damages associated with chimneys. That’s why people always prefer to take help from a professional handyman to detect problems and repair the proper chimney. Following are some of the essential components of the chimney that can be repaired at any time to restore its function.
• Chimney Caps
• Mortar Crown Repair
• Firebox re-pointing and rebuilding
• Damper repair
• Flue repair
• Storm Collar
• Liner Gap Repair
• Chimney Relining
Chimney Caps
The chimney must have a suitable cap; installing the wrong cap over the chimney can cause a disastrous fire. Cap is mounted to restrict water, animals, and debris from entering the chimney, which finally leads to the blockage of the unit and creates an extremely hazardous condition. Water can destroy liner and mortar joints between liner sections. Spark arrestors are also fixed on the cap to prevent the falling of dangerous sparks on your roof and prevent fire.
Mortar Crown Repair
It is the top part made up of concrete that doesn’t let water enter in flue. If you find cracks, immediately get them repaired because water can enter via cracks that also destroy other parts like ceilings, walls, and attics, along with chimneys.
Firebox Re pointing and Re building.
This is made up of bricks used to build a fire. Loose bricks are necessary to repair to avoid accidents.
Damper repair
The damper keeps the flue closed when the fireplace is not in use. It stops heat from flowing out from the chimney. It should also repair in case of any defect.
Flue repair
It is an internal part that works like a canal to blow out smoke and other toxic gases produced in the fireplace. It may get cracked and blocked with debris and creosote (oil released upon burning of wood). It must be removed regularly to avoid dangerous fire accidents. Moreover, cracks should be sealed immediately for safety purposes.
Storm Collar
It is a small piece of metal that protects the chase cover. Improper installation let water enter in a chase that travels down along the length of the unit. Water destroys the whole unit, but this can be easily avoided by proper maintenance.
Liner Gap Repair
Improper construction, earth quake, and normal wear and tear can cause gaps between flue tiles. Chimneys without caps always face this problem. These gaps lead to improper functioning of the duct and result in the accumulation of combustion products. Initially, liner gaps can only repair by relining and rebuilding the whole unit. But nowadays it can be efficiently resolved with fire guard.
Chimney Relining
A chimney is made up of concrete or terra cotta. Cracks are a significant problem for chimneys, and they must be repaired before using a fireplace. You can use various options to tackle the problem. It mainly depends on the condition of the unit. Insulating the whole team with stainless steel provides an effective solution to this problem. Further, you can also install a giant steel liner that keeps the fireplace open. Technically it is difficult to establish such a big liner.
