Chimney Restoration & Repairs

Chimney Repairs are a Must

Chimneys are installed for a reason.  Two of the most important purposes of the chimney is to remove the harmful by-products produced by the burning of fuel like carbon monoxide and redirect the extreme heat away from items that are combustible.  It is best to remember that carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that may cause illness and worse, death, if inhaled in great amounts.  It is therefore important that chimneys receive continued maintenance and cleaning.  Equally vital is the occasional repairs that has to be done to make sure that your chimney performs the two mentioned functions properly.  Fireplace professionals and masons usually do the chimney repairwork.

Some of the most important repairs that should be done on your chimney are the flue repair (a flu is the chimney’s internal part which funnels the exhaust from the fireplace to the outside and which should be repaired if it breaks, cracks or is blocked by creosote or debris that may cause a safety hazard), the mortar crown repair (the concrete-like surface at the chimney’s top is the mortar crown, it keeps water from the flue, serious water damaged will be the result if a cracked mortar crown if not properly and immediately repaired), the damper repair (a damper is used to close the flue when the fireplace is not in use to prevent smoke from escaping through the chimney) and the need for rebuilding and repointing of the firebox (the brick area where the fire is built is called a firebox which would need repair if the bricks become loose and the mortar becomes degraded).

It is best to check you chimney for possible damages regularly.  Better yet, have a professional look at it for structural and other types of damages yearly.  Cleaning of the chimney should also be done regularly.  With all these things taken care of, problems are not likely to appear with your chimney.