A clean and functional chimney can prevent the occurrence of devastating fires in your home and save your family from the effects of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Occasional cleaning and repair is required to keep the inside of your venting system free from obstructions like creosote and soot deposits and ensure the masonry is not cracked or broken. Chimney repair is necessary to mend the cracks in the masonry, flaking of the mortar joints and to restore damages caused by earthquakes. If you use your fireplace regularly, get your chimney inspected every year to avoid major repairs later on.
Professionals are trained to detect damages and suggest the right remedy to your problems. There are a whole host of damages that can occur to your chimney. Missing or loose flashing will allow water and moisture to penetrate into the masonry. Moisture and freeze and thaw in colder climates are responsible for most of the damages caused from exposure.
Improper chimney installation, usage or poor maintenance can cause prefabricated metal chimneys to be serious fire hazards. When you are thinking of installation, call in professionals. Masonry chimneys too can be improperly installed resulting in future structural damage and deterioration. Damage may compromise the inner tile liner, brick and mortar. Creosote buildup can ignite causing such cracks in the lining. If your home is an historic one, you might need to install a liner. Call professional contractors to inspect the lining and masonry. It is not advisable to consult with contractors that are not members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Inexperienced and unscrupulous individuals would offer cheaper rates for chimney repair and cleaning. Don’t be taken in by discounted rates.
Some of the repairs conducted by licensed professionals include:
* Masonry tuck pointing to fill in the joints in the masonry where it is absent, cracked or deteriorated.
* Firebox rebuilding is recommended when the bricks are cracked or mortar joints inside the firebox are deteriorated. The contractor would have to rebuild the area with new fire resistant bricks and refractory mortar suitable for high temperatures.
* Flashing at the base of the chimney seals it to the roofing material. The flashing offers a water tight seal to prevent rain water penetrating the mortar and running down to the living area of the home.
* Installations of caps, crowns, crickets.
* Waterproofing
* Chimney rebuilding
* Relining
Always consult professionally trained contractors for inspection and chimney repair. Potomac home owners can avail of excellent repairs and cleaning from local contractors.
Chimney Repair Potomac – When looking for chimney repair, Potomac home owners can rely on the fully insured, licensed and certified professionals from Priddy Clean.
