We’ve Got What It Takes To Repair Your Damaged Chimney
A damaged chimney is a chimney at risk, whether you’re dealing with a compromised flue liner, a cracked crown wash or spalling bricks. Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is committed to helping our customers maintain the safest, best working chimney systems possible. If you have a damaged chimney, we can provide the level of expertise that only comes with decades of experience, continuing education and the type of personal service that you can only get from an independent, locally owned and operated business.
Common Types Of Chimney Damage
Spalling masonry
If excess water is absorbed by your masonry, and temperature changes cause that water to constrict and expand, your brick can crack, crumble, or begin spalling (flaking or chipping). Repairing spalling bricks will generally require replacing them with bricks that properly match the original bricks in ways more than just color. Care must be taken when choosing replacement brick because it involves more than just matching aesthetically. The size, level of hardness and permeability between brick can be very different – depending on when, where, and how the bricks were made.
Cracked or receded masonry joints
Damaged masonry joints (i.e. cracks, voids, broken bonds) in your chimney will almost certainly allow water to make its way in and cause more significant damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may require tuckpointing or, in the most severe circumstances, rebuilding to repair.
Spalling Bricks
Cracked chimney crown wash
A chimney crown can’t properly protect your system if it’s cracked and split. Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ technicians can assess your crown’s damage and recommend the right type of repair whether it just needs to sealed or if it needs to be completely replaced.
Damaged flue liner
Your liner provides important protection for your masonry structure and your surrounding home. If it’s damaged, you’re at a much higher risk for chimney deterioration, carbon monoxide exposure and reduced performance. Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps can repair a liner (when that’s the correct solution), or replace it entirely (if that’s what’s needed).
Corroded chase cover
If you see rust streaks on the chase surrounding your prefabricated chimney, that’s an indication that the chase cover may be corroding and no longer offering full protection. Most original galvanized chase covers need replacing after 15-20 years due to rust damage.
Damaged firebox
After years of exposure to high heat and combustion by-products, the firebrick and refractory mortar in your firebox can crack or erode. When the firebrick becomes loose or broken, it could create a dangerous situation and it’s time to rebuild it. Surprisingly, you can often change the design of your firebox to make it more efficient and even heat producing. Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ technicians can let you know what’s possible for your fireplace system.
What Leads To Chimney Damage?
Here are a few common contributors to chimney damage that we come across every day:
Water
Water is invariably your chimney system’s worst enemy. If it starts to make its way into your chimney, damage and deterioration are frequently the end result. Typical water damage includes eroded or spalling bricks, mold and mildew stained mortar joints, moss growth, hairline cracks in the masonry, rusted dampers or liners, and sometimes even ceiling and wall decay.
Time and exposure
Your home will naturally settle over time. This settling can cause your chimney to crack or even pull away from the home. Exposure to heat and sun can also contribute to cracking chimney crowns or damaged caulking on your flashing.
Sudden occurrences
A “sudden occurrence” (per home insurance terminology) can include a chimney fire, a major weather event (big storms, lightning, etc.), or a seismic event (earthquake) that leads to chimney damage.
Improper installation
When your chimney system or parts of it are poorly or improperly installed, damage is a real possibility. Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ technicians are committed to installations that will provide you with years of enjoyment. If a previous installation hasn’t been up to par, we can help repair it to bring it in line with applicable code and standard.
If your chimney is damaged, Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps can help. Call us today to have us “Bless Your Hearth” or click here to schedule an appointment online.
Water damage is the most common cause of chimney deterioration which can lead to a compromised and unsightly chimney. Let us perform the necessary chimney repairs to keep your family safe and your home looking good, too!