It’s impossible to overstate the importance of a quality chimney inspection and cleaning. At Old Dominion Chimneys, we take pride in making sure that everything is up and running smoothly so that you can enjoy your fireplace during the cold weather. Keep an eye out for certain warning of signs of damage that requires professional repair. Read on to see some things to watch out for so that further damage doesn’t occur.
Signs of Chimney Damage
One thing you can do is take a really good look at your chimney and the ground surrounding it. If you happen to notice that the mortar between your bricks or even the bricks themselves look weak and crumbly, or if you notice flakes and spots of mortar or brick on the ground beside your chimney, spalling is occurring. Spalling is a condition where moisture enters the brick or mortar, causing the surface to pop, peel, or flake. If left unchecked, the whole structure of your chimney can be compromised.
Another thing to look for is rust. If the damper system of your chimney isn’t shutting properly and appears rusted, there is a chance of water damage. Another sign is your fireplace appliances or doors are rusty. Finally, other signs of water damage are wet, peeling wallpaper or ceiling paper around the fireplace, soft or rotting wood or molding close to the fireplace, or stains on the exterior of the chimney. Any of these symptoms indicate leaks and water damage. These leaks, too, can cause a situation where there is structural damage, and that can lead to some costly repairs.
Another thing to do is to take a look at your flashing. The flashing is the sheet metal flaps that are located where the roof and the chimney meet. These flaps keep your chimney from leaking in precipitation. If this seems to be loose or if there are noticeable rips or holes in the flashing, your chimney is probably experiencing excess water infiltration and that could be causing major chimney damage. Another cause of water damage could be a faulty or missing chimney cap. Make sure that there is no damage that you can see to your chimney cap.
Call in the Pros
Although there are some signs that you can spot on your own, at Old Dominion Chimneys, we are specially trained to notice early signs of chimney damage and then fix them before they become major repair jobs. If you do notice a problem, give us a call so we can come in and make the necessary repairs. Our job is to keep your chimney and fireplace system running safely and efficiently!
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