Chimney Repairs

Chimney Repairs

Regular chimney repairs and maintenance can prevent problem that are dangerous and costly.

The most common cause of mortar breakdown in a chimney moisture. Rain reacts with the heat and flue gases to create an acid that eats away at the mortar. But there 's a simple solution.

Many chimneys venting gas or oil furnaces or hot water heaters may appear to be in fine condition on the outside. But inside it could be a completely different situation. Yesterday's chimneys were not designed for venting today's more energy efficient appliances. Let's take a close look at what really counts...the inside. In wood-burning chimneys, there's a common problem...the buildup of a black tar-like substance called creosote. Creosote is highly flammable and if it's not cleaned out, could cause a chimney fire. Other problems are caused by birds or animals who may nest in the chimney.

Have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. A professional chimneysweep will be able to inspect your flue for potential dangers. Burn only seasoned, dry hardwood--or use smaller logs. This will reduce creosote buildup in-between cleanings. Keep your chimney clean and clear, and those cozy fireside evenings will be worry -free

Chimney problems can cause illness and even loss of lives.

It's happened thousands of times - illness, even death, from carbon monoxide or sulfur dioxide poisoning.

With deterioration of the flue, the deadly gases can find their way into your home through even the smallest cracks. In severe cases, the chimney erosion will lead to partial or complete internal collapse, blocking the flue and sending these poisonous gases into the home.

But fortunately, the problems of a deteriorating gas or oil furnace flue can be corrected without completely rebuilding your chimney.

Look inside, see the problems!

When we look at the interior of a chimney we can identify a number of imperfect conditions. Pieces that are missing from the original clay liner or cracks in the clay liner. (Old chimneys might not even have a liner.) Mortar and bricks may be loose and falling, and there could be excessive buildup of combustible creosote on the flue walls.

These conditions are the result of a number of possible causes, including: flue fires, an improperly vented or misused stove, poor construction, excessive moisture, and more.

With continued use of this chimney, any of these conditions could lead to loss of property or life.

Chimney problems can cause loss of property!

It happened thousands of times last year - chimney defects resulted in home fires.

It doesn't take much to start a home fire...a spark flitting through a crack in the chimney wall into the attic...a chimney ember igniting a creosote fire which then climbs the full height of the chimney "looking" for a breech in the chimney wall...or simply excessive heat reflected through chimney walls when a clay liner is missing or damaged.

Fortunately, the problems of a deteriorating chimney can be corrected without completely rebuilding your chimney.

With continued use of this chimney, any of these conditions could lead to loss of property or life.

To stay current with chimney repairs and maintence and keep your home and family safe and warm contact Chimney Doctors of New York