It’s a Sign
It’s not hard to find someone to fix your chimney, but determining when it needs fixing might be difficult. Even if you’re a novice chimney builder and a homeowner, you should know when to ask for assistance. Some issues are easily avoidable, but if you don’t deal with them right away, they can become quite expensive. Below are common indicators you may need chimney masonry repair.
The foul or smokey smell
When burning wood, creosote is a common by-product, and the more often you use the fireplace, the more quickly creosote will adhere to the flue liner. This means that an excessive buildup of creosote is probably the cause of any unpleasant odors in the house. Creosote can obstruct the chimney, preventing the toxic gases produced by a wood fire from departing safely and so lowering the quality of the air within the home.
Masonry degradation
Chimney issues might manifest outside or within. Indicators that your chimney needs work include deterioration of the masonry. The bricks in your chimney are moisture sponges, inviting mold and other nasties into your home. Chimney bricks can crack or shift if there is too much moisture. Get professional help if you see loose bricks or fragments of mortar.
Crown cracks
Cracked crowns are another concern that can be seen from the outside. Simply look for the crown on top of the chimney, as the name suggests. This part has a practical purpose in addition to its aesthetic one; it safeguards against the weather.
Worn mortar joints
Masonry binds the bricks of a chimney together. Similar to masonry, mortar joints are susceptible to degradation by moisture. Indoor water damage can be caused by a variety of factors; therefore, professional inspections are advantageous. Changes in temperature worsen the issue of chimney moisture. When water penetrates the chimney, it expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature, causing cracks.
Visible rust
Your fireplace should emanate an ambiance as warm and inviting as the wood it burns. Therefore, corrosion in the damper or firebox is not common and you shouldn’t permit it to occur. The presence of rust in the fireplace implies a leak. Your chimney likely has cracks, but only a chimney inspector can confirm this.
For reliable chimney masonry repair needs in the Bridgeport, CT, you can only trust MB General Services LLC to deliver quality jobs. Call us (203) 449-1424 today for inquiries.