A fireplace can be comforting and a great asset to any home. As the seasons change and winter approaches, Secaucus homeowners need to make sure their fireplaces are in good condition before being used. Common issues with chimneys include problems with the flashing, mortar, cap, and crown. As time passes with no repairs these issues can build up and damage the entire house. Here is what to know when looking for problems so you can catch them as soon as they happen.
Water Leaks
A sure sign of a chimney issue is water or water damage. Noticing water in your fireplace after a rainstorm is probably due to a chimney leak. Chimney leaks can be caused by worn-down mortar, torn flashing, and cracks in the crown. Try to spot moisture or condensation in your chimney stack, spalling (parts of the chimney chipping away), or salt deposits built-up on the bricks. Effects of leaky chimneys vary but can include water damage in your siding, walls, and ceiling, in addition to causing the chimney to slope or collapse.
Mortar Damage
Examine your chimney for any issues within the mortar. The mortar holds the bricks, stones, blocks, or stucco together. Being exposed to harsh elements and temperatures can be damaging to the mortar joints. Contact masonry experts in Secaucus for mortar inspections and necessary repairs or replacements if any. Damaged mortar can allow rain and moisture to enter the chimney and possibly reduce the structural integrity. Not addressing problems in your chimney might even result in a collapse.
Rusty Components
If you see any rust forming on your firebox, damper, or other metal components this definitely points to repairs. Excessive moisture in your chimney may lead to flue tiles cracking which can cause dangerous house fires. Another sign of moisture damage is when your damper won’t seal. A trained expert can use equipment like chimney cameras to inspect the flue lining and search for hazardous breaches.
Shaling Flue Tiles
Shaling is the thin slices of flue tiles coming off due to a damaged liner. These pieces of your chimney appearing in the fireplace are a sign of a problem with the lining of your flue. Your best option is to call a chimney expert immediately. Swapping out your flue for a stainless-steel version will be beneficial as stainless-steel usually comes with a lifetime warranty. Shaling flue tiles are a sign that imminent repairs need to be done.
Cracked Chimney Crown
The cement portion at the top of the chimney stack is called the crown. If your crown is cracking or breaking it can allow water to enter and seep into the chimney. You can prevent issues with the crown by making your chimney waterproof. If you have noticed any of these signs and believe you are due for a chimney repair, schedule a free inspection today.
