Refresh Your Chimney With Pressure Washing Services by Lords Chimney
Regular chimney cleanings are an important part of chimney maintenance. Over time, chimneys accumulate dirt, debris, and creosote which can compromise their efficiency and pose potential fire hazards. But the interior chimney system isn’t the only part of it that needs attention from time to time.
During your annual inspection, a Lords Chimney technician will sometimes suggest that the outside of your chimney be pressure washed if it has efflorescence stains or deposits. Our pressure washing service can also be recommended prior to tuckpointing (masonry repair) to get rid of stubborn, hard-to-remove particles.
If you’re a Houston or Beaumont resident looking to improve the exterior appearance of your chimney to boost your curb appeal, reach out to Lords Chimney at 281-497-4000 to schedule an appointment or book our pressure washing services online today.
How Does Pressure Washing Work?
If you don’t have the benefit of a garage or carport, you likely have to park on the street. If you leave your car out long enough, it’s only a matter of time before you start to notice your once shiny vehicle is covered in bird droppings and mud stains. What do you do? You take it to the car wash.
Now, consider that chimneys are constantly exposed to those same elements.
Of course, there isn’t a wash center for chimneys. Instead, Lords Chimney will bring the wash to you. During a pressure washing, our chimney professionals will use a narrow, high-pressure jet of water to remove dirt, debris, vegetation growth, and any other buildup on the chimney’s exterior. Pressure washing is a great option for brick and mortar chimneys, and it’s also effective on stucco.
There’s Stains on My Chimney – Does That Mean There’s a Problem?
Not always. Stains on the chimney are sometimes a purely cosmetic issue. With that said, some stains can also lead us to diagnose some bigger problems hidden within the chimney, since a correctly designed chimney should stay relatively clean and stain-free.
Both the color and location of stains on a chimney can help us determine the cause of the stains. A thorough inspection will help us find any leaks or other problems that need addressing.
Although chimney cleaning methods vary, depending on the type of stain, pressure washing is often a good solution. Here are some stains you may be seeing on the exterior of your chimney and what they could mean:
- White stains: If you see a white powder-like substance on your masonry – almost looking like white mold – your chimney is likely stained with efflorescence, which is a crystalline deposit of water-soluble salts. Brick and mortar are quite susceptible to efflorescence. Nevertheless, efflorescence may be a sign of excessive moisture and may indicate that a chimney inspection is needed. We find that the appearance of efflorescence varies according to conditions like heat, wind, and humidity.
- Brown or red stains: Reddish or brown stains are likely streaks of rust originating from one of the metal components atop your chimney. We’ll check your chimney cap and flashing to ensure they’re rust-free and working effectively.
- Black or brown stains: Black or brown stains may indicate roof runoff or spillage. Keeping your gutters clean could be the best way to prevent these stains from reappearing. Black stains could also signal soot or creosote wash-down, which may mean that your chimney equipment needs replacing, adjusting, or is having a drafting problem.
- Green or black stains: A greenish-black stain on your chimney is probably an algae stain, likely accumulated because of runoff from a chimney top. Stains of this nature could also be a sign that the brick is taking in too much water. We’ll check your brickwork carefully to rule out water damage.
Moldy Bricks before Pressure Wash
Mold Removed after Pressure Wash
DIY vs. Professional Chimney Pressure Washing
Pressure washing may seem like a simple and straightforward task that homeowners can take on themselves, but it’s actually a delicate process. Too much water pressure could end up damaging the chimney (masonry chimneys are especially tricky if the brick and mortar is already in bad shape). That said, if you don’t apply enough pressure, you won’t be able to effectively eliminate those pesky stains.
Fortunately for you, we love the science of chimneys. We understand just how much water pressure to use down to the exact PSI – that’s short for pounds per square inch, but that’s the nerdy chimney talk we thrive on. Don’t take the risk of damaging your chimney. Call Lords Chimney or get in touch through our website. We’re happy to get the job done for you.
What problems can occur if I try DIY power washing on my chimney?
- Structural damage to your home or chimney
- Water in places it shouldn’t be, which can lead to mold growth and damages
- Personal injury if proper safety measures aren’t met
- Improper use of chemicals or equipment that triggers more damage
- Missing spots or areas, which lowers curb appeal
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Lords Chimney Is a Company You Can Trust
When it’s time to hire a chimney service company, there’s a lot to consider. The chimney industry isn’t overseen by a federal organization, so anyone can put up a website and call themselves a chimney professional. Before hiring someone, you should do your due diligence and check out company reviews, certifications, licenses, and history.
You can rest assured that Lords Chimney is the right choice. We pride ourselves on our integrity, professionalism, and knowledge. What sets us apart from the competition?
- We have more than 17 years of experience in the chimney industry.
- We are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).
- All of our chimney technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
- We are certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI).
- We’ve won multiple awards.
- Lords Chimney is a HomeShow Certified Pro.
Give Your Chimney a Fresh Look With Our Pressure Washing Services
Are you tired of looking at a run-down, dirty chimney? You don’t have to anymore. Get rid of those annoying stains and bring your chimney back to life with a thorough pressure washing service by Lords Chimney. We can revitalize your chimney and revamp your home’s curb appeal, as well as address any repair or maintenance concerns.
If you live in the greater Houston and Beaumont areas, don’t wait any longer. Get in touch with our customer care team online or by calling 281-497-4000 to schedule an appointment.
If you live outside of our typical service area, we may be able to come to you for an additional fee so don’t be afraid to ask. Our chimney professionals are standing by and ready to get started!
If mortar joints are crumbling or missing from your brickwork, sounds like tuckpointing may be called for. Fortunately, our chimney and fireplace repair experts have got you covered.