Looking to ensure your chimney and fireplace are well taken care of in 2019? Being aware of the potential issues of your system is vital to the health of it, and it will help you stay more alert to any potential problems. If you are concerned about the health of your fireplace, call our team of experts for an inspection today. At Lords Chimney, we take your concerns very seriously. Our professionals, who are CSIA certified are just a phone call away!
Creosote Accumulation
Creosote is a substance that forms in your chimney with each fire you light in your fireplace, and it is known for being highly flammable. Because of this, if too much of it accumulates in your chimney, it could easily ignite a chimney fire. Creosote needs to be regularly cleaned out of your system by a CSIA certified sweep to avoid any potential issues.
Resolutions
Are you looking to slow down the accumulation of creosote? You should only burn seasoned wood in your fireplace, and you should also keep an eye on the drafting of your system, as well. If your airflow is restricted, creosote then accumulates at a faster pace. Give us a call if you are concerned about creosote in your chimney. We will be happy to look things over and get rid of the creosote!
Leaks & Water Damage
Excess water in your chimney is extremely harmful to the strength and durability of the structure. Your masonry is very absorbent. When moisture is soaked into it, you will soon notice all kinds of deterioration throughout your brickwork and mortar. The gaps and holes created on your system could lead to fumes or stray flames entering your living space. Eventually, you could be facing a collapse.
Resolutions
If you have a masonry chimney, water is the biggest enemy your chimney has to battle. Our certified technicians are trained and experienced experts on resolving chimney leaks.
The amount of damage caused by water penetration is enormous, from loose bricks and chipped mortar to a tilted or collapsed chimney structure. To protect your chimney from water leaks, Lords Chimney recommends waterproofing your chimney. Using ChimneySaver, a breathable treatment, our technicians will spray this water repellent all over the walls of your chimney – and we only have to use one coating as ChimneySaver contains patented siloxanes small enough to penetrate masonry pores.
Water damage can also cause clogs, rust, rot, staining, decay, and more. Fortunately, we can prevent it with our waterproofing and leak prevention services. Whether you need a new chimney cap installed, crown repaired, flashing patched up, or something else, we can help you.
Clogs & Obstructions
If your system is filled with leaves, twigs, and other debris, then it won’t be able to vent properly. This means smoke, fumes, and potentially harmful gases could easily enter your living space. Because most of these are harmful, it is vital to ensure your system is running as smoothly as possible. What is even more worrisome is that you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, so you would not even be able to note its presence until symptoms started to develop.
Resolutions
Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires – this is the most important reason you need to schedule a sweeping and inspection of your chimney with Lords Chimney. Our experienced sweepers will remove dangerous fire hazards like animal nesting and creosote build-up, and then inspect your chimney thoroughly to see if any repairs need to be done and to look for water penetration damage. Every part of your chimney, from your flue liner to your masonry to your flashing and more, will be visually inspected, prolonging its life as crucial and needed repairs could be discovered.
If your technician tries to tell you that you need two sweeps a year, the reality is that this is true information, especially if you are a frequent user. The more you use the fireplace, the more wood is burned to release creosote. One sweep should be done after burning season to remove this buildup before temperatures get hot in the summer. However, another sweep should be done before burning season to remove anything natural that may have built up over the summer.
Interior Chimney Damage
If you have cracks in your flue liner, carbon monoxide can enter your home and cause serious health issues for you and your family. If your chimney does not have a liner, as many older chimneys do not, the risk is even worse.
In addition, if cracks or crumbling have developed in your structure, it’s vital to have these issues addressed immediately to prevent further damage. This type of deterioration could easily lead to bigger problems, and it could put you and your loved ones at risk of experiencing chimney fires, house fires, gas leaks, and more.
Resolutions
You should definitely contact Lords Chimney about our chimney liner repair services. Essential for containing chimney fires, protecting your chimney walls from dangerous creosote build-up, and improving its efficiency, an undamaged chimney liner truly adds years to the life of your chimney. We carry and install tough and durable stainless steel liners as well as HeatShield treatments for cracked liners that need resurfacing.
We also offer all types of repair and reconstruction work, along with an array of other solutions to protect your chimney. This include chimney waterproofing, chimney cap installation, flashing repair, and more.
Work With Us
Besides making sure that everything is running safely, annual inspections help enhance the efficiency of your appliance overall. You wouldn’t want to run a fireplace that is only providing minimal heat output, would you? That’s not cost effective at all, and it makes for a frustrating evening! All parts need to be in good condition in order for everything to work together cohesively. Call us in, and we’ll make sure you’re good to go.
Gain peace of mind and get the most from your fireplace by calling us in for an inspection and sweeping today. You can also book with us online – we look forward to helping you out soon.