Masonry Damage And Your Chimney

At Lords Chimney we want you to be able to enjoy countless evening in front of your cozy hearth… Unfortunately, many homeowners go to light a fire, only to face an endless line of problems!

A major reason you may be experiencing inefficiency in your fireplace is due to masonry damage. There are lots of ways your brickwork can suffer, but here are some of the more common issues.

Brick Spalling

Brick spalling is when the bricks in your chimney deteriorate enough that they start to fall out. Water damage is the main culprit behind this type of damage. When your brick and mortar are able to absorb moisture, you wind up facing a long list of issues throughout time. The water freezes when temps drop, causing everything to expand. Once things thaw out in spring and summer, the brick settles and creates a lot of pressure on your chimney as a whole.

If bad weather, excess moisture, and other forms of wear and tear have taken a toll on your brickwork, the staff at Lords Chimney can help! We are able to replace the bricks with pieces that blend with your current chimney model. They will fit in securely, so you can kiss structural issues good-bye! We also provide waterproofing options, so your masonry stays protected all year long.

Mortar Deterioration

Water damage also leads to crumbling mortar. The more it breaks down, the easier it is for water to get in, thus triggering a vicious cycle! Water is very bad for the mortar in your chimney and can lead to time-consuming and costly damages.

Let us repair your mortar joints with our tuckpointing service! We can fix you up right, leaving you with a strong chimney that will easily stand firm no matter the weather outside. Once we are finished, your chimney will look like new and work great. Why wait? Call on the staff at Lords Chimney today.

Cracks & Leaking

Another common problem fireplace owners face is leaks. Once your masonry is damaged, you are much more susceptible to leaks, which then cause more issues down the line. Leaks lead to discoloration, rust, mold, nasty odors, and stains throughout your interior walls and ceilings. Don’t let an easy fix grow into a huge problem. Call us in right away!

More Issues

On top of these, you could easily face countless other issues with your masonry. Clogs, deterioration, discoloration, rust and rotting are just some of the many reasons why you should have your chimney looked at as soon as possible! Address these issues right away, then take preventative action to stop more problems from occurring in the future. If something goes unresolved for too long, you may even face a settlement or collapse!

Keep your home and family out of harm’s way and call us in now before it is too late. We look forward to making your chimney great!

We Fix Leaky Chimneys!

Whether it’s a musty or moldy smell, a soft drip-drip sound coming from the chimney, or a puddle of water at the bottom of the firebox, a leaky chimney is a problem that cannot be ignored. Left unrepaired, even minor chimney leaks can create major damage throughout your fireplace system.

Thankfully, leaky chimneys don’t have to be a chronic problem. Identifying the source of the water entry and fixing your leaky chimney as soon as possible can prevent serious water damage to your fireplace system or home.

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What causes chimney leaks?

Chimneys are built to stand strong against the elements; however, there are still a number of points where water can work its way into the chimney system. The following are some of the most common causes of chimney leaks.

Chimney cap: The chimney cap protects the top of the chimney and keeps moisture, animals, and debris from falling into the chimney. A damaged chimney cap can allow water into the flue, causing damage throughout the fireplace and chimney structure.

Chimney crown: Often confused with the chimney cap, the chimney crown is a mortar slab that seals the top of the chimney. Chimney crowns should have small overhangs as well as be built with slightly sloped edges to prevent water from pooling on the top. Chimney crowns can deteriorate over time due to prolonged exposure to the elements; this creates cracks that allow moisture into the chimney.

Flashing: Flashing is the watertight metal strips that seals the joint between the chimney and the roof. Over time, flashing can lose its seal due to overexposure to the elements; flashing can also be damaged by storms or animals.

Masonry damage: Without regular maintenance, bricks and mortar can begin to deteriorate over time. The freeze thaw process – which causes water in bricks to freeze and expand – is the most common cause of water damage to masonry.

Fixing a leaky chimney

When it comes to fixing a leaky chimney, the most important step is to find and repair the cause of the chimney leak. Repairing the water damage without first removing the cause of the chimney leak will only lead to recurrent water problems. By uncovering the root cause of the chimney leak, you can rest assured that the water damage will not return once the necessary repairs have been made.

For chimneys with damaged masonry, tuckpointing may be used to repair or replace damaged bricks and mortar. During the tuckpointing process, small areas of damaged masonry are carefully removed before the new bricks and mortar are put in; this can help strengthen the chimney structure and help avoid the costs of rebuilding the entire chimney.

Another great way to prevent chimney leaks and water damage is by having your chimney waterproofed. Professionally waterproofing a chimney can seal and protect the masonry from water damage while still allowing the bricks to retain their semi-porous nature.

If you have a leaky chimney, trust the experts at Lords Chimney to repair it. Contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can help resolve your chimney leaks!

Why Ivy is Damaging Your Chimney

Climbing vines such as ivy or wisteria have been used for years as a way to cover up unsightly exteriors or add a touch of whimsy to a home. While these vines may add curb appeal, they can also cause serious damage to your home’s exterior, especially if they are growing on or around your masonry chimney.

Why Is Ivy Bad for Chimney?

Many homeowners believe that ivy is no different from any plant growing in the garden. Unfortunately, while it can be a charming addition to the exterior of a home, it is can also cause significant damage. Below are three of the most common ways that ivy and climbing vines are bad for chimneys.

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1. Ivy causes cracks

Climbing vines such as ivy do not grow vertically on their own; they need a structure to hold onto in order to climb. When this happens on your chimney, the roots and tendrils of the ivy snake their way into the bricks and mortar in order to continue climbing. This can create cracks and holes in the masonry; at the plant continues to grow, so too does the size of the damage.

Even chimney chases covered by siding or shingles can be affected. Just like with masonry, ivy on a chimney chase can also cause cracks and holes to form. Likewise, on these building materials tendrils from climbing vines can cause staining and discoloration that is difficult to remove without damaging the siding itself.

2. Ivy traps moisture

Ivy’s lush, green foliage can create a cover of shade that is difficult for the sun to penetrate. Because of this, water from rain, snow, morning dew, and even sprinklers can become trapped against the masonry. Over time, the combination of water and the holes and cracks created by the ivy’s roots can cause significant cracking and spalling.

In addition to damaging the masonry, trapped moisture can also encourage the growth of mold or mildew. Exterior mold and mildew growth can cause odor both inside and outside your home, as well as affecting your home’s air quality. This can be particularly harmful to those with breathing condition such as asthma or allergies.

3. Ivy invites insects

The same leafy coverage that prevents water from evaporating also provides the perfect home for all kinds of insects. Protection from predators and an abundant food source are just two of the reasons why climbing vines such as ivy can easily become host to insect infestations. Termites in particular have been known to take up residence in ivy; the network of branches, roots, and leaves often give these insects direct access to wood siding or trim around your home.

While ivy might add character or curb appeal to your home, it can also cause significant damage to the exterior. Chimneys, whether they are made of masonry or covered with a chimney chase, are particular susceptible to damage from climbing vines. If your home has ivy growing on the chimney structure, contact Lords Chimney today to learn more about removing the ivy and repairing the damage it may have caused.

Trust the Best With Your Fireplace & Chimney

As a homeowner, there are lots of things around your home, both inside and outside, that need to be regularly maintained. And let’s face it – it’s easy to get so overloaded with household to-do lists that sometimes some of the most important places get overlooked.

We’ve noticed that fireplaces and chimneys tend to get thrown into this overlooked category since they are only used for a portion of the year. Sound all too familiar? Well, don’t burn yourself out figuring out how you’ll fit in yet another job. Simply give our experts a call to handle it all!

Chimney Inspections & Sweepings

Annual chimney inspections are essential when it comes to keeping your system standing strong for the long haul. All kinds of hidden dangers could be lurking and putting your home at risk, and it takes the trained eyes of a pro to spot and resolve them. Oftentimes, what homeowners think of as no big deal (even something as seemingly minor as a broken tile or brick) are actually quite dangerous.

Trust the Best With Your Fireplace & Chimney - Houston TX - Lords Chimney bricksWhen it comes to chimneys, the sooner any issues are spotted and addressed, the better. If there is a crack, it will only continue to grow. If mold shows up, it will only spread. If things aren’t heating correctly, this will only continue, costing you more to operate the appliance and putting your home at risk.

That’s why we urge all of our customers to book inspections at least once per year and always before kicking off your burning season. During these, our sweeps will look for any flaws, build-up, and imperfections, and then suggest any further maintenance, like sweepings or repairs, as necessary.

And what’s the importance of a chimney sweeping? To start, they remove any build up, excess debris, and creosote, which is the main cause of chimney fires. And apart from being fire hazards, blockages can lead to smoke in your home, carbon monoxide poisoning, and a lack of efficiency.

Repair & Restoration Services

Now, chimney sweepings and inspections are an important part of chimney maintenance, but they’re still just only one part of the equation. That’s why we offer a wide range of chimney, masonry, and venting services and repairs, all of which allow us to better serve our customers and meet all of their chimney and fireplace needs.

If your fireplace or chimney is worn down after years of use, we can help restore it to its former glory. Our fireplace restoration services can fix every part of your chimney, from the chimney cap at the top to the firebox at the bottom. Some of our many services include tuckpointing, leaky chimney repairs, chimney pressure washing, relining services, wildlife removal, troubleshooting, and even replacements or facelifts.

Not sure where you stand or what you need? Give us a call! We’d be happy to answer your questions and get you where you need to be.

Need Dryer Vent Services?

In addition to our chimney services, we can also clean dryer vents, as well as assist with installation and re-routing. Even if you regularly clean your lint trap, lint will still accumulate in your dryer vents and hoses over time, which can then create clogs and fire hazards. In fact, dryer-related issues cause thousands of house fires every single year. This one service well worth investing in.

Clean dryer vents can also help your dryer run more efficiently, wasting less energy and resulting in dryer clothes after each load. This saves you money month to month, and keeps your dryer and clothes from experiencing excess wear, too.

We’re Trusted Throughout Houston

At Lord’s Chimney, we have been proudly providing the greater Houston area with chimney, fireplace, masonry, and vent services for years. If you’re experiencing chimney issues, there’s no better crew to trust!

Trust the Best With Your Fireplace & Chimney - Houston TX - Lords Chimney certificationsWhy do so many turn to us time and time again? Well, for one thing, we make education a priority. We’re certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), and maintain a long list of certifications, associations, awards, and 5-star reviews. One look at our credentials and it’s clear – we take what we do seriously!

In the end, when you hire a sweep for your chimney inspections, sweepings, and more, you deserve to work with someone you can trust. If your sweep is associated with reputable organizations, experienced, and has a strong relationship with the community it serves, these are all solid signs that they’ll have your back throughout it all. When you hire us, we’ll treat you and your fireplace with respect!

Keep Your Home Safer By Working With Us

A clean and well-maintained chimney and fireplace doesn’t just help with efficiency… it also ensures your home stays a safer place to live season after season. Stay out of harm’s way by reaching out to our highly trained and qualified staff today. When you work with Lords Chimney, you work with the best!

Relining Your Chimney With HeatShield

Many homeowners pay little attention to their chimney flue. As it is not easily accessible or visible, most do not pay it a second thought. Because of this, many people are shocked to learn that their flue has been cracked or damaged. Likewise, the idea of having a chimney completely relined can seem daunting to many homeowners.

Having your chimney relined with HeatShield is an excellent way to restore the integrity of your chimney flue without the construction of a full flue replacement. Before you go through the time, cost, and mess of having your flue tiles removed and replaced, consider relining your chimney with HeatShield products!

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What is HeatShield?

The average person has most likely never heard of HeatShield. Despite its relative lack of name recognition, it is one of the most innovative products for fireplaces and chimneys on the market today.

HeatShield is a specially formulated sealant that can withstand the high heat of the flue, preventing heat, sparks, embers, and dangerous gasses from entering the home. By coating the inside of the flue, HeatShield is able to eliminate the risks created by a cracked or damaged tile flue.

In addition to eliminating the need reline your chimney, our HeatShield products are environmentally friendly, made entirely of naturally-occurring and recycled materials. To give homeowners additional peace of mind, they also come with a 20 year limited warranty.

What HeatShield methods are available?

At Lord’s Chimney, we offer two HeatShield methods to homeowners. The first is the HeatShield joint repair system. This is ideal for homes that have tile lined flues with defective joints. Using a foam applicator that is custom fitted to your chimney, all gaps are filled with the HeatShield product and smoothed using a blade.

The HeatShield resurfacing method is ideal for homes with extensive cracking or spalling. A tie coat, or primer, is used first to remove any dust. After, a quarter-inch layer of HeatShield is applied to the entire length of the flue.

After applying either HeatShield method, a camera is used to verify that there are no remaining gaps or voids and that the chimney has been completely repaired and restored.

Benefits of a correctly lined chimney

Although it may not seem like much, a correctly installed and undamaged chimney liner can greatly impact chimney performance. The primary purpose of a chimney liner is to protect your chimney structure and the rest of your home from the extreme temperatures created by the fireplace. Likewise, chimney liners are also an essential part of stopping chimney fires from spreading to other parts of the home.

In addition, chimney liners prevent carbon monoxide and other harmful gasses from seeping back into the home. By containing and directing these byproducts of combustion out of the home, the chimney liner does more than just extend the life of your brick and mortar chimney. It also keeps your family safe!

If you have questions about how HeatShield products can be used to repair your damaged flue, contact Lord’s Chimney today!