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Over 20 years
of Service

Lords Chimney Truck with Logo on the side
Houston
281-497-4000

Beaumont
409-240-0013

Houston 281-497-4000
Beaumont 409-240-0013

The Importance of Summer Repairs & Maintenance

Summertime repairs and maintenance are an important part of chimney care, but it’s something homeowners tend to neglect or put on the back burner. Why is this? Well, many associate chimney care with fall and winter since that’s when their fireplace is typically put to more frequent use.

Lords Chimney - Before Repairs

Unfortunately, putting things off doesn’t always work out for the best.

What often happens is that once fall and the holiday season hit, everyone gets the idea to book chimney maintenance at the same time. This is why we, along with countless other chimney sweep companies, are at our busiest during the later months of the year – and getting that appointment scheduled at a time that’s both available and compatible with your calendar can be a challenge.

And we may come in for that annual inspection only to discover further repairs or maintenance is needed. We could detect high levels of creosote (which means a sweeping would be in order) or we might notice damaged parts or crumbling throughout the system.

Regardless, further appointments will need to be scheduled, putting you back right where you started – booking a slot in a season that is notoriously busy. And your fireplace shouldn’t be put to use until repairs are addressed.

Once cooler, rainier days come around in fall, we’re certain you’ll want to get those fires lit, so don’t put off the care you require any longer. Not to mention, those holiday gatherings come up quicker than you think! We’d hate to hear of get-togethers without that classic roaring fireplace going strong in the living room.

Call today to book an inspection with our team, so you’re all set and ready to go as soon as you’d like this fall. The CSIA-certified sweeps at Lords Chimney perform level 1, 2 and 3 inspections, ensuring you’re covered no matter what and can enter every season with the peace of mind you deserve.

Common Summertime Repairs

So, what are the more common summertime repairs we perform?

  • Tuckpointing: If your old mortar joints are crumbling, missing, or damaged, then tuckpointing services are in order. This is the process of removing that old mortar and replacing it with new, so your system looks great and is supported. And we’ll coordinate colors and material types to ensure your chimney looks polished and flawless at the end of it all.
  • Flashing Repair: The flashing is the piece of metal that covers the area where the roof and chimney meet up. This area is vulnerable to water leaks due to the roofing materials and chimney materials expanding and contracting at different rates. The flashing ensures none of that extra moisture can creep in, and it keeps both your home and your chimney a lot safer.
  • Crown Restoration: Your chimney crown is what sits on top of your chimney, and it helps to both keep water out of your flue and send water out and away from the sides of your chimney. Your crown is exposed to rain, sun, and curious critters, so it’s not uncommon for it to break down, especially if it wasn’t built from appropriate materials in the first place. We have the expertise needed to get yours in tip-top shape, so it stands strong for the long haul.
  • Chimney Cap Replacement: Your cap covers the flue opening to ensure water can’t simply go right down into your chimney and wreak havoc. Chimney caps also work to keep animals out, block downdrafts, stop outside debris from entering, and can even serve as spark arrestors. A strong, supportive cap is a must for any chimney, so be sure to invest in this affordable, worthwhile investment today Firebox Repairs/Rebuilds: The firebox is the area of your system that hosts the fire. It needs to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace fires, and over time, even the most well-built firebox will face some wear and tear. Whether your unit is prefab or factory-built, this is one spot you don’t want compromised. Let us take a look soon.
  • Relining Work: There are three big jobs your liner completes – protecting your masonry from acidic fumes and heat, protecting your home from fires, and ensuring your system runs as efficiently as possible. We reline with both stainless steel liners and HeatShield®, ensuring you find the best possible fit for your unique needs.
  • And Don’t Forget a Sweeping!

It’s also not unusual for you to require a chimney sweeping in the summer to remove any harmful creosote that’s built up over the winter months. Creosote is highly flammable and it needs to be regularly removed or your chances of experiencing a chimney fire will increase significantly.

We can also remove animals and any nesting materials, so your system will be free of clogs and unwelcome critters. Then, we’ll cap it tightly to ensure nothing can work its way back in down the line.

Get Started by Reaching Out Today

Get on the right track for fall by investing in summer chimney maintenance now. Our sweeps are ready for your call! Dial 281-497-4000 to book your appointment.

Identifying Masonry Damage

Chimneys are strong, sturdy structures, but only when they are properly maintained. If deterioration and damage start to occur, you could wind up facing a lot of issues. Your system won’t function as efficiently and you put your home and family at risk, should a settlement or collapse eventually occur.

Knowing what to look for, as far as masonry damage, is important to know and it could save you a lot of time, money, stress, and hassle down the line. Read below so you can spot the signs before things get any worse!

Water Damage

Once water gets absorbed into your brickwork, your entire structure becomes vulnerable. Your masonry will wear down fast, and things won’t hold together as firmly as they did before the damage occurred. A long list of issues will start to arise, some of which includes rot, rust, stains, clogs, decay, bad odors, and deterioration. Keep an eye out for those things, as they are clear signs that water has started causing trouble throughout your chimney.

Once you spot these problems, call on Lords Chimney, and we will fix up your system. We can replace any rusted parts, clear out clogs, patch up any spots that are falling apart, and more! And once we’re done with that, you can invest in our waterproofing services. Our strong products combined with our years’ worth of experience will give you the protection you’re looking for.

Crumbling Mortar

Another common issue in masonry chimneys is crumbling mortar. Your chimney faces a lot throughout time. Bad weather, neglect, and age are all factors that contribute to your mortar wearing down and weakening, which eventually leads to inefficiency, leaks, and overall deterioration.

If you’ve noticed that your mortar is in bad shape, we can help you out. Our tuckpointing service consists of removing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new materials. It sounds simple enough, but this is actually a delicate and intricate process. We are CSIA trained to use the right products for your specific needs, so that your new mortar will blend right in and look good as new.

Cracks & Holes

Finally, keep an eye out any for cracks and/or holes throughout the brickwork itself. There are lots of reasons why these may occur. It could be due to bad storms or water damage. Or maybe your chimney hasn’t been inspected for a while. No matter the cause, we can provide a solution! We will not only repair your chimney, but can ensure it stays protected for years to come.

Give Us A Call

If you’re ready to get your chimney looking and working great again, give us a call today at 281-497-4000. We can’t wait to get started and we are confident that our trained and certified staff will provide you with satisfaction guaranteed. Pick up the phone now!

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!