Signs your chimney needs a repair
Many homeowners feel like their chimney is a completely worry-free part of their property. The issues linked to this structure get often overlooked. But ignoring serious warning signs is likely to result in bigger expenses down the road.
Many homeowners feel like their chimney is a completely worry-free part of their property. The issues linked to this structure get often overlooked. But ignoring serious warning signs is likely to result in bigger expenses down the road.
The importance of spotting chimney trouble isn’t only based on potential repair costs, warns rcpmsolutions.ca. When your chimney damage isn’t addressed quickly enough, there’s a big chance that it could start posing a serious fire hazard.
In this article, we’ll go over the major signs that show your chimney is in need of repairs. When you spot any of the following signs, take immediate action to prevent costlier repairs and eliminate a growing fire hazard in your home.
#1: Spalling
You can spot spalling when small bits of masonry start falling from the chimney. When that damaging process is left unaddressed, the crumbling continues and will sooner or later completely destroy your chimney.
The cause behind spalling is simple. When water starts intruding the chimney’s structure, it creates forces that cause the surface of the masonry to fall off. Spalling is a serious issue that should never be ignored.
#2: Cracks in the Chimney Crown
Your chimney’s crown is a very important part of its structure. That’s because the crown protects the chimney against the elements. Any cracks in the crown allow water to enter and create even bigger cracks as a result of thawing.
These cracks may seem like a small problem at first. However, the forming of cracks is a major issue in chimneys that could easily cause extensive damage in the form of spalling or shaling.
There aren’t too many options for protecting your chimney crown from cracking. Weatherproofing your chimney is the most effective step you can take to reduce the likelihood of crack formation.
#3: Shaling
The number one symptom of shaling is the accumulation of thin pieces of chimney tile in your fireplace. This is an important sign that indicates damage to your flue lining.
It’s essential to get it fixed because any serious damages to the flue lining put the safety of your chimney and fireplace in jeopardy. Investigating this matter more closely requires the help of a qualified professional.
#4: Rust
Did you spot any rust on the damper or firebox? Finding rust on these surfaces shows that there is too much moisture in your chimney. It’s important to remember that rust could indicate deeper issues.
When the moisture levels in your chimney are too high, the risk of encountering additional issues takes a surge. For example, moisture levels that exceed the norm could cause flue tiles to crack and create an active fire hazard.
#5: Damaged Wallpaper
Damaged wallpaper in the areas surrounding your chimney warrants further investigation. Similar to rusty surfaces in your chimney, the damaged wallpaper could be a sign of serious moisture problems.
#6: White Staining
White staining is also known as efflorescence. This white discoloration is a clear sign that your chimney is experiencing problems with excess moisture. The go-to solution tends to be cleaning these stains. But this doesn’t solve the underlying moisture trouble.
White staining indicates that there is too much moisture in the masonry. Quickly finding a solution to this problem helps prevent further damage to the chimney and its surrounding areas.
#7: Mortar Joint Problems
As time passes, your mortar joints are likely to come loose. When this happens, the bricks are exposed to unhealthy moisture levels. As a result, the integrity of your chimney’s structure takes a toll.
When freezing winter temperatures is added to the mix, this creates an additional risk of the formation of further cracks. That’s why mortar joint issues should be addressed quickly.
Failure to fix mortar joint problems in time could lead to the eventual collapse of your chimney. This is a dangerous outcome because falling chimney pieces could bring about injuries and property damage.
In a nutshell: Signs That Your Chimney Needs to Be Repaired
The chimney is an often overlooked structure of a home. But not addressing your chimney repair needs, this could lead to fire hazards, costlier long-term expenses, and property damage.
Many homeowners feel like their chimney is a completely worry-free part of their property. The issues linked to this structure get often overlooked. But ignoring serious warning signs is likely to result in bigger expenses down the road.
