Your fireplace is likely a wonderful source of warmth and comfort on cold winter nights. However, as with all areas of your home, the best way to keep it working properly and safely is to keep it in good condition. To do that, it’s helpful to know and understand the different types of chimney damage that may occur and how to fix it with professional chimney repair in Wayne County.
Today, we’ll talk about four common forms of chimney damage and why they happen.
1. Masonry Problems
Even the most well-built chimney will experience problems with the passing of time. The bricks will crumble and structural damage can even occur when exposed to too much moisture. The deterioration of the mortar joints that are between each brick can also occur as a result of the freeze-thaw cycles and wear and tear. The result? Weak masonry and spalling bricks.
If ignored, the issue could progress into serious damage, including leaning chimneys or total collapse. Minor damage left unchecked will quickly morph into more expensive repair costs later, so it’s always best to get regular inspections and chimney repair in Michigan to address issues early on.
2. Damaged Flue
The flue liner is designed to direct the air flow out of your house, protecting both the brick masonry and your home from the fire’s heat. However, the flue can get damaged after many years of use, which leads to the need for a chimney repair in Northville.
Damaged flue liners don’t allow for proper ventilation, allowing harmful gasses like carbon monoxide to creep back into the home. Chimney fires can happen from too much creosote buildup within the flue, which not only damages the flue liner but can spread to the rest of the home.
3. Cracked Crown
Chimney crowns keep debris, rain, and snow out of your chimney. When damaged, they can’t do their job effectively. Cracks can occur due to exposure to too much water, general wear and tear, and freeze-thaw cycles in winter. This damage encourages water to get into the chimney, further deteriorating the masonry and weakening structural integrity.
If not repaired, you could face high repair costs, especially as the damage spreads to the rest of the chimney system.
4. Firebox Issues
The firebox is the place in which wood is burned to produce heat. It’s under a lot of stress thanks to frequent bouts of cooling and heating cycles. This can cause damage, affecting the fireplace’s performance. Crumbled or cracked masonry can lead to many firebox problems if ignored.
Also, damaged fireboxes allow heat to get into the surrounding masonry, which could cause cracks and compromise structural integrity. Chimney fires may damage the firebox, resulting in serious fire hazards as the problem spreads.
Get a Free Quote and Consultation From Mortar City Masonry
If you have noticed any of these signs, you may need expert chimney repair in Macomb County. Call us today at 586-533-1305 for a free quote and consultation today. Delaying the repair could make the problem worse and increase the price tag to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your request, and our professionals will inspect your property promptly.
