3 Simple Ways To Know You Should Repair Your Chimney

Posted on: 19 January 2021

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The chimney is among the most commonly neglected parts of a home. The neglect comes from the mistaken belief that the chimney does not need much maintenance and can handle the smoke, soot, and other byproducts of the heating process. Sadly, being careless with chimney maintenance can create complex problems for your home. For example, if you neglect cleaning your chimney, creosote will accumulate on the surface. Creosote ignites easily and can burn the entire house if it catches fire. 

It is advisable to always be on the lookout for signs of poor maintenance and damage to your chimney. As soon as you notice a problem, call a chimney repair professional to fix it for you. Here are three of the most common ways you will know it is time to repair your chimney.

Do You See White Stains on the Surface?

One way you know your chimney has issues is through efflorescence. Efflorescence shows that you have excess moisture in your masonry. The water carries minerals inside the chimney to the surface, and when it evaporates, the tiny mineral deposits are left behind. The deposits eventually lead to premature deterioration of the chimney, creating a home remodeling cost you should have prevented. 

Have You Noticed Rust on the Chimney?

The second sign that your chimney needs repair services is rust. Rust occurs when iron comes into contact with water and air. The chimney has metallic parts that sometimes contain iron as a component. If the inside of your chimney has enough moisture to cause rusting, it will also cause other forms of water damage. The presence of moisture can also result from cracked flue tiles. Have a professional check the condition inside your chimney and determine whether you need repairs. They might save your house from severe fire and water damage.

Has Your Chimney Started Falling Apart?

You will also know your chimney needs immediate repairs is when you see some of its parts shelling and collecting at the base. You need to call a chimney repair professional to handle the damage if the top surface of the chimney is peeling off and falling into the fireplace. It is advisable to check and repair the chimney before the minor problems become huge complications. 

Knowing when you need chimney services is critical. If your chimney has developed some problems, get a repair professional to help you identify the cause of chimney problems and the repairs needed. With their help, you will enjoy a safe and energy-efficient chimney for many years.