With so many preparations to worry about, the last thing you may think about when the winter season rolls through is the condition of your fireplace and chimney. Turning that fireplace on after months of inactivity and wear from the changing seasons could leave your house, your family and yourself at risk for serious injuries. Chimneys that are not properly maintained can cause structural damage, destroy homes or even injure people. Here are a few signs to look for that will tell you your chimney needs restoration:
Cracked Crowns
A chimney crown is the concrete slab placed on top of the chimney. The crown's purpose is to protect the chimney from weather and prevent deterioration. If your chimney crown has shrunk or cracked, it will expose the rest of the chimney to water and other natural elements. This exposure could cause bricks to fall out or come loose. Good quality crowns should be made of concrete or cement, have no cracks and overhang the masonry by at least two inches.
Deterioration
After years of wear and tear from mother nature, it can cause a chimney’s brick and mortar to deteriorate. Older chimney’s have not only had to endure more wear, but they may also be made of blends that are softer and much less stable than newer chimneys. This in turn could cut the life of a chimney in half. Different climates also have different effects on the structure of a chimney. A process called “spalling” can occur if you live in a climate that experiences freezing winters and hot/humid cycles. What happens is, moisture enters the concrete, freezes, then expands, which causing pieces/layers of the brick to crumble off.
Poor Flashing
Many people may not know what the flashing in your chimney is. The flashing is the thin material that is installed to prevent water from entering a structure. Chimneys typically have flashing installed underneath the shingles on the roof and cut into the brickwork. Even the smallest of breaches in the flashing can lead to significant leaks and serious water damage.
Broken Caps
The chimney cap is the metal “hat” that protects the interior of the chimney. Chimney caps are important to the proper functioning of a chimney since they prevent water from entering the inside of the chimney, as well as keep animals and debris out. Fully functioning caps also allow proper venting. If you have a broken chimney cap, it can bring about serious consequences, such as water damage to the chimney and even inside your house. If a cap is not allowing for proper venting, it can cause smoke to build up inside the chimney and enter your house and possibly cause a fire.
Improper Dimensions
If your chimney is too short, there is a strong possibility that you will experience downdrafts. The improper spacing between components can also prevent smoke from rolling before entering the smoke shelf, and allow smoke to enter your house.
Call Guaranteed Chimney of Westchester for all of your chimney needs!