A well-built and properly maintained chimney can last for years, but like anything else, can’t last forever. Over time, your chimney will experience wear and tear and will need some chimney tuckpointing or repair to help it keep working at its best. Here are some signs to watch out for:
Smoke drafting problems
If smoke from your chimney is drafting back inside your home instead of out, you need to call a contractor that handles chimney repair Chicago project right away. Smoke can carry dangerous carbon monoxide, which is visible and odorless, and most importantly is potentially fatal to people and pets.
Drafting problems can be simple or complicated, depending on the cause.
Some possible causes of drafting are as follows:
1. Obstructions like creosote build-up or outside debris like leaves, twigs and animal nests.
2. The damper on your fireplace isn’t totally open
3. The house is too airtight (cracking a window solves this)
4. The air pressure in your house is negative due to fans in the kitchen and bathroom, or the clothes dryer for example.
If after trying some of the simple fixes you are still having problems, call our team at Delta Chimneys for professional chimney inspections Vernon Hills homeowners rely on to get to the bottom of the issue in no time.
Cracked or crumbling masonry
Cracked bricks and crumbling masonry are a big warning sign for chimneys that need to be dealt with ASAP. Even the smallest damages can become big problems down the road, so being proactive now with things like chimney tuckpointing will help prevent that extensive chimney and fireplace repair Chicago resident dread.
With this in mind, we recommend periodically inspecting your chimney visually along with your yearly inspection.
If our chimney contractors find any masonry damage present they will replace the cracked mortar and bricks or totally rebuild sections as needed. Any chimney service Chicago can count on will also finish the job with watertight sealant to help your chimney last longer,
Leaky chimney
Water infiltration in any part of the home is problematic, but a leak in your chimney can be tough to notice at first, and can be especially damaging – leading to rot and decay, and the breaking down of your chimney structure. You might need just a bit of tuckpointing, or it could be that you need to ask about our chimney cap repair or chimney flashing repair Chicago service.
Here are some possible signs of a leaky chimney:
- Water or moisture in the firebox
- Musty/moldy odors around the fireplace or in the attic/crawl spaces
- Efflorescence – a white discoloration – around the masonry of your chimney.
If you notice these problems call in our team for chimney repair Chicago service right away
Keep your chimney in great shape all year long
Delta Chimneys is your go to for all things chimney inspection and chimney repair. We specialize in keeping your chimney in great shape and keeping you and your home safe. Anything from flashing on a chimney to fireplace repair, you can count on our team. Get in touch with us today for a free estimate!