What is Causing My Chimney to Fall Apart?
Is your chimney falling apart? The most common cause for a chimney to fall apart is from water that is collecting in the chimney. The water will deposit then freeze and this causes the bricks and chimney to fall apart. This is also referred to ask ‘spalling’. Spalling is a common problem and is the common cause for a chimney problems.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Chimney Deterioration?
Water is public enemy number one when it comes to brick chimneys. Over time, moisture seeps into the bricks and mortar, and as temperatures drop—particularly during those brisk Connecticut winters—that water freezes and expands. This cycle of freezing and thawing creates cracks and can eventually cause bricks and mortar to break apart. Chimney pros call this ‘spalling’—and it’s one of the usual suspects behind chimney trouble.
But water isn’t the only culprit. Here are a few other root causes to keep an eye on:
- Age of the Chimney: Older chimneys have weathered more seasonal changes. Years of exposure to rain, snow, and sun can weaken brick and mortar, making them prone to crumbling.
- Inferior Building Materials: Sometimes older or second-hand bricks are reused in construction. While recycling is generally great for the planet, in chimneys this can backfire. Salvaged bricks or bricks weakened by decades of prior use are naturally more susceptible to spalling and general deterioration.
- Shoddy Construction Techniques: If a chimney isn’t built following the best practices (think proper bricklaying, sound mortar application, and good structural support), it will deteriorate faster than one built with care. Poor joints and improper materials create pathways for water to invade, accelerating wear and tear.
- Missing or Damaged Chimney Caps: A quality chimney cap wards off water infiltration, but if the cap is missing—or has seen better days—rain and snow can flow right in, hastening brick decay.
The good news? Spotting these issues early gives homeowners a fighting chance to stave off serious damage.
If a homeowner catches the problem early, then a tuck pointing can repair the damages. Tuck pointing will remove the current mortar, then replace it with new mortar. The chimney liner may need to be replaced, too because that can cause a chimney to fall apart, as well.
When is Chimney Rebuilding Necessary?
Sometimes, chimney damage is too severe for a simple patch job or tuck pointing to fix. If large sections of bricks are crumbling away, or if the chimney structure is leaning or unsafe, it may be time for a rebuild.
There are a couple different approaches—sometimes only the upper portion of the chimney needs to be rebuilt, especially if damage is isolated at the top. In more serious cases, a full rebuild from the roofline up (or even from the foundation) may be the safest solution.
Common reasons for chimney rebuilding include:
- Extensive spalling across many bricks
- Large cracks running through the masonry
- Chimney leaning away from the house
- Serious water damage that has compromised structural integrity
If you notice these problems—or if repairs never seem to last—it’s best to consult a professional. Don’t delay, because putting off a rebuild can lead to even more expensive repairs down the road.
If you see damage to your chimney, immediately call a professional chimney sweep company. A professional will evaluate the chimney and liner, then determine the fix.
Safeside Chimney is the specialist in chimney repair and replacements. Give us a call today if your chimney is falling apart.
To learn more on Hartford’s most trusted chimney repair company, click here!
Lock-Top Chimney Damper
Is your current chimney damper effective? Traditional fireplace dampers often leak. A leaky damper is costing you money. It is like throwing money into your fireplace, then lighting it, and watching it go up the chimney. The same is currently happening with your current fireplace damper. You can save money and energy with a Lock-Top chimney damper!
What is a Lock-Top Chimney damper?
A Lock-Top chimney damper is an amazing damper that eliminates up to 90% of heating and cooling loss that is currently happening with your current damper. The Lock-Top chimney damper has many benefits, which includes:
- Eliminates downdrafts
- Keeps moisture out of your chimney
- Prevents animals from entering your chimney
- Eliminates heating and cooling costs
- Prevents deterioration of bricks
- Works for each season, year-round
- Tight seal
- Easy to use
The Lock-Top damper is a necessity for homeowners. Heating and cooling costs are rising daily, and you can’t afford to lose any of your energy through your chimney. The Lock-Top’s seal is extremely tight. There isn’t metal-to-metal contact, but a rubber gasket is added to provide the sealing that you need and expect. One of the best features is it is so easy to open, unlike the traditional dampers. You just give a slight tug on the handle, and it opens. Add another slight tug, and the damper closes. How easy is that? No more turning or sticking your head in the chimney to see if the damper is open or closed.
Where to get the Lock-Top Damper?
If you are interested in having the Lock-Top damper installed in your home, then you should call Safeside Chimney. Only professional chimney providers are able to sell the damper. Why? It takes a qualified professional chimney technician to install it because it has to be sized accurately, then installed, for the Lock-Top damper to work properly. Give Safeside Chimney a call today for a Lock-Top chimney damper. There are too many benefits with this damper for you not to call us!
Prevent Fires in Your Chimney
Having your chimney cleaned annually will prevent fires in your chimney. Soot, creosote and debris can collect in your chimney, which is some of the main reasons that a fire can start in your chimney. Having a clean chimney will keep your fireplace operating properly and effectively.
What is creosote?
Creosote is black or brown in appearance, and can be flaky along with having a sticky tar-like appearance. The creosote can be shiny and hard, depending on the length of time it has been in the chimney. The danger of creosote in a chimney is that it is highly combustible. The smoke, gases and tar minerals that come from the wood being burned in the fireplace goes up the chimney, but when these particles begin to stick to the chimney walls, this is creosote forming.
Debris
Debris come in many forms. It can be leaves and twigs that have blown into a chimney, because the current chimney cap is faulty or there is no chimney cap. It also consists of bird nests, raccoons and squirrels in the chimney. Animals are drawn to the chimney when it isn’t being used, because it is dark, private and warm. These type of debris can cause blockage, which can cause a fire.
Chimney Inspection
Having your chimney inspected at least once a year, prior to the heating season can determine if there is creosote buildup or debris in the chimney. The chimney inspection allows the chimney technician to examine the chimney for any cracks or damages too. If there is any creosote or debris present, then the chimney technician will remove and clean the chimney, then repair or replace the chimney cap, so your chimney is in good working condition for the winter season.
It is important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. It will keep your family safe from any chimney fires along with providing your home with a safe and comfortable source of heating. Give Safeside Chimney a call today and schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning. Get in the habit of doing this once a year, so your chimney is always safe.
For more information on our chimney services, click here!
West Hartford Modified Chimney Rebuild
We were called out for an estimate to rebuild a chimney in West Hartford, CT. Chunks of brick were falling off the chimney and rolling down the roof. You can see one sliver still on the roof. The top portion of the chimney was in major disrepair in the area that needed to support a heavy blue stone cap. Our customer said they have had birds in the chimney once before so they wanted to change out the slate cover with a screened chimney cap. We explained the chimney cap also does a better job keeping out rain and snow, which has been a contributing factor to this chimneys deterioration. They wanted to keep the look and the style of the brick, and we were able to find almost the exact same style. Three days later, a new chimney was born! Check out our photos below!
For more information on West Hartford’s #1 chimney company, click here!
Happy Bloomfield Customer After Chimney Rebuild!
A customer called up for an estimate to repoint the chimney as it was in disrepair. We explained that pointing only fills gaps in the mortar and does nothing else with the brick or crown and that the chimney would not look any better, nor would there be any structural improvement. Customer instantly agreed that rebuilding the chimney was the way to go.
He was very happy with the job as you can see from his email to us :
Feedback on a job well done!
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank Chris and his assistant Jose for a job well done. Chris made sure that the job was done right and the clean up was complete. He was courteous, professional and made sure our needs were met.
The Voutsas’
For more information on our chimney services, click here!
The Importance of a Chimney Cap
A chimney cap is important. It is the finishing element of a chimney. A chimney cap will prevent snow, debris, rain and even animals from entering your chimney. There are many benefits of a chimney cap, which includes:
- Prevents any moisture from entering the chimney: When moisture enters the chimney it can cause the water to get inside the brickwork or go inside the attic, which can cause damage to your home.
- Prevents downdrafts: A chimney cap will prevent downdrafts from entering your home. A downdraft will make your home fill up with smoke, which is unhealthy. The cap will also prevent cold air from entering your home, which keeps the home from unwanted drafts.
- Prevents animals from entering the chimney: Birds, squirrels, and raccoons are drawn to the chimney, because of the warmth and privacy the chimney can provide. An uncovered chimney start to build a nest, then blockage will occur.
- Prevents fires: The wire mesh on the chimney caps prevents sparks from creating a fire on your roof. The cap will deflect sparks keeping your home safe from fires.
There are different types of chimney caps for homeowners to choose from. You should always have a professional install your chimney cap. The opening of the chimney will need to be measured, so the exact size of cap is installed. The cap will be tightened down, then a caulk will be added around the base, so no water escapes to the chimney. This is definitely a job for a trained professional. You don’t want to trust your family and home to just anyone.
Safeside Chimney is the professionals to call to have your chimney cap installed. We offer a free inspection to determine if your current cap is effective. Give us a call today. The benefits are numerous.
For more information on the chimney services that we offer, click here!
Reline Instead of Replace
The chimney liner is the heart of the chimney. The chimney liner removes combustion gases, toxins, smoke, decreases creosote buildup, and provides safety to your home. If your current chimney wasn’t built with a chimney liner or your current liner is faulty, then you should have the chimney relined, instead of replacing the liner.
Benefits of Relining:
- Creates a safer home
- Corrosion resistant
- Easier to clean
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Affordable
- Keeps chimney performing
There are so many benefits of having the chimney relined over replacing the liner. The relining is cost effective. It cost less to have the chimney relined, rather than remove, then replace the current liner. It just doesn’t make sense to have the chimney replaced when a relining can be done quickly and affordably.
Chimney Liner
Safeside Chimney recommends having a stainless steel chimney liner for your chimney. The Chim-Flo Smoothwall 304 and 316 L Stainless Steel is one of the safest liners on the market. This liner is a UL (Underwriter Laboratories) listed. The liner is inserted from the top of the chimney, then installed. Safeside Chimney professionals are certified to do chimney reliners. You should always have a professional, certified professional to do chimney relining, because you have to know the right procedure and materials needed for each fireplace, woodstove or heating source. It is essential to always hire a professional.
If you don’t know if your current chimney has a liner, or if your current liner needs relined, then give Safeside Chimney a call today. One of our certified technicians will come out and do an extensive inspection of your chimney and determine if your chimney has cracks, holes, corrosion or no liner at all. We use the latest technology to do our inspection. We offer the Chim-Scan video inspection that allows us to get inside your chimney with our camera and inspect your liner completely. We will be able to show you exactly what issues your liner is having, then schedule a relining for your chimney. Now is the time to give us a call!
Visit https://safesidechimney.com/ to learn more about our chimney services!
Chimney Repair
Having your chimney inspected annually will allow for any chimney repairs to be made and correct any problems that your chimney may be having. A chimney repair can be as simple as small leaks to even broken bricks and loose mortar. How do you know when your chimney needs repaired? You should always hire a professional chimney company, such as Safeside Chimney to do a thorough inspection of your chimney and your flue. A thorough inspection will allow professionals to examine, and evaluate the condition of your chimney and flue, then report any damages that are occurring.
Most Common Chimney Repairs The most common chimney repairs include:
- Broken Bricks and Loose Mortar
- Leaks and Drafts
- Chimney Relining for Broken Liners
- Crown Repair
- Chimney Reflashing
- Chimney Rebuilding
- Flue Tile Repairs
These are common chimney repairs that can be done at an affordable price. What may seem like not a big deal to a homeowner, can actually be a life threating danger! Just a small crack in a flue tile can create toxins and gases coming inside your home, which will poison you and your family, along with possibly creating a house fire. It is essential to always have minor and major chimney repairs done. It can extend the life of your chimney, safe money on heating costs, and potentially save you and your family’s life.
Masonry Chimney Repair
The bricks or stones on your chimney are tough and durable, but even bricks and stones can break and crumble. This can happen when water gets trapped below or under the brick or stone surface. The water will eventually make the bricks and stones crumble and break off. When this happens, it doesn’t only look unappealing, but if it is left unattended, it can cause further and major damage to your chimney. This is when masonry repair should be done. Masonry repair is an effective repair that removes the broken and damaged bricks or stones, then replacing it with new. It also prevents water damage from spreading to the remaining chimney bricks, which leaves the chimney healthy and stable again.
Having chimney repair will keep your home looking and operating properly. If you see any missing bricks or crumbling areas in your chimney, then call Safeside Chimney today. Our qualified technicians will come and inspect your chimney, and have it repaired quickly.
For more information on our masonry chimney repair services and others, click here!
Broken Tiles in a Chimney Are Hazardous
If you have a fireplace or woodstove, then your chimney has flue tiles. The flue tiles are made of clay and are stacked on top of one another to form your liner, which removes the smoke and gases from your fire. These gases contain creosote and chemicals. Your flue removes these toxins up and out of your home, so your home is safe.
Over time it is common for these chemicals and gases to cause wear and tear on the flue tiles. The flue tiles become to start producing gaps and cracks. The flue tiles can crack for other reasons that include a chimney fire or even lighting from a storm, and just poor craftsmanship of the flue and chimney. No matter how the cracks occur in the flue tiles, they can pose a threat to your family’s health along with deteriorating your chimney. This is why it is essential to have your have your flue inspected.
Chim-Scan Video Inspection
We offer an amazing video inspection system called the Chim-Scan. The Chim-Scam allows our technician to see even the tiniest cracks in your flue tiles. The Chim-Scan video inspection is a long tube that has a camera on the end, which is connected to a monitor that the technician uses to see the inside of the flue. The camera is able to go over every inch of the flue, and inspect each flue tile to make sure there are no cracks or erosion present. It doesn’t matter how small the crack is on the flue tiles, our camera will be able to show the technician, and then our technician will show you the cracks that are present inside your flue.
Depending on the severity of the cracks in the flue tiles, a replacement can be done. Another option for homeowners is having a chimney liner repair system added. The chimney liner system will go over the existing flue tiles providing a new flue that will overtake the current one. The homeowner doesn’t have to worry about the expense of taking the current, cracked and damaged flue out with this option.
Our Chim-Scan video inspection system is the only way to get a thorough inspection of your flue. The video inspection system allows to pick up on any and all cracks and damages. Homeowner should have their flue tiles checked at least once a year, so their home is safe from all toxins entering it.
For more information on our chimney services, go to safesidechimney.com/.
