Chimney Repairs
A fireplace is typically the focal point of a room and can function as both a heat source for your home and also set an unforgetable ambience for family and guests. The fireplace is directly connected to the chimney which acts as an escape route for dangerous gases to leave the inside of the home while you enjoy the beautiful fire safely within. Due to a chimney being subject to years of extreme temperature changes inside from using the fireplace and the wear and tear from external weather conditions from mother nature, a chimney typically will require repairs throughout its lifetime. Some typical chimney repairs due to wear and tear include crown repairs & wash, crown rebuilds, tuck and points, and relining the chimney flues. There are also issues that may not be very obvious and require a more thorough inspection to uncover. Thankfully, the Sweep-A-Chim staff is fully trained to handle any chimney issues we come across to get your chimney and fireplace back in shape. We will provide a detailed description of what needs to occur in order to get your chimney up to par and any additional issues we uncover we will keep you informed throughout the process.
What is the importance of timely repairs?
Chimneys and fireplaces are subject to extreme heat on their interior structure as well as harsh outside weather conditions on the exterior. There are numerous issues that can arrise over the course of your home’s lifetime. It is important to know what issues to look for as well as which issues should be addressed sooner than later.
Masonry Fireplaces
What is it?
The mortar crown is the cement or concrete top to the chimney. Shaped to overhang the chimney and allow rainwater to roll off of its surface. It is the upgraded version of a wash or splay. Wash/Splay is also made of mortar / cement or concrete but stops at the chimney’s edge.
Why do I need it?
Over-time weather can deteriorate the mortar crown or cause it to split, allowing excess moisture into the chimney. Having either a proper mortar crown or a brick bump-out is crucial for the health of your chimney as it will prevent excess rain water from rolling down the sides of the chimney. Excess moisture in bricks can bring efflorescence and cause them to break (especially if they freeze / thaw during winter).
What should I look for?
- Cracks in the cement or mortar.
- Efflorescence on the faces of the bricks.
- Moisture in my fireplace.
- Loose pieces.
What should I expect?
Repairs for mortar crowns can be minor, like applying clear silicone to superficial cracks or around the terracotta flue tiles. If the crown cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced. This is done by removing the cement down to the bricks and then relaying it with new cement or concrete.
What is it?
Over-time weather can deteriorate the mortar joints between the bricks. This can lead to cracked mortar joints or the mortar falling completely out. The mortar joints can be ground out (tuck) and then new mortar pushed back in (point). There are several different ways to finish the pointing.
Why do I need it?
Missing mortar joints or cracked joints can allow excess moisture into the chimney. Excess moisture in bricks can bring efflorescence and cause them to break (especially if they freeze during winter while wet). If enough mortar deteriorates between the bricks the chimney structure may become compromised.
What should I look for?
- Bits of cement on the roof or in the grass/mulch around the base of the chimney.
- Cracks in the cement or mortar.
- Efflorescence on the faces of the bricks.
- Moisture in the fireplace.
What should I expect?
If the mortar joint splits are very minor, applying clear silicone is an option to temporarily stop water intrusion through the mortar joints. If mortar has fully split or fallen out, a tuck point is needed. It is a labor intensive process where we set up vacuums for dust control and rinse the roof when we’re finished. We will do our best to match the existing color and finish of your mortar joints. Oftentimes it is hard to match the color due to years of aging and weathering. This is why it is common to tuck point from the flashing to the top of the chimney.
What is it?
When the original flue liner (usually made of terracotta) has deteriorated, broken, or does not meet modern standards/code anymore, it may need a new lining system installed.
Why do I need it?
The flue liner in the chimney is designed to contain all gases and by-products that are produced while burning fires. If the lining system is compromised it could lead to fire hazards and health safety concerns. Carbon monoxide that would normally be contained within the liner, could escape back into the house. Creosote produced from improper burning habits can build-up outside of the lining system and could lead to chimney fires.
What should I look for?
Where applicable, looking up from the bottom of the fireplace or looking down from the top of the chimney is a great place to start inspecting the lining system. We are looking for cracks, gaps, and/or constrictions within the lining system. Often, a camera inspection is required to fully view the entire lining system. Ensure to have carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and have your chimney inspected yearly.
What should I expect?
Often, it is more cost effective to install an appliance as it requires a smaller liner size, less manual labor, and less construction to the chimney. If restoring the fireplace is the chosen option it would require breaking out the current faulty lining system, removing all debris, and installing a size-specific insulated stainless steel liner. The open reline is much more labor intensive than an appliance install. An appliance will grant you a secondary heat source, where an open restoration is more for aesthetics than heating.
Prefabricated Fireplaces
What is it?
The metal covering for the top of the chimney. Often made of galvanized metal that is bent and fabricated on-site while the house is being built.
Why do I need it?
These covers, if not pitched properly, will rust and eventually allow rain water into the house. In Maryland, galvanized metal chase-covers typically last around 25-30 years. A compromised chasecover cannot properly shed rain water and will allow it into the chimney cavity and potentially into the house.
What should I look for?
- Rust streaks down the siding.
- Water in the firebox.
- Discoloration near the top of the chimney.
What should I expect?
We will visit the property to measure for the new chasecover. The chasecovers we use are custom-made off-site to the specifications of each individual chimney. The day of the installation we will set up ladders and/or staging to remove the existing galvanized chasecover and install a new stainless steel, powder coated (of any color), or copper chase cover.
What is it?
Factory built or prefab fireplaces use thin refractory panels made of cement with metal reinforcement rather than solid masonry like brick or block. They often have a “brick-like” pattern stamped on them. Most fireboxes have 4 panels (left, right, center, and floor).
Why do I need it?
Having the proper panels and panels in satisfactory condition will ensure a smooth fire experience and reduce potential damage to the fireplace. These panels insulate the firebox and protect the metal fireplace from warping or melting due to heat exposure. If the panel is in pieces, it needs to be replaced!
What should I look for?
- Cracks or gaps in the panel.
- Panel falling out of the firebox.
What should I expect?
We will verify the manufacturer and model of the fireplace. On the day of the appointment, we will disassemble the firebox and discard the faulty panels. Reassemble the firebox with the new refractory panels.
What is it?
Factory-built or prefab fireplaces have many parts including: doors, screens, grates, blower motors(where applicable), etc.
Why do I need it?
Fireplace grates and panels wear out from use and they are meant to have specific sized components. In addition, some manufacturers require the use of the fireplace to have the proper screens or doors. Replacing the parts with approved components is crucial to ensure proper safeties while using the fireplace.
What should I look for?
Just inside the opening of the fireplace, there should be an ID plate that will include the Manufacturer, Model, Serial Number, and often the required accessories or replacement parts. Most fireplace manuals can be found online.
What should I expect?
We will verify the model and serial number for your fireplace (where applicable) and order the required parts. Day of the appointment, we will remove any faulty components and install replacement parts.