Chimneys are stunning architectural features that add a great deal of charm and charisma to any property. But being such a visually attractive feature isn’t easy! Chimneys require a great deal more maintenance than many people tend to think and if this maintenance is neglected, you could potentially make your home environment unsafe. Having said that, even if you keep on top of your chimney maintenance, eventually faults can develop due to the wear on tear of frequent use and the constant exposure to the harsh Toronto climate. But exactly what can go wrong? We’re going to talk you through a few of the main issues with chimneys that we’ve frequently encountered in our 22 years in the chimney repair industry.
What Can Go Wrong That Requires Chimney Repair to Put Right?
Chimney repair should never be attempted by the average homeowner, even if they do consider themselves to be somewhat of a DIY guru. Carrying out chimney repair can sometimes be dangerous and you risk not only causing further damage to your property, but also to yourself.
- Damaged Brickwork – Just as with the walls of your property, the condition of the bricks that combine to form the chimney will deteriorate over time. The rate of this deterioration is often quicker for a chimney than on other parts of the home due to the fact that a chimney is elevated and therefore constantly exposed when the harshest (and wettest) weather conditions hit the area. A common issue we encounter is the mortar becoming damaged and falling away, and it’s vital that you get a chimney repair contractor out to replace this as soon as possible, otherwise moisture could easily penetrate the brick and cause more serious damage.
- Damage to the Chimney Cap and Crown – This is another chimney repair issue that needs to be rectified very quickly otherwise it could allow excess amounts of moisture to get inside the chimney and potentially damage its lining, the brickwork, the damper, the firebox and also potentially the walls and ceiling inside your home. The crown and cap are considered your chimney’s primary defences against Mother Nature, but due to their level of exposure and the extremeness of Toronto’s climate, they can become damaged over time.
- Damaged Chimney Lining – As you can imagine, the lining of your chimney plays a vital role and prevents your home from setting alight every time you use your fireplace. Every time you use your chimney, a flammable substance known as creosote is deposited on the flue lining and if moisture is allowed to mix with this substance (hence why it’s important to rectify the two issues listed above quickly), it can cause the flue lining to crack. This will have to be replaced before the chimney can be used again.
If you’ve got a beautiful chimney at your home but you either can’t use it because it’s damaged or it’s affecting other parts of your home, contact our chimney repair team today. We have the skills, knowledge and equipment to restore your chimney to perfect working order once again, with expertise in brick repair and tuckpointing.
