When the weather’s chilly, nothing is as comforting as warming up by the fireplace. Maintaining your chimney protects your family and provides a safe cozy home for your family. Chimney repair prevents dangerous creosote buildup. Upkeep the chimney flue to prevent illness from smoke fumes. Follow these simple professional tips to maintain brick chimney construction. Enjoy your fireplace for decades to come.

Common Chimney Repairs

Your chimney has a few common problems. Some issues, like replacing the entire brick chimney construction will require the work of a professional. A common problem involves debris blocking the chimney flue. The debris may be a nest, leafs, or debris. Blocking the chimney may cause dangerous fumes to enter your home. These can make you and your family ill. Inspect your chimney at least once or twice a year, preferably before the winter. The inspector will check for debris and a blocked chimney. Keep your chimney clear of debris and critters to prevent injury.

Creosote Building

Creosote building can create a hazardous condition in your home. Always burn your fires hot to prevent creosote buildup. Have working carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Check the detectors regularly. Keep your chimney flue clean. Hire professionals to clear out any excess buildup.

Restoring Your Chimney

Minor steps like preventing chimney leaks by applying mortar can be done by homeowners. Mix mortar and apply to the crown. Keep the mortar the consistency of cookie dough. You don’t want the mortar to be too dry or too wet. Plug minor cracks and protect your home.

Tuckpointing

Some handy homeowners feel comfortable doing minor tuckpointing work on their chimney. Restore the brick joints to restore deteriorating mortar. Apply the mortar using a trowel. Clear away any extra mortar.

Structural Issues

Finally, structural issues like cracks and breakdown of mortar can ruin the structural integrity of the chimney. If you spot any major cracks or structural issues, contact a chimney repairman.