You can fix several things around your house on your own. A worn or damaged chimney is not one of them. And if you’ve been facing issues with such structures lately, it’d be best to call in a masonry contractor in Seattle, WA.
Yet, you should know a few things before you opt for such professional services. In other words, it’d help if you identified what the underlying problem is. That would allow you to relay the correct details to the technicians and expedite the entire process.
So, this article will walk you through the three most common issues that plague most chimneys. Let’s dive right in!
- Incompatible mortar
Mortar formulations have changed over the years. And the kind used today is much stronger than it was previously.
The issue is that newer mortar is only compatible with the bricks that are produced now. When used with older variants, it can cause a structure to crumble. So, if your chimney was constructed a while back and you had it repaired recently, it could lead to problems down the line.
One way to spot this is to examine if the structure seems to be leaning instead of being upright. If it is, book an inspection before you call contractors to make additional repairs. That way, you can ensure you convey the correct details to the technicians.
- Creosote build-up
Creosote is a flammable chemical substance produced from the tar that builds up in your chimney.
Over time, these particles tend to stick to the walls and cause cracks in the outer structure. This raises the risk of moisture seeping in and poses a fire hazard to your entire residence.
As such, there’s no way to avoid this from occurring. The only thing you can do is hire professionals to clean it up frequently. And it’s essential that you do so since most chimney fires in the US occur due to creosote build-up.
Still, ensure that you thoroughly examine everything after the cleaning crew has left. If you spot cracks or crumbles along the outer wall, immediately call a masonry contractor in Seattle, WA.
- Faulty installation of chimney caps
Chimney caps are copper or steel mesh coverings that sit on top of the entire structure. Their sole purpose is to prevent moisture from seeping into the internal walls.
Now, this bit is especially relevant for Seattle residents. Since the city experiences frequent rainfall, a fault chimney cap can lead to leakage and internal damage. In a few cases, it can also cause a spike in the humidity levels in your home.
The best way to deal with this is to hire professionals for regular inspections. That will let you know whether the cap must be replaced and the kind of repairs you need. Ideally, you should get this done at least once a year.
Save it for the professionals
As tempting as it may be to take a DIY approach to chimney repairs, you must avoid it. These things aren’t like your conventional fixer-uppers. Even a slight misstep can lead to something disastrous.
So, get your inspections done regularly, and if an issue is brought up, take the time to understand the problem. Then, hire professionals to fix it for you while ensuring you pass along all the necessary details.
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