Did you know that a lot of Americans don’t complete regular home maintenance tasks? If you want to learn about how to maintain your chimney, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over chimney maintenance tips to keep your chimney in top shape.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Table of Contents
Bricks and Mortar Joints Shouldn’t Crumble
The mortar joints and bricks in your chimney will help keep water from damaging the inside of your home.
Yet, over time, the mortar joints and brick can begin to crumble. Moisture will gain entry into your home. The mortar will need to get repaired.
Watch out for signs that the mortar’s crumbling or the bricks are beginning to loosen. If you notice these signs, your chimney might need tuckpointing.
Look into getting a waterproofing sealant for your chimney stack. You’ll keep bricks and mortar protected from moisture.
Is Your Chimney Waterproof?
Moisture and other elements can cause problems in your chimney. The moisture will weaken the structure of your chimney. Mold or damage can affect the floor or walls around your fireplace.
Make sure your chase cover, crown and flashing, and chimney waterproofing function well. If you haven’t waterproofed your chimney, do this right away.
You can add a sealant to the exterior of the chimney. This way, you’ll prevent moisture from breaking down the mortar and bricks.
Next, you’ll need to consider the top of your chimney where the smoke escapes. You can’t seal the hole, but you also don’t want snow or rain to get inside your home.
If you have a prefabricated chimney, consider a chase cover. A chase cover will cover the top but lets smoke slip through a tiny pipe.
Prefabricated chimneys tend to come with galvanized steel chase covers. These steel chase covers can rust over time. Replace the steel chase cover with aluminum, stainless steel, or copper chase covers.
If you have a masonry chimney, look into getting a crown. A crown is a concrete cover that will keep things from getting inside your home.
Like a chase cover, the smoke will be able to slip through a pipe that comes through the crown.
The flashing is the thin metal material that directs water away from the chimney. If you don’t have a sealant around this area, moisture will seep into the home.
Watch that your flashing remains in good condition. If not, consider replacing the flashing.
Fireplace Damper
A fireplace damper will impact your home’s energy efficiency. At times when you don’t use your fireplace, the dampers should get closed. This will keep the exterior drafts from slipping inside your home.
If a damper doesn’t close, you will see an increase in your energy bills.
Your furnace or AC will need to work harder to get to a specific temperature due to the drafts.
Your units will use more power to cool or heat your home. When using your fireplace, make sure the dampers remain open. If the dampers can’t open because they’re broken, you won’t be able to use your fireplace.
The damper could trap smoke in your home, and you could breathe in carbon monoxide.
Make sure you either replace or fix the dampers. The new damper should fit snugly, and there shouldn’t be any gaps.
What About Chimney Sweeping?
You will need to invest in chimney sweeping services no matter the type of fireplace you have.
Do you know when you should get your chimney cleaned? One factor that will influence this is how often you use your fireplace.
You should make sure your chimney gets cleaned every 50 burns. A gas log fireplace will need to get swept less often compared to a wood-burning fireplace.
Damage From a Storm or Fire
Damage can occur in a chimney from a house fire or lightning strike. Sometimes, you can prevent the damage.
Yet, preventive cleaning will help delay major chimney repairs. You’ll also keep your chimney in decent condition.
Chimney repair and upkeep are essential and need to get taken seriously. If you neglect chimney repair, you will end up with insufficient heating and put your family at risk.
A lot of people report damage to homes every year because of chimney and fireplace problems. Make sure you get your chimney inspected after a bad storm.
Get Your Chimney Inspected
Examining your chimney isn’t going to be enough. There might be a more complicated problem that needs to get identified by a professional.
Consider investing in a chimney inspection once a year. This way, you’ll keep your chimney in good condition.
Some people will get an inspection done to make sure that the chimney’s functioning well. Some people will need to change how they use their chimney or have an inspection done before they sell the property.
The inspector will come in and check the crawlspace, attic, and exterior.
Also, some inspectors will check the concealed areas if there’s a significant problem.
Make sure you schedule an inspection once a year. Look for a reputable chimney and masonry repair company.
Now You Know More About Chimney Maintenance
We hope this guide on chimney maintenance and cleaning was helpful. Make sure you inspect your chimney for any signs of loosened bricks or crumbling mortar.
You’ll want to get your chimney inspected by a professional at least once a year.
Are you looking for more homeowner tips? Learn more by checking out our home and real estate resources.
