Our Company Blog

Structural Damage & Your Chimney

Durable and solid, masonry chimneys are built to last for many years; however, the constant exposure to the elements can lead to damage and deterioration. Repair damaged bricks and mortar joints as soon as possible because they get much worse when neglected. Over 25 years of service, Atlas Chimney has seen many chimneys collapse because of negletcing masonry damage. This type of damage worsens even more quickly during the winter due to cold weather. To keep your chimney structurally sound, we can help you both with professional chimney repair and water penetration preventive services. We want to tell you more about why winter weather is so rough on the structure of your chimney as well as how we can help you keep it safe and sound.

Why does winter weather cause so much structural damage to chimneys?

While masonry materials are strong and durable, they are also naturally porous and absorb moisture, which weakens the bricks and mortar joints. This is why the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has issued such a stern warning to homeowners about water penetration damage to masonry chimneys. The CSIA also warns that this type of damage can quickly worsen during the winter because of freeze/thaw cycles. Any moisture inside masonry materials will freeze and expand every time the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When this water thaws, its force causes the bricks and mortar joints to crack and break apart. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles in one season can lead to bricks and mortar falling from the chimney structure, and if this damage is not repaired in a timely manner, the structure of your chimney could be in serious jeopardy.

How can Atlas Chimney help protect my masonry chimney from structural damage?

We have the necessary skills and experience to replace damaged and missing bricks and mortar joints. In addition, we also provide several ways to combat water penetration. These include professional chimney cap installation and customized flashing system construction and repairs. We strongly recommend professionally waterproofing your chimney to ensure protection against water damage. This service creates a barrier against water penetration that lasts for a decade and will prevent freeze/thaw damage from occurring during the cold winter months.

Keep your masonry chimney’s structure safe and sound this winter. Contact us today at Atlas Chimney to learn more about our professional water penetration preventive services and to schedule an appointment for your waterproofing treatment.

Make Sure Your Hearth Is Ready for the Holidays

Believe it or not, the holiday season is just around the corner. Now is the time to be making all of the necessary preparations for this busy time of year so that you can relax once the holidays arrive. When you have a fireplace, it is most likely one of your main focal points in your home. Your holiday guests will enjoy spending time with you by the hearth, which means you need to be sure it is ready for the season. For residents of the Austin, TX area, Atlas Chimney is ready to help you with all of your professional fireplace and chimney needs. We would like to give you a few tips to make sure your hearth looks its best and will be safe all holiday season long.

Schedule an appointment for your annual professional chimney sweeping and inspection.

The last thing you want to happen during the holidays is a chimney fire, which is why it is so important to have your chimney professionally swept and inspected before the season begins. You can trust Atlas Chimney to remove every bit of flammable creosote from the inner chimney walls to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. We will also make sure during our inspection of your chimney there is no damage present that could cause your fireplace to be unsafe to use during the holidays and the rest of the winter season.

Do not overload the mantel with holiday decorations made of flammable materials.

While you may love the look of stockings hanging from the mantel, Consumer Safety warns of placing these holiday decor staples in front of your fireplace. Other types of decorations that should not be placed on the mantel include garlands and paper decorations. If you insist on decorating your hearth with stockings, make sure you have another place to hang them when the fireplace is in use to prevent an accidental fire from starting.

Keep children and pets safe around the fireplace.

If you do not have kids or pets of your own, you may have some visiting your home over the holidays. You want to make sure your hearth is safe for them by placing a screen in front of the fireplace opening. This will protect young children and pets, who can be very curious about the flames burning in the fireplace. You will also keep toddlers who are just learning how to walk safe from stumbling and falling upon a stone or brick hearth.

Contact Us

Get your hearth ready for this holiday season! Contact us today at Atlas Chimney to make an appointment for your annual professional chimney maintenance services.