Blog Page 12 - Austin TX - Atlas Chimney, Inc.

The Importance of a Chimney Crown

Your masonry chimney needs to have several important components in place to function properly. For example, the chimney crown keeps water out of your chimney. To do this job properly, it is crucial that the crown is in good condition. The crown is located at the top of the chimney. Therefore, it is difficult to properly check for damages such as cracks or chips. Fortunately, Atlas Chimney ensures your chimney crown effectively protects your home from water leak damage. For over 25 years, we have provided superior quality professional chimney services including crown repair and construction. We would like to tell you more about the importance of a chimney crown.

How often do I need to have a chimney crown inspection?

Industry experts recommend annual chimney crown inspections to ensure proper health and functionality. During our annual chimney inspections, we always take a look at the crown. We will spot any damage or poor construction that could lead to more problems with water leaks and animal invasions. If we do find any damage, we will provide you with photographs and a written estimate of the necessary repairs.

What does Atlas Chimney look for when inspecting a chimney crown?

Atlas Chimney deeply examines the chimney crown to ensure proper construction and catch damage unseen to the naked, untrained eye. One of the most common problems we have found over the years has to do with the mortar used to make the crown. Inferior mortar mixes can be the reason for chimney crown damage, but you can trust us to only use the best mortar mix, Portland cement, which is recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) for its durability. We also look for other crown construction guidelines from the CSIA, such as the proper slope and overhang. Without the right slope angle, water from rain and melted ice and snow can pool on top of the crown. Your crown also needs the right amount of overhang to keep water from falling directly upon the chimney flashing and possibly leak into the flue. Before constructing your crown, our CSIA-certified professionals take precise measurements of your chimney to ensure it will prevent leaks.

Because of the spalling damage that often occurs during the winter, Atlas Chimney recommends having your chimney crown inspected in the spring. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your annual professional chimney sweeping and inspection services from our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps.

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Inspected?

When owning a home with a chimney and fireplace system, it is the responsibility of the homeowners to have it professionally swept and inspected at least once a year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and other national non-profit fire safety organizations recommend having you chimney professionally swept and inspected annually. This is one of the most important home maintenance as it is related to the safety of your family. For over 25 years, Atlas Chimney has provided quality professional chimney maintenance, which includes repairs and installation services to residents across the Austin area. You can trust our CSIA-certified chimney technicians to ensure your chimney is in top working condition and will remain safe and efficient throughout the year. Chimney inspection is vital, and we would like to tell you more about what you’ll expect from our professionals.

Why do I need to have my chimney professionally inspected?

The national chimney experts recommend every homeowner to schedule this particular professional maintenance service at least once a year to ensure there are no flue blockages or any other type of damages, which could lead to dangerous fire hazards or other problems. With Atlas Chimney, we include a basic Level 1 inspection with your annual chimney sweeping appointment. However, if you are buying or selling a home or if you have made any changes to your fireplace since your previous chimney inspection, then you will need a Level 2 inspection. Our Level 2 inspection includes the attic, basement, and crawl spaces around the chimney. This will also be the inspection required after an earthquake, tornado, lightning strike, chimney fire or other events that may have damaged the chimney. If you suspect any problems that need more extensive investigation, a Level 3 inspection would be recommended. This level requires the removal of components such as a wall of the chimney – in order to determine the source of the problem that could lead to a devastating house fire – if neglected.

What can I expect from a chimney inspection from Atlas Chimney?

When sweeping your chimney, our CSIA-certified professionals will be doing a courtesy check to ensure nothing is blocking the inner flue. We will also keep an eye out for any damages to the liner. Both of these issues could lead to a potential carbon monoxide leak into your home. After sweeping your chimney, we will inspect the condition of the bricks and mortar joints on the exterior of your chimney. If we do find any damaged or missing masonry, we will provide photographs of the damages in our inspection report along with an honest estimate of the repairs that will be needed to get your chimney back to working safely.

Take advantage of our less busy off-season right now! Contact us today to schedule your professional chimney inspection.

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