chimney damage Archives - Atlas Chimney

What We Might Find During a Chimney Inspection

To keep your chimney working safely and efficiently, you should schedule an annual maintenance appointment with a chimney professional. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), your chimney needs to be professionally swept and inspected at least once a year. If you live in the Austin area, Atlas Chimney provides these professional chimney maintenance services. We are often asked about what exactly we find during routine inspections. We would like to tell you more about the problems we have found on the outside and the inside of chimneys we have inspected over the past three decades.

YOUR CHIMNEY’S INTERIOR

One of the most important reasons your chimney needs to be professionally maintained every year is to have all of the creosote removed. The creosote is removed from the inner walls to prevent chimney fires. Developed naturally during the combustion process of burning wood, creosote sticks to the interior walls of the chimney. It can accumulate into large deposits that can be dangerous. Creosote is so flammable that the CSIA has named it as a leading cause of chimney fires. The CSIA-certified chimney sweeps from Atlas Chimney will make sure to remove every bit of the creosote deposits from your chimney. We also check to ensure there are no blockages of the flue from debris and no damage to interior components like the liner.

YOUR CHIMNEY’S EXTERIOR

You may have heard that water penetration can cause the most damage to a masonry chimney. During our chimney inspections, Atlas Chimney is always on the lookout for masonry chimney damage and deterioration caused by water. We look for cracked, crumbled, loose, and missing bricks and mortar joints that need to be repaired. This damage not only allows water to leak into your home to cause further damage, but it can also lead to serious structural problems. These include the collapse of the chimney structure. We will also check out the condition of your chimney cap, crown, and flashing system since these components serve to keep water from getting into your chimney.

After we have completed our inspection, Atlas Chimney will give you a written report on the condition of your chimney, and if we find damage, you will also receive photos of the damage and a written estimate of the repairs needed. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to have your chimney professionally swept and inspected.

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.

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