Chimney Repair

Chimney repair is used to describe repairs dealing with the integrity of the physical chimney. This could either be a masonry chimney (like brick and mortar) or a prefabricated chimney. The most common cause for a chimney repair is due to lack of maintenance.

What kind of damage could there be?

All kinds unfortunately! The most common I see:- Water penetration of brick cores- Spalling of brick faces- Brick face destruction - Breaching of the masonry - Cracking chimney foundation Due to our weather in Kentuckiana, masonry bricks can go through 73 - 78 freezes and thaws in a single season. This freezing and thawing wreaks havoc on masonry. If not caught in the early stages, this can lead to costly chimney repairs.

How to avoid costly chimney repairs?

I recommend to all of my home-owners that they have their chimney inspected annually. This requires a chimney sweep technician to come out to the property to check the chimney. This allows the chimney sweep to catch early signs of deterioration before the repairs get costly and out of hand.

When is the best time for an annual inspection?

The best time to get an annual inspection is during the summertime. This is the best time to get all of the masonry repairs. This allows you to beat the rush of chimney servicing that comes as we enter the fall and winter months. Since the inspection is not during the busy season, you will get easier scheduling and cheaper prices!

Signs you are in need of a chimney repair

You see Brick chips on the ground or on your roof.
You noticed water in your fire box or you hear water trickle near your chimney.
You notice cracks in any masonry head or bed joints.
Flue fire -You notice a discoloration or a darkening of your chimney brick or mortar joints.
A Chimney Sweep informs you that your chimney needs attention during inspection.

Cracking brick, if left unchecked, can costs you thousands.

Chimney Sweep

Chimney Sweep is the term used to describe the technician who specializes in chimney safety codes and regulations. A good Chimney Sweep arrives on time and with all required equipment (ladders, drop cloths, vacuums, etc.). Chimney Sweeps are trained to always leave your home cleaner than when they arrived. The full chimney sweep process takes around 60 - 90 minutes.

What does a chimney sweep do?

The first goal for the Chimney Sweep is to clean the chimney. The goal is to remove all of the dirt, soot, and creosote from flue and smoke chambers. This is a very dirty process and requires the use of drop clothes to protect your carpet and specialized vacuums to ensure the air quality in your home. Once the cleaning portion is complete, it is time for the most important part of the process, the chimney inspection. This includes an internal inspection and an external inspection.

During the internal inspection the chimney sweep is looking for any defects that could have been hidden by the soot/creosote. The external inspection covers the masonry structure for overall stability and any possible preventative maintenance that should be completed.

Upon completion of the inspection, if the chimney sweep detects any cracks, gaps, code violations, or signs of a sudden occurrence ( e.g. flu fire), they are to document and report the findings to you. Insurance companies typically demand prior documentation for any claims dealing with chimney damage. This is where the Chimney Sweep can save you thousands.

Why you need a chimney sweep?

Flue fires can occur without you knowing, damaging your flue.
Odor. Creosote can have scent that hangs around a fireplace ruining any get together.
Preventive Maintenance Suggestions. I cannot stress enough the cost savings this can provide.
Protecting your largest investment, your home.

How Chimney Repair and Chimney Sweep are similar?

Chimney Repair and Chimney Sweep can typically be used interchangeably. The chimney sweep process outlined above (should) always include a chimney inspection. Chimney sweeps are usually called out by homeowners when they notice brick popping or flaking. This sign of interior damage usually requires chimney repair. The completion of the Chimney Sweep’s report can lead to the need of a chimney repair.

How Chimney Repair and Chimney Sweep differ?

The difference between chimney repair and chimney sweep is the scope of work. Chimney repair covers the chimney in its entirety - structure, safety, aesthetics, etc. The chimney sweep is mostly concerned with the cleaning and inspection of the chimney. Chimney sweeps are to leave you with a clean chimney, recommend maintenance, and report on any other issues that were found. This is similar to businesses that specialize in vehicle oil changes that will inform you that your vehicle requires additional repair. They cannot repair it, but will report to you possible issues.

The best case scenario is to work with a company that offers both chimney sweep services AND chimney repair. These companies are incentivized to provide you with the best all around care for your home. Full service companies are more interested in long time customers. Did I mention that we at Watertite Chimney Services are a full service Chimney Sweep and Chimney Repair company?

Here at Watertite Chimney Service, we cover all things chimney related. Our team has over 15 years of hands-on chimney service experience, if it has fire on one end and smoke out the other, chances are we have experience working on it. We pride ourselves on our customer satisfaction and quality of work. We are here to be your long term partner and help you protect your largest investment. Please contact us here for more information or set an appointment!

Chimney Repair vs. Chimney Sweep