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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Fall Chimney Maintenance

The leaves will start to fall soon, temperatures will cool down soon and before we know it many of us will be engaging in apple picking, pumpkin carving, and all types of fun fall activities.  Fireplaces tend to go through a lot during the fall and winter.  After months of disuse, homeowners everywhere start lighting up fires on a regular basis, and as the holidays arrive, crackling fires become an essential component in setting the mood for festive events and get-togethers.  Because of this, investing in fall maintenance, such as inspections, service work and sweepings, is extremely important!

CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY’S FLASHING

To prevent water leaks and damage to your home, look for loose, missing, cracked or damaged flashings.  Caulk all seams or gaps.  Deteriorated flashing should be replaced or repaired with a high quality elastomeric flashing sealant.  It’s best to call a professional.

CLOSELY INSPECT YOUR BRICKS AND MORTAR JOINTS

To prevent the need for major repairs, make minor repairs as soon as problems arise.  Check for loose, cracked, or chipped (spalled) bricks.  If some bricks are loose or a lot are cracked or chipped, you may have serious water damage problems.  You’ll need to call a brick mason or chimney sweep that specializes in chimney repairs.  Minor cracks (up to 1/8″ wide) in bricks that are not loose can be filled with brush-applied crack filler, as can loose or missing mortar joints. Consult a professional to see if your chimney needs to have the mortar joints replaced, a repair known as tuckpointing. Minor cracks in otherwise sound mortar joints can easily be sealed with the same brush-applied crack filler.

CHECK YOUR MASONRY FOR WATER INTRUSION

After making repairs or sealing cracks, throw a few ounces of water onto the chimney.  If the surface quickly darkens and the water absorbs into the masonry within a few seconds your chimney is susceptible to continued water damage.  Treat it with a high-quality, 100% breathable water repellent that is made for masonry chimneys.  Breathability is important because typical water sealers may trap water vapors inside the chimney and cause more damage.  Before applying the water repellent, remove any unsightly white or brown stains.  There are some excellent masonry cleaners that are safer than the strong acids typically used for cleaning masonry.  Be sure to follow all label precautions when using any chemical.

CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY’S CROWN

The mortar or concrete on top of your chimney is called the crown.  It’s your chimney’s roof. If there are loose or missing pieces, consult a professional.  If cracked but otherwise solid, repair it with a brush-applied crown repair that stays permanently flexible to prevent water damage and leaks.

INSTALL A CHIMNEY CAP

Chimney or flue caps cover the opening of your flue.  They prevent animals, debris, and water from entering your chimney.  Chimney caps made of stainless steel or aluminum are the most resilient and won’t rust.

Ensuring Your Protected Against Water Damage

If you’ve experienced any type of water damage or leakage throughout the spring and summer months, having it addressed before lighting a fire is a must.  Avoiding this maintenance can put your home at risk, and it’s definitely not worth taking any chances when the wellbeing of your family is at stake.

All in all, scheduling maintenance right now will ensure you get the highest levels of efficiency from your fireplace.  If you want your system to effectively heat your home without a lot of extra effort on your part, then it’s time to rely on our team to take the burden off of your shoulders.