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articles / chimney repair and maintenance
Let’s have a look at your chimney. Usually homeowners don’t think too much
about their chimney, unless something goes wrong and usually that’s an emergency!
As far as chimneys go, it cannot be stressed enough that a yearly inspection
is worth it in terms of avoiding those emergency situations.
Interior Collapse
A yearly inspection would have revealed this problem long ago- extreme danger
of carbon monoxide poisoning from furnace backup.
So, here are a few common problems:
1) Above the roof, the chimney shows signs of missing mortar.
2) Chimney may exude a brownish liquid. Possibly creosote from burning wet
or “seasoned” wood. May also be soot from fuel oil mixed water.
3) Chimney may leak.
4) Cracks, broken or spalled bricks may appear.
In general, the solution to any of the above problems may be very simple or
elaborate, depending on any number of factors. Your mason can tell you the
various options.
As revealed in the photo above, dangerous situations can develop, whether due
to shoddy construction or normal wear and tear. Many homeowners will try and
retrofit an appliance into their chimney which was not built with the new use
in mind, i.e., changing your furnace from gas to fuel oil or vice versa. (
the different fuels require different liner materials.)
Others will try to add an appliance into a single-flue chimney, many mixing fuel
exhausts into the same flue, such as adding a woodstove outlet into the furnace
flue. (A double no-no.) Your masonry contractor can advise you as to local codes
and specific solutions for your needs.
(We will be adding to this database of articles, so check back for more informative
details regarding your next brick, step, or stone project.)
