Besides serving the purpose of venting combustion products, chimneys have many other requirements, too. Their presence on the roof and the way they have been connected to the roof structure has the capacity to withstand wind loads based on site design wind speed. Chimneys must also be waterproofed to prevent rainwater from entering during high-wind events like hurricanes.
Importance of Chimney Maintenance and Repairs
As we know, the state of Texas frequently experiences extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, so it is crucial for homeowners to comprehend how their chimneys and roofs work together. While the chimney itself is an important structure of the roof, it is the place of their intersection where most leakages tend to occur.
A chimney’s main purpose is to direct smoke and dangerous gases like carbon monoxide outside your house. These gases are safely vented through a well-maintained chimney, keeping them out of your living area.
Besides this, residue from the burning of wood, known as creosote tends to layer itself on the chimney walls. This is highly combustible, and it must be cleaned. Even the chimney liner and masonry need to be checked for cracks or any potential issues that may create bigger problems for the chimney owners. With time, chimneys sustain structural damages, which must be fixed on time to avoid costly repairs.
Repair and maintenance of a chimney should be handled by professionals like WABO Roofing.
The Process of Chimney Repair
We have both roof and chimney specialists working in our team who have been trained to work on chimneys. After a thorough inspection, we will clean or repair the chimneys as required. Here is a quick gist of the process we follow:
We Inspect the Chimney
The first step is to inspect your chimney thoroughly. A skilled chimney sweep will examine the complete chimney system of your home. The technician identifies any damages, such as loose bricks, cracks, crumbling mortar, or gaps in the chimney. They also look for debris or bird/animal nests. If creosote is detected in excess levels, then the chimney must be cleaned before proceeding with the repair. The chimney technician also looks for structural issues in the chimney, such as leaning or settling.
Chimney is Cleaned for Debris and Creosote
The chimney needs to be cleaned before any repair work. All types of debris, creosote, and soot are cleaned with the help of special tools.
Repair Work of the Chimney
After the chimney is cleaned, the technicians will take care of all the identified issues during the inspection. Some of the common types of chimney repairs that arise include:
- Installation of a chimney cap, which may have been damaged. It helps prevent snow, rain, debris, and animals from entering the chimney.
- If the chimney crown is damaged or cracked, it will cause water to infiltrate the structure and cause serious damage. The chimney crown is the masonry top of the chimney.
- A flue liner guides the gases released from burning to escape from the chimney safely. If it is missing or damaged, then it should be replaced immediately.
- The flow of smoke and air within the chimney is controlled by the damper. If it is not functioning properly, it should be repaired or replaced (as required).
- All types of loose bricks, cracks, deteriorating mortar joints, etc., are masonry jobs that compromise the structural integrity of the chimney and the roof. It should be fixed as required.
Re-inspection of the Chimney
Once the entire job of chimney maintenance is complete, the team of WABO Roofing will conduct a final inspection to ensure that all the identified problems have been fixed. This is an essential and mandatory process to ensure the job is done correctly and our customers do not have any problems with the chimney.
Why Hire Professionals for Chimney Maintenance?
While there are a few homeowners who like to perform tasks at home, there are a few reasons why you should consider getting your chimney and roof jobs done by a professional like WABO Roofing.
Chimney Experts
Professionals with knowledge and experience in chimneys can accurately assess the chimney’s condition and suggest the necessary repairs. They can spot potential dangers that homeowners might miss.
Safety
Working on a chimney can be risky, particularly if it requires climbing on the roof or addressing structural problems. Expert chimney technicians are trained to carry out repairs in a secure way.
Code Compliance
Local building codes and regulations must be followed when performing chimney maintenance and repairs. We can guarantee that repairs adhere to the necessary standards because we are familiar with these codes.
Special Tools and Equipment
There are specialized tools and equipment required for proper chimney repairs and maintenance, which are available with chimney sweeps and technicians.
How to Know that the Chimney Needs to be Removed?
While chimneys are durable and last you for long with regular maintenance and repairs, there are times when they will have to be removed:
Structural Damages
At times, the chimney may sustain damages that are beyond repair, which may make it necessary for the homeowner to change the chimney. Using a severely damaged chimney may be hazardous.
Chimney is Not in Use
If the homeowner doesn’t use the chimney – they may not be using the fireplace or the stove any longer then it is better to have the chimney removed. This will free them of any maintenance charges and free up home space.
Change the Appearance of Home
Several homeowners voluntarily remove the chimneys from their homes to beautify them or give their interiors a different modern design.
The process of removing a chimney is complicated as it requires dismantling it right from top to bottom. Additional jobs like roof repair, rebuilding any affected areas of the home, and patching will be required. Therefore, it is wise to consult a professional like WABO Roofing to perform all types of chimney and roof-related tasks.
