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Do You Have One of These 5 Common Chimney Problems?

Many people are prone to ignore their chimneys, even though they may have some of the five most common chimney problems. Fireplaces are among the greatest pleasures to be enjoyed in wintertime, but they are also safety risks. A variety of different hazards are caused by a lack of chimney maintenance. Some aspects of neglect result in much higher repair costs than what would have been necessary with the benefit of annual chimney inspections. Is it possible you have one or more of the following five common chimney problems?

signs of chimney moisture intrusion, clinton ia1- Moisture Intrusion

The biggest enemy to any chimney is moisture. If moisture is allowed to get into the chimney system, a destructive process begins. Each brick that contains water is on a path to complete deterioration. What happens is that the freezing and thawing of the water in winter creates movement inside the bricks. The damaged bricks will eventually result in a leaning chimney, and complete collapse is possible

2-Creosote Buildup

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, creosote is left inside your chimney flue every time you get a fire going. Creosote is a tar-like substance made from combustion materials. It is important to understand that creosote is highly flammable. A hot ember can float up the chimney and ignite a chimney fire that is then fueled by the buildup of creosote.

Creosote also has corrosive properties that can cause deterioration of the flue lining. It is essential for a flue lining to be fully intact. Otherwise, heat from the chimney can cause nearby combustible materials to undergo pyrolysis, in which combustion materials will ignite at much lower temperatures.

3-White Stains

It is not always possible to identify when moisture is in the masonry system. White stains on your chimney, however, provide solid evidence that moisture intrusion has occurred. What happens is that the water mixes with salt inside one or more bricks. The saltwater mixture travels to the brick face, leaving behind a white deposit or stain. Note: Not all bricks contain salt.

4-A Cracked Crown

One of the components of chimneys designed to help keep water out of the masonry system is the chimney crown. Chimney crowns are fashioned with a white material that is prone to crack and deteriorate. During annual chimney inspections, chimney sweeps climb onto the roof to inspect all aspects of the chimney exterior. Most of the time, it is during inspections that damaged crowns are identified. The rooftop is usually the only vantage point from which chimney crown damage is seen.

chimney flashing repair, highland wi5-Flashing Leak

Chimney leaks frequently occur because of damaged flashing. The metal portion of chimneys is difficult to properly install. As a result, chimney leaks caused by flashing damage are common. Chimney flashing leaks often affect the roof. It is not unusual for the wood in roofs to rot as a result of a chimney flashing leak.

Contact Dubuque Fire & Patio About Chimney Problems

People throughout the Dubuque area have discovered that Dubuque Fire & Patio is the place to call for chimney and fireplace problems. If you have any of the above-named common chimney problems or others not listed here, contact us today at (563) 582-5156. If you live in or near Highland WI, give Chimney Specialists Inc., our sister store, a call at
(608) 929-4887.

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