Now is the Time to Repair Your Chimney Masonry

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for masonry repair. Warm spring and summer days allow mortar to properly cure. So if you are in need of chimney repairs, now is the time to do it! Schedule your work this summer so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system will be safe and ready to use when those frosty fall evenings begin.

Common Chimney Masonry Problems

Wear and tear on your masonry can compromise your chimney’s structural integrity and performance. Although your chimney is built to withstand year after year of exposure to tough conditions, any number of problems can occur that may require masonry repair or restoration. Here are some of the most common masonry problems:

Cracks

Cracks and crevices in your masonry can occur from moisture penetrating the masonry or from the shifting and settling of your chimney. This can cause leaks that not only infiltrate your chimney and fireplace, but also your attic and ceiling, causing costly damage.

Spalling

When bricks begin to flake, crumble, or fall from your masonry, it’s called spalling. As water enters the masonry and weakens it through a cycle of freezing and thawing, it loosens the mortar around the brick and pushes the brick out in pieces. Spalling creates gaps in the masonry that compromise your chimney’s structural integrity.

Mold and Algae Growth

Moisture and dirt that are trapped in the masonry create the perfect environment for mold and algae growth. Both thrive on moist conditions with little or no air circulation – such as inside cracks of your chimney’s masonry. A CCP-certified chimney expert can identify if the growth of these contaminants originates from moisture within your masonry.

Staining

Staining is almost always the result of water damage. Water traveling through the masonry is visible from the exterior as a dark stain. If your chimney looks wet, contact us for an inspection, as masonry staining could indicate there is structural water damage within your system.

Prevent Masonry Issues with Annual Inspections

Most masonry issues can be prevented with regularly scheduled appointments with a chimney professional. We recommend cleanings and annual chimney inspections with our chimney technicians to help you monitor and identify any potential problems before they cause serious damage.

Chimney Masonry Repair, Inspections, Cleaning, and Service in NH and MA

If you need masonry repair work done or have questions about your chimney masonry, contact Admiralty Chimney to schedule an appointment. Our CCP-certified chimney team can assist you with all of your chimney masonry needs.

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How did your Chimney do this Winter?

Spring is the perfect time to see how your chimney fared from harsh winter weather conditions. The effects of snow, wind, an d ice can wreak havoc on chimneys. Even a small crack can allow water to leak inside, causing damage to your system. We recommend giving your chimney a good once-over every spring to avoid the surprise of costly repairs.

Schedule a professional inspection.

Booking an appointment with a CCP-certified chimney specialist gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll receive an expert assessment of the structure and operation of your system. During the inspection, your chimney technician will check the entire system, including those hard-to-reach components, such as the flashing, crown, and cap, looking for signs of wear and tear. They’ll also remove creosote buildup leftover from the winter season.

Look for signs of chimney wear and damage.

While you’re out and about in your yard, take a good look at your chimney’s exterior, noting any changes in the bricks or structure. Pay close attention to:

• Crumbling or Chipped Bricks at the Base Bricks are porous and susceptible to moisture. The presence of a white, chalky stain, known as efflorescence, means excessive moisture has penetrated your masonry. Contact a chimney professional for further inspection, as moisture can quickly deteriorate your bricks.

• Surface Cracks in the Bricks and Mortar Inspect the exterior of your chimney structure for cracks. Even a small breach can allow water to seep in, causing bricks to crumble, break apart, or spall—weakening the structure of your chimney. Large cracks could mean your chimney is seriously compromised and needs professional help right away.

Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

For over twenty years, homeowners like you have trusted Admiralty Chimney’s team of CCP-certifield chimney professionals. We have the skills, expertise, and customer service to maintain and care for all of your chimney needs. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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No Vacancy: Three Strategies to Keep Critters from Nesting in your Chimney

Small animals scurrying around your yard is a welcome sign of spring – until those critters make their way into your chimney.mneys provide a warm place that’s protected from rain and predators, making it an ideal space for nesting. But nests can cause costly damage to the inside of your chimney and lead to chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified chimney specialists recommend three ways to keep your chimney free of animals.

1. Install a chimney cap.

This is the most effective tool to keep birds and small animals out of your flue. A chimney cap, installed by a professional chimney company, should include mesh screening with holes that are small enough to keep out animals. Chimney caps also keep leaves and other outside debris from filtering into your chimney. Additionally, caps protect your chimney from rain water, melted ice and snow, and help keep hot sparks and embers from escaping and starting a fire.

2. Consider using a top-sealing damper.

Most dampers today are known as “throat” dampers, located just above the fireplace. Top-sealing dampers are installed closer to the top of the flue, allowing it to seal the chimney at the top. This leaves no space for animals to build nests if the damper remains closed. Top-sealing dampers also add an extra layer of protection against moisture, help prevent downdrafts, and reduce the risk of fires.

3. Trim the trees close to your roof and chimney.

Trees that hang near or over your chimney can give animals direct access into your flue. Cutting back branches from the chimney and the rest of the roof can make it more difficult for animals to gain access. This, combined with additional deterrents like chimney caps, can help keep animals from blocking your chimney system.

Now that you know your options, contact us to schedule an inspection. We will check the structural integrity of your chimney, look for signs of existing animal activity, and set a time to install a cap or damper.

Chimney Cap Installation, Chimney Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA

Unwelcome critters can compromise the safety and efficiency of your chimney. Contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified chimney technicians to discuss the best methods to keep your chimney critter-free.

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