GTA homes are subjected to wet, cold, and windy weather conditions throughout most of the year. This type of weather can severely damage masonry, especially when the effects of freezing and thawing are involved. As a result, many homeowners are left to deal with certain types of masonry repairs.
- Cracks in the flue (due to age, heat, location)
- Creosote fires (soot build up)
- Deterioration of chimney caps (water, mold)
- Deterioration of masonry product (mortar, brick)
- Blocked flue (due to critters, or collapsed interior)
- Carbon monoxide poison (silent killer, odorless, tasteless, and invisible to humans)
- Collapsed chimney system ( fall on roof, or ground level)
Fundamental Chimney Repairs:
Never underestimate the importance of chimney maintenance.
Cracks in the Flue Clay chimney flues are subjected to a lot of heat and stress when used on a daily basis, causing them to crack. As a result, heat from the fire can reach combustible areas of the home through the cracks and start house fires. If you notice these cracks, give us a call and we will come in for an assessment.
Creosote (carbon monoxide poison) Creosote is black or brown soot comprised of carbon powder. It is very flammable and can cause chimney fires if left untreated. Creosote can prevent proper venting of the chimney system, causing dangerous fumes to enter the home. A blocked chimney is one of the reasons that carbon monoxide can enter a home, posing a severe safety concern to those that are in the household.
Deterioration of chimney caps Having a proper chimney cap and crown is the best defense against harsh outdoor elements. If either the cap or crown is damaged, it allows moisture, critters, and other debris to enter the home. If your chimney is not used often, this debris causes blockages that often collapse the lining of the flue. Give us a call to come assess the cap and crown to avoid dealing with these problems!
Deterioration of masonry product Chimney masonry lasts between 50 to 75 years, assuming the mortar is in great condition. Once the mortar begins to deteriorate, the chimney’s masonry system is exposed to moisture, which leads to issues in both the brickwork and structure of the chimney. The best way to protect your chimney from this deterioration is to keep moisture out. Chimney Crickets can come assess the masonry and offer you a range of options to repair it.
Collapsed chimney system The average chimney system can weigh over 2,000 pounds and usually reaches a height of around 20 feet. The wet, windy, and often snowy weather of the GTA can cause chimneys to collapse. This poses a series of safety threats that should not be ignored. By calling Chimney Crickets to fix your collapsing chimney system, you can avoid having it damage the roof of your home, landing on cars in your driveway, or injuring someone below.