With the weather turning cold and the holidays right around the corner, many homeowners throughout the area will begin using their fireplaces as a source of warmth as well as festive ambience. However, before lighting up your fireplace this season, consider whether or not it’s in good condition.
To make sure that your chimney and fireplace are as safe as they should be and in good working condition, be sure to call in a professional for fireplace installation, inspection, and repairs. Keep reading to learn some of the signs that you may need fireplace repairs before you start using yours on a more regular basis.
Cracks in Mortar Place Joints
These expose your chimney to moisture. Then, as water freezes and thaws, small cracks become larger, eventually causing a chimney to deteriorate or even collapse completely.
Rusted Damper
Excess moisture also invites the development of rust. If your damper isn’t sealing properly or if your damper is hard to operate, then you flue lining of your chimney might be damaged. Unfortunately this can be very hazardous.
Crumbling Mortar
The process in which your chimney’s mortar starts flaking off of crumbling is known as spalling. This occurs due to moisture entering pores in the brick and concrete, causing sections to peel off. If you spot bits of masonry falling from the chimney, call a professional for repairs right away.
Crown Cracks
Your chimney’s crown is the concreate encasing that sits atop the chimney, serving as the first line of defense against inclement weather. If cracks exist here, then water can seem in between the chimney and linter, which can lead to expansive and costly damage.
Damaged Wallpaper
This is another consequence of excess moisture. If you noticed damaged wallpaper surrounding your chimney, you may have a problem with water seeping in through the chimney.
Your comfort is our promise! Give Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. a call today for