Chimney Restoration – Where to Start and What to Do

If you want a chimney that is an effective heat source and an attractive feature in your home, you must take care of it. Over time, the elements can take their toll on even the best-built chimneys. If left unchecked, water damage can lead to serious structural problems.

The good news is that you can restore your brick chimney to its former glory with a little effort. Chimney repair Hamilton includes regular maintenance as well as a complete overhaul when necessary. D’Angelo & Sons have the experience and expertise to get your chimney back in shape.

Here is a guide to help you start your chimney restoration journey.

Chimney Constituents And Likely Concerns

Flue

Smoke and other materials that may be harmful to your health rise through the flue and out of the chimney. Over time, creosote can build up on the flue walls, causing a fire hazard. Having your flue cleaned regularly is important to prevent this from happening.

Crown

The crown sits at the chimney’s top and helps keep water out. The crown can crack or erode with time, allowing water to seep in. This can lead to serious damage to the chimney structure. Pieces of the crown can also fall into the chimney, letting water in and reducing airflow.

Smoke Chamber

To prevent smoke build-up in your home, the smoke chamber directs smoke and heat from the fireplace into the chimney. If it is too small, the smoke will not be able to rise out of the chimney effectively. If it is too large, the smoke will cool down before it exits, leading to a fire hazard. These issues can be resolved by putting a layer of smooth, heat-resistant mortar on the chimney walls.

Smoke Shelf

Your chimney’s smoke shelf protects your fireplace from rainwater and dirt. It also prevents downdrafts, which can cause smoke to enter your home. Over time, the smoke shelf can fail to perform its function, allowing smoke into your house. This can be prevented by repairing any damage to the smoke shelf as soon as it is discovered.

Damper

The damper helps to control the airflow in your chimney. If it is working properly, the fire gets enough oxygen, and the flue receives adequate airflow to force smoke out of your home. The damper should remain open while the fire is burning and be closed when the fireplace is not in use and completely cool.

Flue Lining

The flue lining runs the entire length of the chimney. It moves smoke and other items out of your chimney and protects the bricks from smoke and heat. It is usually circular or rectangular. With time, the flue lining can crack and crumble due to poor installation or gases from fires. If this happens, you will need to have the flue relined. Chimneys without flue liners let cold air in and hot air out, making your fireplace less efficient. This will lead to higher heating bills.

Common Types of Chimney Repairs

Because chimneys deal with fire, they are more in need of regular checks and maintenance than other parts of the house. Here are some of the most common types of repairs that need to be carried out on chimneys:

Maintenance

Your chimney needs frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent problems from developing. This includes having the flue cleaned, repairing any damage to the crown, and making sure the damper is working properly. This keeps your family safe, saves money on heating bills, and extends the life of your chimney. During maintenance, you also eliminate creosote, a flammable substance that can cause fires.

Rebuild

A complete chimney rebuild is a major project. It is usually necessary when the chimney has been neglected for many years and has sustained significant damage. You may see that your chimney is clearly out of shape, has major cracks, or is leaning. This requires special equipment and professional help. Regular maintenance can help you avoid chimney rebuilds.

Blockage

A chimney blockage is when something is preventing the smoke from exiting the chimney. It is a common problem that can be caused by many things, including birds’ nests, dead animals, and debris. This blockage can cause fires because it prevents the smoke and gases from escaping. If you suspect that your chimney is blocked, you should have it checked by a professional as soon as possible.

As you burn wood in your fireplace, the chemicals in the smoke react with the oxygen in the air to form a substance called creosote. Creosote is a sticky, flammable substance that builds up on the walls of your chimney. If it isn’t removed, it can block the chimney and cause a fire.

Chimney fires can be very dangerous. They are often caused by a build-up of creosote on the walls of the chimney. When this happens, the fire can spread to the rest of the house very quickly. That’s why it’s important to have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.

Restoration

If you have an old chimney that is in good condition, you may want to consider restoring it instead of rebuilding it. You can do this by repairing any damage, cleaning the chimney, and relining the flue. Restoring your chimney can give it a new lease on life, keep your home safe and help you avoid the high cost of a rebuild. Later on, we’ll share some tips for restoring your chimney.

Masonry

As your chimney ages, the bricks and mortar can start to deteriorate. This can cause the chimney to lean, cracks to form, and gaps to open up. These problems must be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Masonry repairs can be done by a professional or someone with experience in this work.

Repointing and tuckpointing can fix minor damage to the mortar joints. Repointing is when the damaged mortar is removed and replaced with new mortar. Tuckpointing is when the damaged mortar is filled with new mortar that matches the color of the existing mortar and bricks.

Signs You Require Chimney Restoration

Weather, age, and use all contribute to the deterioration of your chimney. If you live in a very cold city, water can freeze in the cracks of your chimney and expand, causing damage to your bricks. Salt from ice melt can also corrode the bricks.

As your chimney ages, some components can become damaged, or it may lose some bricks. That is why it is important to inspect your chimney regularly for signs of wear and tear and get a professional to maintain it when necessary. Minor issues like a few missing bricks can be easily repaired with a restoration, but if left unchecked, they can lead to more serious problems requiring a total rebuild.

Chimney fires are one of the most common causes of damage to chimneys. The Chimney Safety Institute of America states that the lack of regular chimney maintenance is the leading cause of chimney fires. Fires can be small, smoldering, and barely noticeable, or they can be large and roaring, damaging the chimney structure and surrounding area.

If you suspect that your chimney has sustained any damage, it is important to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. They will be able to determine the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action, whether it be a simple repair or a complete rebuild. It is also recommended to have an expert check your chimney annually to avoid fires.

How do You Restore a Brick Chimney?

As your chimney ages, it can start to show signs of wear and tear. The bricks can become loose, the mortar can crack and crumble, and gaps can form. These problems need to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Masonry repairs can be done by a professional or by someone with experience in this type of work. Repointing and replacing damaged bricks can fix minor damage. If the damage is more severe, the chimney may need to be relined or rebuilt.

If you have an old chimney in good condition, you may want to consider restoring it instead of rebuilding it. This can be done by replacing damaged bricks, repointing collapsing mortar, and relining the flue. Restoring your chimney will extend its lifespan, protect your home from fires, and save you from spending more on rebuilding.

When restoring a brick chimney, it is important to use bricks that match the existing ones in color and size. The new bricks should also be the same quality as the old ones. If done correctly, restoring a brick chimney can be as effective as rebuilding it and save you a lot of money in the long run.

If you are not sure whether you should restore or rebuild your chimney, it is best to consult with a professional. They can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Hiring a professional to restore your chimney is the best way to ensure that it is done correctly. They will have the experience and knowledge necessary to get the job done right, and they will be able to do it in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself.

Chimney Repair Cost Calculator

Although the average cost to repair chimney bricks is $575, it will vary depending on the severity of the damage, the size of your chimney, the type of materials from which it was made, and the type of repair required. To get an idea of how much your specific chimney repair will cost, you can use our chimney brick repair cost calculator. Just answer a few questions about the damage and our calculator will give you an estimate of the cost.

If you are having chimney trouble that requires brick-and-mortar repair, you could be looking at a total cost of $250 to $2,500. It will also be affected by the sort of material your chimney was made from. If your chimney needs significant repair, it may cost between $1,250 to $5,000.

Cracks, wood rot, and similar problems may only set you back by a few hundred dollars. Spalling (missing or broken bricks), repointing, tuckpointing, and other such issues will require more significant repairs, however. These problems will cost more to fix.

Generally speaking, the repairs will cost less if they’re not extensive and are able to be completed quickly. The more complex the job is, the more it will cost. The most expensive part of any repair will be fixing or replacing the chimney crown. This will usually cost thousands of dollars. No matter how minor a problem might appear, it’s always best to have a professional look at it as soon as possible. Not only will this mean a lower bill, but often, what seems like a small problem can indicate a much larger one.

If you pick up a chimney issue, stop using your fireplace immediately and call a professional. The sooner you identify the problem, the easier it will be to fix – and the less it will cost you. D’Angelo & Sons have been in the business of providing high-quality chimney repair and restoration services for over five decades. We have the experience and expertise to get your chimney back in working order quickly and efficiently, and at a fair price. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Does Insurance Cover Your Chimney Repair?

If your chimney is damaged by a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake, your homeowners’ insurance will likely cover the repairs. However, if the damage is due to a lack of maintenance or neglect, you will probably have to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket. Problems resulting from poor chimney construction by your contractor will also not be covered by your insurance.

If you’re not sure whether or not your insurance policy covers chimney damage, the best thing to do is give the insurance representative a call and ask. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and it’s better to know ahead of time what sort of coverage you have in case you ever do need to file a claim. It also helps to get a plan that has a good reputation for covering chimney damage – that way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be taken care of if something does happen.

In the meantime, check your fireplace and chimney regularly to ensure they are in good working order. If you notice any damage, no matter how small, call a professional to come and take a look. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier and less expensive it will be to fix.

When Does a Chimney Need to be Rebuilt?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the need for a complete rebuild will vary depending on the specific circumstances. In some cases, a partial rebuild may be all that is necessary. In others, a more comprehensive approach may be required. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to rebuild will be made by a professional after assessing the damage.

If your chimney is showing signs of significant wear and tear, it may be time for a rebuild. Some of the telltale signs that a complete rebuild is necessary include:

– Extreme spalling

– The chimney is leaning to one side

– Severe mortar deterioration

– No chimney cap

Brick Fireplace Restoration

Your brick fireplace is a durable, long-lasting asset that can last for decades – but only if it’s properly maintained. Over time, your fireplace will suffer from the effects of soot and grime, so it’s important to inspect it regularly and restore it to its original condition when necessary.

Brick fireplace reconstruction can be done using these steps:

• If the stains on your fireplace are not too bad, they can be removed using dish soap. Dish soap will not discolor your bricks, so it’s a safe option for cleaning.
• For more stubborn stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. A mixture of vinegar and water, due to the acidic content of vinegar, can be effective at breaking down stains.
• If both dish soap and vinegar fail, you can also use a brick or stone cleaner, which you can purchase at your local hardware store.

If along with the bricks, the fireplace grout is also stained, it can be cleaned using a grout cleaner. A grout cleaner is used along with a brick cleaner. You can find them at your local home improvement store.

Professional Chimney Repair or Restoration is Only a Call Away

Your chimney is more complex than it looks, and regular maintenance is crucial to preventing damage. If you suspect that your chimney needs restoration or repairs, don’t wait. Contact D’Angelo & Sons today for an inspection. We will be able to fix any minor issues, clean your chimney, and give you peace of mind knowing that your family is safe from fires.