Check out these symptoms that can indicate you need to schedule repairs on your chimney.
Now that the chilly weather has arrived and you’re starting to use your fireplace this season, you might be wondering if some of the odors you’re noticing are normal, or if your chimney needs repairs.
When Twin Cities homeowners call us for repairs, one of the most common reasons we hear for the services is “it’s been a long time,” since the chimney was last inspected or repaired. Or in some cases, it has never been serviced.
It’s OK, we don’t judge. But we do want your family to be safe. If you notice any of the following signs, call us to schedule chimney repairs in your St. Paul, MN home as soon as possible.
If you’ve been looking at your chimney every time you pull in and out of your garage and are noticing the bricks starting to crumble, it’s time to schedule repairs.
When your chimney is compromised, it’s crucial to schedule immediate repairs. Some of the most important reasons to schedule fast repairs are:
· Prevent fires. A damaged chimney can put your household at risk of fires. Sparks can escape through the cracks and can ignite nearby items.
· Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Chimneys vent carbon monoxide and other gases out of your house to protect your family. If there is a crack or a blockage in the chimney, it can prevent these gases from exiting the home and can put your household at risk.
· Damage to your home. If the chimney is crumbling, or leaning, it can impact the structure of your home.
· Prevent water damage. A crack in the chimney can cause water to enter your home during rain or snow showers. This can cause water damage and mold growth.
· Avoid pest intrusions. When the cold winter temperatures arrive, outdoor pests – like mice – look for warmth. If there is a crack in your chimney, they can build a home in it. This can cause a blockage and can also give them an entryway into your home.
These threats can be dangerous and unpleasant. But fortunately, they can be avoided by scheduling timely chimney repairs.
Protect your house and your family by scheduling chimney repairs with a St. Paul, MN masonry company at the first signs of a problem. Our team of experts recommend watching for the following symptoms at your Twin Cities home.
One of the most obvious signs that you need chimney repairs in St. Paul is if you can see visible damage to your chimney. If there are crumbling bricks, or evidence of pieces of bricks on the driveway or on your roof, you need professional masonry repairs.
The top of the chimney – the crown – is also susceptible to defects. This component can commonly suffer cracks from exposure to the elements. If this develops a crack or other problem, it needs to be repaired quickly to prevent water or snow from entering the chimney and causing damage.
Our team of experts can fix the crown and can even waterproof it to prevent future damage.
While you expect to smell smokey odors when using your fireplace, if you smell a burning odor inside your house when there isn’t afire blazing, it can signal a problem. This can be due to a buildup of creosote. This can block gases from escaping out the chimney and can put your house at risk of fires and poor indoor air quality.
An obvious sign some homeowners experience is water damage inside their home. If you notice wet spots on the ceiling or the walls near the chimney, it can indicate there is a leak. Call an expert to book an appointment right away so they can repair the crack in the chimney and limit the water damage. The longer these issues persist, the more damage it will cause, and soon mold will form.
The bricks in your chimney are held together with mortar joints. If these begin to wear or suffer damage, it can result in leaks and other issues with the bricks. This can be hard to see, unless you know what you’re looking for. Scheduling regular inspections on your chimney can help professionals spot the signs of worn mortar joints before they cause damage. If these aren’t replaced quickly, it can cause water to seep in through the bricks and cause cracks to form.
While you might want your fireplace to look rustic, you shouldn’t actually see signs of rust in it. If you spot evidence of rust inside the fireplace, outside it, or on the damper or firebox, it can signal a problem. This can indicate there is water leaking into the fireplace. You need to schedule professional repairs to have one of our experts find the leak and repair it.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, call our experts for chimney repairs in St. Paul, MN and throughout the Twin Cities. We offer full residential and commercial masonry, chimney maintenance, and custom stone and fireplace installations.
We provide top-tier craftsmanship and offer transparent pricing and seamless communication. Call us today for appointments in Bloomington, Edina, Prior Lake, Richfield, and St. Paul.
