A fireplace and chimney are useful in providing heat within the house, but they require consistent repair jobs to remain in good working condition. Chimneys undergo a lot of usage, and therefore, they degrade often.
Whenever your chimney experiences damage, it becomes important to hire professionals for repointing chimney services to restore it to its normal state and appearance. This guide focuses on what one must do when repairing a chimney.
What is a Chimney Repair?
It’s important not to overlook chimneys, even when the house isn’t frequently used, especially during the summer. Regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and keeping the chimney clean are essential if you have one.
Neglecting these tasks may result in costly repair work. When fixing a chimney, the typical approach involves identifying and addressing any issues.
Chimney Repair Types
Chimneys are crucial in many homes as they bring a warm feeling and classic architecture. But they are also exposed to all sorts of wear and tear. Eventually, it deters, getting exposed to heat, smoke and the elements, and at some point, it needs repair. Below are the most common chimney repairs that homeowners in the UK should be aware of:
Cleaning of Soot Build-Up
It should be noted that for the chimney to be in the correct working condition, it needs to be cleaned often to remove the creosote and soot that tend to cumulate in it.
These substances can result in inefficient burning, and preventable fire risks are involved. The efficiency of cleaning your chimney from soot buildup is very important in teaching its performance and safety.
Fixing Damaged Masonry
Your chimney’s bricks and mortar endure a rough ride throughout its use. In the long run, some of the problems associated with it include cracking, disintegration, and other destructive processes.
Re-pointing or re-building of chaffed masonry is paramount in preserving your chimney’s structure or aesthetic value.
Clearing of Chimney Blockages
Cutting, crushing, and choking are more than mere words regarding chimneys. Any substance such as soot, creosote, bird nests, or debris that may hinder the normal passage of smoke and gases contributes to fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Replacing Broken Capping
The chimney cap is useful in blocking water, debris and intruding animals from accessing your chimney. Problems may range from leakage to blockage of the instrument depending on the extent of the damage that the cap has undergone. Replacing it early enough will allow you to safeguard your chimney from these possible issues.
Chimney Stack Repair
The pointing between the bricks or stones in your chimney stack may wear away over the years due to the weather conditions.
Repointing or repairing the chimney stack is often necessary to restore its functionality and change its appearance.
Chimney Flashing Repair
Flashing is the part that affixes itself to the area where your chimney meets the roof and works as a barrier to water infiltration.
If the flashing is damaged, it will leak and cause water damage. This flashing must be repaired or replaced to avoid further damage to the chimney and other house parts.
Chimney Leak Repair
Any water leakage is disastrous to the chimneys since it damages the walls and damages your home’s internal and external structures.
Leakages, which may be caused by the deterioration of flashing, bricks, or mortar, must also be fixed to avoid continuous dampness and probable structural harm.
Chimney Mortar Joint Repairs
A chimney made of bricks has spaces between the bricks created by mortar joints, and these are the most vulnerable to severe damage.
This is important to ensure that the required structure of the chimney is attained, that the bricks used in making the chimney do not crumble or shift completely when under pressure, and that the chimney is able to perform its intended function.
Cracked Chimney Crown Repair
The chimney crown is situated at the top of the chimney and prevents climatic variations from influencing it. However, it can also open up, allowing water to enter the structure, causing more damage.
Sealing such cracks with the correct sealant or any form of patches will, therefore, assist in maintaining the chimney in its condition and eliminate costly services.
Pros of Repairing a Chimney
You might be debating whether it’s worthwhile to fix your chimney. The list of benefits below will help you make your decision.
Boost the Safety of Your House
Your home may be in danger if your chimney or any of its components sustain damage. Moisture or gases from a leaky chimney may seep into your house.
This may seriously affect your health and lead to other problems, like mould growth. Effectively addressing any chimney issues can prevent this, enhancing the safety of your family and your house.
Enhance Your Home’s Appearance
A broken and old chimney is an unattractive sight, and it needs to be fixed. Chimney repair can significantly improve the look of your house. If you value your home’s appearance, calling a chimney repair service is important.
Many things related to the chimney are broken; however, if you took charge of fixing these things, your house would look much better.
Stop the Damp in Your House
Humidity, wetness, and dampness might enter your home through a damaged chimney’s water leak. People should be aware that dampness in their homes is incredibly threatening to their health.
Getting your chimney repaired will help prevent moisture from penetrating your house, making your family and you live in a safer area.
Cost of Chimney Repairs
The cost of repairing a chimney can be quite challenging due to its complexity and various factors. The cost of repairs depends on the type of repair needed, the severity of the problem, and the accessibility of the roof. However, the cost range for installing new chimney flashing on all sides is between £400 and £800, while addressing a small area or sealing a small crack will cost between £200 and £300.
Contact your local Surrey Roofing Specialists for further information about chimney repair and repointing.
