Signs Your Chimney Needs Repairing

Everyone loves to sit by the fire and relax, read, or just feel cozy and warm. A fireplace adds appeal to any room and provides a desirable amount of heat in your home during winter. However, if not maintained properly, fireplaces can become dangerous and hazardous.

It’s easy for a homeowner to take the structure of his or her chimney for granted. Climbing up on the roof is not always easy or safe. Following are some of the most easy-to-spot signs that your chimney needs a repair:

•White residue on the chimney is an indication that there is a moisture problem, which causes the mortar to deteriorate.
•If rust is anywhere on the fireplace damper or firebox, it’s a sign that there’s too much moisture in your chimney.
•Damaged mortar joints can cause the chimney to deteriorate, especially from moisture that freezes in the cold weather.
•A crack in your chimney enables rain to leak through. If it is not fixed the water eats away at the mortar and damages any wood in its way.
•Spalling is what happens when pieces of masonry are coming off of the brick, concrete, or stone on the chimney.
•If there are pieces of chimney tile inside the fireplace, shaling may be occuring, which indicates a damaged flue.
•Chimney crown damage can only be seen on the roof. The chimney crown protects the chimney from harsh weather, so if it is cracked, moisture can seep inside and cause considerable damage.

Complete Chimneys is a full-service company that works with customers throughout the Baltimore and Annapolis areas. Our chimney contractors in Maryland are licensed and insured. Visit CompleteChimneys.com for information on our services and contact us for an appointment.