Chimneys need a lot of work and maintenance, especially since they are used daily during fall and winter months. The usage can lead to excess residue in the flue. Hence, getting it cleaned and repaired is important. Any delay in chimney repair and maintenance can cause safety issues. A well maintained chimney allows for proper ventilation, which prevents any fire or smoke damage. Let’s look at some tips on chimney repairs and some popular services.

Popular chimney repair services

Midtown Chimney Sweeps
When it comes to chimney repairs, Midtown Chimney Sweeps has years of experience. They are known for providing services in residential and commercial properties. They repair all types of chimneys, fireplaces, pellet stoves, and wood stoves. Furthermore, one can easily book an appointment through their website.

Petro
Petro is known for its residential chimney cleaning and repair services. They also offer installation, maintenance, and masonry restorations, if required. Their customer service is available 24/7, making it extremely convenient to get in touch. If Petro’s employees come across any repair work while cleaning, they will recommend the right maintenance services and will follow through once the customer gives his approval.

Chimcare
If you choose Chimcare, you will know how much you’ll be paying in just a few minutes. They have certified technicians who’ll ensure your house remains clean while working on your chimney. You can schedule an appointment through their website.

Flue Tech Inc.
A relatively newer company, but still very popular among homeowners. Flue Tech Inc. provides live chat service, which helps in solving any queries one may have for their chimney repair needs. Their services also include customized chimney designs and chimney construction. One can get in touch with them by visiting their official site.

Listed below are some things to keep in mind when performing chimney maintenance.

Estimated cost
The average repair cost of a chimney can range from $300 to $4,000. Factors like the extent of damage, the materials used, and the location of the damage can determine this cost. It is always advised to get an inspection done by the service provider and compare costs to see what best suits your budget. Homeowners should get this process done once a year, before they can use the chimney. Regular inspection and cleaning will probably reduce the chimney repair cost in the future.

Using water repellent
Using water repellent for your chimney prevents water, mold, or dirt from getting soaked into the bricks. This is similar to adding brick sealer, which prevents leakages or other issues. You are required to apply a water repellent specifically made for chimneys. The average life of this repellent is about seven years. Then, it needs to be reapplied carefully to prevent any damages.

Repairing mortar
With time and age, the mortar used between the bricks in the chimney will probably start falling apart. This is normal wear and tear. However, the issue should be taken care of immediately before the chimney is used. Make sure to clean out the area where the damage is done. One should clean out the old mortar thoroughly with a chisel and then apply the new mixture carefully to seal the area.

Debris prevention
This is crucial as any debris falling through the chimney could be extremely dangerous and potentially life threatening. One should always check that the chimney is not used by any animals to enter the house. Additionally, snow, leaves, and other foreign objects should be kept out of the chimney. To prevent such objects from entering the chimney, a cap is needed for the top. There are several types of caps that can be used, so make sure to speak to a professional to understand which one is ideal for your chimney.

Some chimney caps slide into the chimney, while others rest on top of the crown. Other types of caps can be attached to the flue. While installing chimney caps, one should be careful to not cause any other damage to the chimney.

Crown repair
The crown is the top most part of the chimney from where the air comes out. It is made of a special mortar that prevents water from seeping inside the chimney. However, if water does enter inside, the structure can develop cracks. It is critical to repair this immediately. Crown repair involves cleaning the area and then applying a new layer of mortar on top. It’s advisable to build the crown sloping downwards, to avoid any accumulation of water.