Chimney Restoration

If you have had a fireplace for any length of time you are probably very familiar with the term fireplace restoration. It is an unavoidable part of owning a fireplace. Whether you have a clay tile, stone, brick, or other material hearth, cracking will occur eventually. Even stone walls can crack if there is too much water in them. There are a few signs that you should be aware of to make sure your chimney is not going to crack any time soon. Signs you should look for that will make you want to call a chimney repair expert as quickly as possible.

Cracks in the mortar or masonry

One of the worse potential complications that can result from a fireplace restoration is cracked mortar or the mortar liner itself. One of the easiest repairs to do is to use a heating element on the fireplace and allow it to dry out. If your fireplace did not come with a heating element, or you purchased one separately, you can easily install one. You can also sand the mortar to smooth off the rough spots, which will give your fireplace a nice smooth finish.

Cracks in Clay Tile or Stucco Masonry

In most cases chimney repairs will include some type of sanding or sealing involved. Hot embers that are trying to escape the fireplace travel through small gaps in masonry material. If the gaps are small enough, and if they are not sealed properly, you can end up with bigger holes, which can lead to larger cracks. Smaller cracks will heal over time. However, larger holes will require some type of fireplace restoration solution, such as brick sealers or other fireproofing systems.

Cracks in Lead Sandstone Chimneys

If your chimney was built in the late 1800’s, chances are it was built using lead bricks or tiles. Even if your house was built sometime later, there is still a good chance that the bricks or tiles were lead based. Nowadays, most chimney reconstruction projects will use cast iron bricks or stones, and they can look just as beautiful as the original ones. If your fireplace was constructed using a clay tile floor, you may want to think about having it replaced with a new one. Cast iron chimney rebuilding will work beautifully.

Inspections of Chimney Cleansing

While chimney inspections are not mandatory, chimney safety is a major concern. A professional chimney sweep service can make sure that all of your building material, from tiles to bricks, is clean and free of debris and any other impurities that could prove hazardous to your home. This inspection is often referred to as chimney safety, since it will alert you to any problems with your chimney before they become a serious issue.

Chimney Cracks in Lead Sandstone

If your chimney is being restored, you might also want to have it checked out for cracks in lead that could be the result of water seeping up through the fireplace. Some of the biggest problems with chimneys can come from cracks, especially high temperatures. Hot air can travel up through your chimney at up to 4000 degrees F, and the presence of cracks in your flue can be extremely dangerous. It is also possible for water to seep up through your chimney from other areas of your home’s interior, creating water damage and flooding inside your home.

Leaks in Fireplaces

Any time you have high temperatures, there is going to be the potential for your chimney system to break down. Not only can you experience hot air buildup in your fireplace, but also you may run into electrical issues as well. If you notice any signs of leaks or damage, you should consider fireplace restoration as soon as possible. Even if it is an electrical problem, it can be solved, and you will have the ability to enjoy all of your beautiful wood fireplaces once again.

Contact a Pro Home Expert

Many people are afraid to think about fireplaces because of all the potential danger, and it is true that chimneys can be extremely dangerous. However, with a few simple restorations, you can get a new look and a safe home. In fact, chimney restorations aren’t as scary as they seem, and they really aren’t all that different than other restorations that you would do around your home. Once you take some time to understand how chimney restorations work, you will be amazed at how great a job you can do yourself, and you will have a place to enjoy for many years to come.