When your chimney gets damaged, you should call a chimney company Summit to come and fix the damages. Your chimney is a very important part of your fireplace and home. If it cannot function properly, your safety will be compromised. Some of the top signs of chimney damage may manifest through wear and tear to untrained people. A damaged chimney can cause moisture problems, fires and even carbon monoxide poisoning. It is important to watch out for the following signs of damage.

Efflorescence

If you have ever seen a unique stain across the brick of your chimney then it should be a concern. It is known as efflorescence and it is a sign that there is excessive water vapor in the masonry of your chimney. Whether it is due to leaks or any other damages, if you spot them, do not wait to get an inspection. Mold and moisture can quickly deteriorate the chimney and cause other damage issues. The more moisture in the area, the more likely you are to experience such problems.

Deteriorated or cracked mortar joints

The mortar joints in the masonry of your chimney can happen for various reasons. Even when perfectly maintained, they will still deteriorate over time from wear and tear and weather issues. If you notice space between bricks or other obvious cracking, it should be repaired immediately.

When the mortar joints of your chimney are damaged, do chimney repairs near me to avoid increasing the amount of moisture that gets into your chimney. During cold months, the moisture can freeze and expand and this will cause further damage. The cracks allow heat and smoke to escape the chimney in places they should not. The most serious risk is the increased chances of collapse when the bricks lose the stabilizing mortar.

Sometimes, the joints are visible on the exterior side of the chimney and other times, the damage happens on the interior and can be seen in your firebox. For other damages, you need a professional inspector using a video camera to spot issues and fix them.

Spalling bricks

Since bricks are porous, moisture can penetrate the brick masonry over time and start to break it apart. This is referred to as spalling. Just like mortar joint damage, spalling can be exacerbated in cold weather when moisture freezes in the bricks. Some of the common causes of spalling include aging brick in old houses, using a high-powered pressure washer to clean the masonry, low-quality components and extreme weather conditions. As age plays a major role in spalling, it is hard to completely prevent it. However, if you pay attention and use a sealant, you can reduce its effects.

Melted or cracked crown

The crown of the chimney is essential to protect it from external damage. Snow, rain, and animals can invade your chimney if it is not guarded with a crown. A small breach can lead to major damage that will require the attention of a chimney company Summit. This means that any visible damage to the crown of your chimney should be fixed.