Your chimney is an important part of your house. It is far more than just a decorative feature. Without a properly functioning chimney, potentially dangerous fumes and smoke can enter your home. So, you need to take care of it and ensure that it is properly maintained.
If you can´t remember the last time you looked up and checked this vital structure, it is a good idea to take a look. Should you discover that it is leaning, has a loose cap, missing bricks, or crumbling mortar, you need to take urgent action. Call a professional to get up on your roof and take a closer look.
The last thing you need is for your chimney to collapse. If that happens, you will have to find the money to have it completely rebuilt.
It is also possible for your roof to spring a leak because you have not had your chimney checked and properly maintained often enough. The points at which it joins the roof are particularly prone to wear and leaking. So, be sure to regularly check for signs of water ingress by inspecting your upstairs ceilings and attic space, every so often.
Whether your chimney needs a complete overhaul, renovating or rebuilding you need to hire a professional to do the work.
Dominion Roofing has the tools, the people, and the expertise to make sure that your chimney stays in good condition for many years to come.
Why Chimneys Need to Be Repaired or Replaced
Few homeowners fully realize that a chimney is a vulnerable structure. Your chimney is one of the most exposed components of your home. It is:
- Exposed to harsh, ever-changing, weather conditions (hot, cold, dry, snow, rain, etc.)
- Regularly pummeled by hail and buffeted by the wind
- Prone to damage caused by animals such as birds or rodents building nests within its structure
- Easily blocked by debris and leaves
- Exposed to acidic bird excrement
It is also vulnerable to natural calamities, including:
- Storms, hurricanes, and blizzards
- Earthquakes
- Lightning strikes
- Fires
If used for many years, without being maintained your chimney will begin to decay and cease to function as it should. We are frequently called to homes whose chimneys have deteriorated due to:
- Water damage
- A lack of proper maintenance
- Faulty construction
- Poor workmanship during the original construction
- Repairs not being carried out properly
- Poor quality materials being used to construct the chimney
- The inside of the chimney catching light because it has not been cleaned often enough
When Do You Need Chimney Repairs
It is important to look out for signs of deterioration. The sooner you spot and address issues, the lower the repair bill is likely to be. If you see visible deterioration in the appearance of your chimney, you should quickly get in touch with us and let us take a closer look. Especially if you notice any of the following:
- Cracks
- Holes
- White stains or extensive discolouration
- Rust
- Signs of a leak
- Smoke or fumes seeping out of the sides instead of the top of your chimney
- A cap that is no longer properly placed
- A build-up of moss or mould
- Signs that the chimney is no longer straight
- Signs that birds or other creatures are nesting in it
Importance of Chimney Maintenance
We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to maintain your chimney. If cracked chimneys are not repaired, rainwater could seep into the fabric of your house. Should that happen you can expect to experience one or several of the following issues:
- Damaged plaster and bricks that begin to disintegrate
- Soggy wood structures that start to rot
- Mould taking hold and growing on all of your home’s surfaces – causing damage and often health issues for the inhabitants
- All of the above issues are potentially serious. Repairing walls that are not structurally sound can work out to be extremely expensive. Not to mention disruptive.
Cracked chimneys also allow noxious smoke and fumes to get into and become trapped inside your home. A damaged chimney will no longer:
- Remove creosote, which is a toxic by-product of fires
- Protect you from the risk of a chimney fire that can easily happen when creosote and soot builds up
- Will no longer carry damaging noxious smoke away from your home
- Protect you properly from the risk of carbon monoxide inhalation
- Minimize the risk of fire
Again, all of the above are highly undesirable. Smoke can kill and if your chimney catches light because you have not maintained it properly you could potentially lose your home. Worse than that, you may even find that you are not fully covered by your insurance because you are deemed as being partly responsible.
Keep your house safe by keeping your chimney in good working order. For chimney repairs, contact Dominion Roofing today.
Dominion Roofing’s Chimney Repairs & Other Services
We are equipped and have the experience to take care of everything you need. Our team are ready to carry out:
- All kinds of chimney masonry repair
- Chimney cap/damper repairs and installation
- Chimney pipe/liner repairs
- Handle the installation of case covers
- Waterproofing any style of chimney
- Flue repairs
- Chimney leak repairs
- Chimney inspections
Find out more about Dominion Roofing’s services by clicking here.
How to Contact Dominion Roofing
Call 416-789-0601 now
Email or fax us
Use the online contact form provided on this website
Visit our Toronto office
We will happily answer any questions you may have. As well as guide you about how to spot signs of problems with your chimney.
PRO TIP :
“Chimney repairs that are not performed properly can cause more damage to your chimney, so always make sure to hire somebody with experience.”
FAQs on Chimney Repairs
Is it possible for a chimney to be damaged beyond repair?
Yes, it is possible. In that situation, the chimney needs to be replaced. That will mean taking the old one down first. The new chimney should conform to the latest safety standards and be constructed using modern materials. But also, be built in a way that ensures that it blends in with the style and age of your home.
How often should I inspect my chimney?
You should look up and check your chimney every few months. At least once a year inspect it properly. As well as go into your attic and check that there is no evidence of a leak. The inside should also be inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional cleaning team. If you have any sense that your chimney is not functioning properly or is falling apart it is wise to call a roofer as soon as possible.
Is there a way to prevent the buildup of creosote?
Having your chimney properly maintained and cleaned will help to prevent the buildup of creosote. As does burning only seasoned wood and being careful about what type of artificial logs you use. Make sure the fire gets plenty of air, and insulate your chimney so that the fuel burns fast. All of these things combined work to reduce creosote buildup.
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