If your chimney has caught fire, caused by an electrical fire or a flue overflow, you may need immediate chimney repair and inspection. The first thing to do, when you have a problem with your chimney is to call a professional chimney sweep in East Hampton, NY to come out and inspect it. A professional chimney inspector will tell you if your chimney needs to be replaced and will also give you valuable information about the different types of chimney protection systems that are available. He or she will also tell you how long does chimney flashing last, what type of flue material your chimney use and how to make sure that it is free of debris, and other issues that might be causing a problem.
Common Chimney Repairs
There are several common chimney repairs that can happen at any time, such as a crack in the bricks or mortar chimney or a crack in the clay tile liner that supports the structure. When a chimney begins to crack or collapse, it becomes extremely important that the proper procedures for repairing the chimney are followed immediately. Otherwise, you risk having the fire spread into the house and putting your family and pets at risk. Most often a small crack in a brick chimney will not require a full replacement, but more times than not a masonry chimney repair will be needed. Here are some important things to know about chimney repair:
How Long Does Chimney Flashing Last?
The amount of time that a chimney repair will last varies greatly depending on the materials that the chimney is made of, the construction of the chimney, and how it is protected. For example, wood burning masonry chimneys tend to last much longer than clay tile chimney liners, which typically only last from three to five years. Also, brick chimneys can last for many years without needing to be replaced, though it is not uncommon for brick chimneys to need to be replaced from time to time due to the mortar used to build them. Overall, if you have a clay tile or wooden chimney, you should expect to replace it after at least five years, while other masonry chimney systems such as aluminum, iron, and metal chimney liners will need to be replaced more frequently.
Is Chimney Cleaning Necessary?
If you have a chimney that needs masonry repairs or a chimney cleaning, you need to get this done as soon as possible. While there are some cases where a small crack in a clay tile liner will not require a chimney repair, if you have a crack in a mortar liner you will likely need masonry repairs or a chimney cleaning to correct the problem. You should never wait to have your chimney repaired, even if the crack only requires minor repair, as cracks can quickly spread and fill with debris. In fact, if your chimney is not properly maintained, you could have an unstable chimney full of harmful carbon monoxide that can be very dangerous.
Are There Effective Chimney Protection Systems?
If your home has a chimney, you probably already have a chimney protection system installed. If this system consists of a smoke stack, you should always call a chimney sweep professional so that your chimney is regularly inspected for cracks or deterioration. If your home does not have a chimney sweep, you may want to consider installing one on your own to protect your home from the elements. There are many masonry chimney repairs and chimney cleaning services available, but you should always call a professional masonry chimney repairs and chimney cleaning service to get rid of harmful carbon monoxide.
How Long Does it Take to Repair a Chimney Flue?
Every house is different and each chimney flue is different size and shape. In general, you should expect to have to climb up a ladder and access your chimney flue repair on a regular basis. If you need to repair your chimney more frequently than this, you may need professional chimney cleaning services. In addition to the labor costs, frequent chimney repairs can also cost you a significant amount of money in fines because your home is no longer safe to live in.