Your chimney is exposed to the elements during Toronto’s harsh winters. No chimney lasts forever, and all of them must be repaired at some point. With the right chimney repairs, you can increase the longevity of your chimney and avoid potentially dangerous problems. Inspecting your fireplace and chimney regularly can help prevent serious problems, such as a house fire or a collapsed chimney. Sometimes signs of a damaged chimney are obvious, such as chunks of bricks falling off the chimney. Other times, signs of damage can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Here are signs that your chimney needs to be repaired.
Damaged Mortar Joints
Damaged mortar joints between chimney masonry should be repaired as soon as possible. Mortar joint failure can quicken the damage of the chimney by exposing the bricks to more moisture. When water enters small chimney cracks, it can grow into bigger cracks as a result of thawing and freezing. If the problem is not resolved, the chimney may collapse. Chimney repairs in Toronto can help inspect and repair the damages.
Rusted Damper Or Firebox
Moisture in a chimney or fireplace is a bad sign that the chimney isn’t working properly. Rust is one sign of excess moisture, and you may notice it in the firebox or on the damper. If the damper becomes hard to operate or fails to seal properly, you will know it’s time to inspect it closely. Moisture in the chimney that causes rusting can cause a variety of issues, including the cracking of flue tiles. A cracked flue lining is dangerous because it can allow too much heat into vulnerable areas, resulting in a house fire.
Spalling Bricks
Water entering the natural stone, concrete, or brick causes the surface of the chimney to flake, peel off, or pop out. Salt can also push outward from the inside, causing spalling. Spalling is easy to detect because masonry fragments fall from the chimney. Failing to repair the spalling bricks can result in continuous crumbling and, eventually, destruction of the chimney structure.
Cracked Chimney Crown
Another issue that requires a visit to the roof is a damaged chimney crown. The crown must be in good condition because it serves as the first line of defense against the elements. When it cracks, water enters and freezes and thaws, resulting in larger cracks. Moisture can seep between the chimney and the liner, as well as into the chimney, causing shaling and spalling. Weatherproofing the chimney crown and, while you’re at it, the chimney itself is an excellent preventative measure against this type of damage.
Shaling Flue Tiles
When the liner is damaged, thin slices of chimney tile can begin to pile up at the bottom of the chimney. Cracked flue tiles indicate a serious problem that, if not addressed, could lead to a house fire. To use a fireplace safely, the flue lining of a chimney must be intact. Many people are now opting for stainless steel liners, which normally come with lifetime warranties. While shaling flue tiles can be seen, identifying cracked flue liners often involves an inspection by a professional using a special camera. The camera can identify potential risks in the flue that would be difficult to detect otherwise.
A Call To Turnbull Masonry
Chimney repair services in Toronto are experts at keeping your chimney in good condition. Turnbull Masonry in Toronto and surrounding areas have the expertise required to safely inspect or repair your chimney. We can ensure that yours is in proper working condition and ready for the colder weather. Contact us today for more information!