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Summer is slowly drawing to a close, and it will soon be time to start winterizing your home. One thing to keep in mind as you prepare for cooler weather is the state of your chimney. If you’re trying to determine whether yours needs a repair, there are several things you can look for. Here are a few symptoms to watch out for during your personal chimney inspection.

5 Signs You Need Chimney Repair

1. Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a white crystalline deposit found on masonry. It is caused by salt-bearing water evaporating on its surface. If you have efflorescence, it indicates there is moisture in your chimney. This can cause premature deterioration and other potential problems.

2. Rust

Another sign of moisture seeping into your chimney is rust on the firebox or damper. If your damper is stiff or makes a grinding sound, look for rust. If there's enough moisture in your chimney to cause this kind of damage, other serious problems could already be occurring. Have a professional conduct a full chimney inspection to detect any serious damage.

3. Damaged Mortar Joints

Chimney InspectionOver time, the mortar between your chimney bricks can deteriorate. Added moisture can accelerate this deterioration, especially in cold weather when water can seep into joints and expand them as it freezes. If the masonry is compromised to this degree, the chimney could be in danger of collapsing.

4. Shaling

Most flue linings are made of tile, but if they become damaged, it can affect your whole chimney. Shaling occurs when your flue lining is cracked, which you can detect if you see thin slices of tiles collecting in your fireplace. When you see this, contact a chimney sweep immediately to assess the damage.

5. Spalling

Spalling occurs on the outside of your chimney when bits of the masonry pop out or flake off. This could indicate structural damage and needs to be inspected immediately.

 

Don't take chances this winter; if you see any of these telltale signs, get a chimney inspection and repairs right away. With more than 30 years of experience behind them, The Chimney Sweep will carefully examine the damage and determine what steps are necessary to correct it. Contact the Kernersville, NC, company today at (336) 993-8999 to set an appointment, and visit their website to learn more.

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