All winter, you sat around the fireplace drinking hot chocolate. If you want to enjoy those calming moments next winter, make sure your chimney is in overall good working condition. At Darryl Myers Brick in Independence, Kentucky, the highly trained team of brick and stone contractors not only specialize in custom stone installation but also in fireplace chimney repair.

To safely use a fireplace, you have to first make sure that your chimney is moisture-free, unobstructed, and clean. Here are some signs that the brick and stone contractors at Darryl Myers Brick look for to determine if a chimney needs repair:

• Damaged Chimney Crown: The crown of a chimney can be damaged by harsh weather. If it becomes cracked, moisture seeps in and enlarges the cracks. One way to prevent damage is to weatherproof the chimney crown. Since it can be hard to spot a damaged chimney crown from the ground, call Darryl Myers Brick to schedule an inspection.
• Deteriorating Mortar Joints: The harsh winter months can cause mortar joints to freeze and thaw and, eventually, crack. If you don’t repair deteriorating mortar joints, the chimney could collapse.
• Spalling & Shaling: Spalling is when brick or stone starts to break into smaller pieces. If you notice that the masonry is breaking off the outside of your chimney, there is moisture in the chimney that will eventually cause the chimney to collapse. Shaling is when the tile inside the flue breaks off. If the flue lining is deteriorating, then there is a higher risk of a house fire. 
• Rust: If you notice rust in the firebox, then there is too much moisture in the chimney. Moisture leads to cracks in the flue tiles, spalling, and shaling. Rust is a sign you need fireplace chimney repair. Other signs of too much moisture in your chimney are damaged wallpaper and white staining on the chimney masonry.

A damaged chimney is a serious fire concern. If you see any of the signs that your chimney needs repair, call the experts at Darryl Myers Brick for a free fireplace chimney repair estimate.

For more information about the services offered at Darryl Myers Brick in Independence, Kentucky, from retaining wall installation and custom stone installation to chimney and fireplace repairs, visit the website, or call (859) 743-3850 to schedule an inspection.