Chimney safety is an imperative part of fire safety within a building. Thankfully, there are a few obvious signs which let you know chimney repair is needed. Understanding the signs of chimney repair is something the experienced team at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps and Masonry constantly emphasize to clients. The New Richmond, OH-based company has kept chimneys in the Greater Cincinnati area functional and fire hazard-free since 1996.

Today, the company is here with six signs that let you know it’s time for chimney repairs:

• Mortar Joint Damage: Inspect the mortar joints between chimney masonry. You may have to access your roof for such an inspection. Distressed mortar joints from water infiltrating small cracks and freezing and thawing significantly shortens the lifespan of your chimney, and it will cause the structure to collapse if left unchecked.
• Spalling Bricks: Look for bits of masonry scattered around your chimney. This indicates spalling, or when water forces its way into brick, concrete, or natural stone and causes masonry to flake off, pop out, or peel. It eventually results in a crumbling structure.
• Rusted Damper Or Firebox: Take a careful look at your fireplace damper or firebox for signs of rust. Moisture within a chimney or fireplace equals poor operation and creates a slew of unpleasant problems — such as cracked flue lines that allow too much heat to escape and cause fires.
• Cracked Chimney Crown: Commission chimney crown repair if yours is cracked due to water invasion and subsequent freezing and thawing. The crown is your chimney’s first defense against the elements and must remain in good condition. Talk to your chimney repair company about waterproofing the crown for optimal protection.
• Shaling Flue Tiles: Check for thin pieces of shale around the bottom of your chimney. Shaling tiles are a sign of liner damage, and the flue liner must remain intact for safe fireplace use. Stainless steel liner options offer lifetime warranties.
• Wallpaper Damage: Observe the wallpaper around your chimney for damage. It could stem from moisture in the chimney, and it must be corrected as soon as possible to avoid a potential house fire.

Discuss these and other signs indicating it’s time for chimney repair with the talented team at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps and Masonry. They’ll make certain your chimney and fireplace are working the way they should for optimal safety. For more on chimney crown repair, chimney cleaning, fireplace repair, and other services available through Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps and Masonry, call (513) 553-0229 or visit their website today.