Chimney repair isn’t just about fixing broken parts. Preventative measures are just as important. Most parts of a chimney will last for decades without fail, but performing yearly maintenance and knowing what to do if there is a problem will help keep repair costs to a minimum. Here are some common questions asked about chimney repair.

FAQs About Chimney Repair & Maintenance

Should I get my natural gas chimney inspected?

Natural gas doesn’t create soot, but colder temperatures outside do create condensation in the chimney. The water droplets, mixed with the gas, can create hydrochloric acid inside the chimney. This can cause paint to blister, erode mortar joints, and eat away at the fibrous brick your chimney is made of. Have your chimney inspected every year to see if you are due for a cleaning.

What are chimney liners, and what do they do?

Liners are clay or ceramic conduits installed inside the chimney to contain flammable objects and protect the structure from corrosion. These prohibitive measures help eliminate any need for future chimney repair. An unlined chimney allows the heat to burn through to a house’s wooden structure in as little as 3.5 hours.The liner also protects the chimney from formed-acids due to condensation and prevents carbon monoxide from leaking back into the home.

What should I do in the event of a chimney fire?

Chimney fires are preventable. Fires are caused by a buildup of materials that combusts within the chimney. Have your chimney inspected by a chimney repair specialist each year to help prevent fires. To ensure that you’re prepared for the event of a fire, purchase a chimney fire extinguisher, but make sure you get the right one for your chimney type (oil, gas, or wood). Even after you use the extinguisher, you should still call the fire department. Fires can remain in your chimney, even if you can’t see them. Take your family out of the home till the fire department gives you the okay to reenter.

 

 

If you have concerns about the structural integrity of your fireplace, or have general questions about how to optimize your chimney and fireplace, then Daryl Myers Brick is the authority to ask. Serving the Independence, KY, area, their team of qualified and professional masons can handle all your chimney repair needs. They are expertly trained with all forms of chimney repair, installation, and upgrades. Visit them online or give them a call at (859) 743-3850.