Chimney Care Company's Blog

We Offer Many Chimney Repair Services

Although a chimney probably seems like the strongest structure in your home, it can still be affected by the natural effects of weathering. Wind, hot sun, and precipitation can wreak havoc on this

chimney repair

Click to enlarge.

sturdy structure, and other things can as well. Other types of natural disasters can occur. At times, hurricane winds and precipitation from the east coast can reach as far as Ohio, and this can alter normal weather patterns. Tornadoes aren’t as likely, but can still occur. Flooding and forest fires don’t normally take place in Ohio, either, but they do sometimes happen. Most likely, though, is the possibility of severe ice and snow storms. When these things happen, your chimney can undergo major damage.

Interior Damage

When you hire Chimney Care Co., one thing we’ll check out is the interior of your chimney. We’ll be looking for creosote build-up and damage from an undetected chimney fire. Creosote is the natural by-product of smoke as it flows up the cool interior of your chimney. It is highly flammable and can easily catch a spark from your fire and cause a chimney fire. Although it may seem that you’d know if there was a chimney fire, most often they go undetected because there’s not enough oxygen in the chimney to make the fire get too big. If this is the case, your chimney or the chimney liner may have sustained some damage that needs to be repaired, and we are experts at fixing this type of damage.

We’ll also check for any interior damage to your fireplace or hearth. We’ll check the dampers and the firebox, and also the condition of any brickwork in the hearth. We’ll make sure that the smoke shelf is in good condition and that the ash pit is clear and not rusted.

Exterior Damage

We’ll also look at the exterior of your chimney to make sure that the structure is intact. We’ll check the condition of the brick and mortar, and the condition of the chimney crown and cap. The chimney crown should be crack and chip-free and the chimney cap should be rust-free and not dented or twisted so that your chimney and home stay leak-free. Another thing that keeps precipitation out of your home is the flashing. The flashing is the metal strips that are layered at the place where the chimney and the roof meet. This is a spot that is especially susceptible to leaks, and the layering of these strips direct precipitation away from it. The flashing can easily rust, become loose, or tear-away in the wind, and we’ll make sure it is in good condition and firmly attached.

Call Chimney Care Co. 

At Chimney Care Co., we specialize in all things chimney. We can make all the above-mentioned repairs, and can also take care of other things as well. We might suggest such repair work as tuckpointing or chimney sealing. No matter what the repair job, you can rest assured that we offer the top service in the area. If you’re looking for great chimney service, give us a call today.

By Jeff Keefer | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , | Leave a Comment

Reasons to Invest in a Chimney Cap

One of the best places to invest in your chimney happens to sit on top, likely out of sight and out of mind. If you’re looking to protect your home and your chimney from serious and costly damage, you should invest in a chimney cap. Here’s why.

Protect your chimney from water damageRoof and chimney

The No. 1 reason to invest in a chimney cap for your home is to protect your chimney and fireplace from water damage. Without a chimney cap in place, rain, sleet and snow all fall freely into your chimney. Water in your chimney can weaken chimney liners. It can cause cracks in masonry chimney liners and rust in metal ones. Water coming in through your chimney also can rust and damage your damper, fireplace doors, and fireplace grate. Water can damage your firebox’s masonry or metal components, as well. An investment in a chimney cap can save you from having to invest in repairing water damage to your fireplace and chimney.

Keep birds and animals out

An open chimney serves as an invitation to birds and animals seeking warmth and shelter from the elements. At a minimum, a cap-free chimney can result in a bird or bat flapping noisily around your chimney or finding its way into your home. On a more serious note, birds or animals can build nests in the chimney that block the chimney’s flue and pose fire hazards. Or, the animal itself can find its way into your home to cause damage and threaten you, your family or your pets. A chimney cap secured with a cage surround can prevent animals from entering your chimney and causing damage or other problems.

Block downdrafts

Sudden gusts of wind through your chimney can chill your home or cause ashes and embers to come bursting out of your fireplace. A chimney cap blocks downdrafts from chilling your home, forcing smoke from your fireplace back into your home or causing a spray of embers from your fireplace.

Stop debris from entering the chimney

When the wind blows, it’s not just drafts that can find their way into your chimney. Leaves, branches, and other debris can blow into your chimney. Once inside, the debris in your chimney can cause blockages that can combust and cause a fire hazard, or that can prevent smoke and carbon monoxide from exiting your home safely through your chimney. A chimney cap with a wire surround can block debris from entering your chimney.

If your chimney cap is missing or damaged, or it’s not made from a durable material like stainless steel or copper, it’s time to protect your chimney, your fireplace, and your home by investing in a chimney cap. Call the Chimney Care Co. to learn about your chimney cap options today!

By Jeff Keefer | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Leave a Comment

Why do I Need a New Chimney Cap?

Chimney Cap Replacement - Cincinnati OH - Chimney Care CompanyChimney caps are a lot like the topper on a Christmas tree, with one glaring difference—a chimney cap is much more than decoration. They’re vital organs to a chimney that should be well taken care of and replaced when needed. Chimney caps come in many different designs, shapes and sizes. Just choosing the right one can be a chore sometimes. They’re generally made out of some kind of metal, whether it’s copper, stainless steel or galvanized steel. Some are better quality than others, and some look better than others. No matter which type of chimney cap you have, however, it should be inspected regularly and replaced when necessary.

WHEN TO INSPECT YOUR CHIMNEY CAP

Inspection of the chimney cap should occur right alongside your annual chimney inspection. If the cap becomes clogged with creosote or begins to come loose from the chimney, it can hinder the proper functioning of the chimney and/or allow unwanted things inside your chimney. Pay close attention to the following during cap inspections:

    You’ll need to see how securely the cap is attached to the structure. Generally speaking, caps that are screwed into the chimney crown coming loose should not be much of a problem. However, if not installed correctly using the appropriate masonry screws, the screws may begin to slowly back themselves out over time. As a result, the chimney cap may need to be re-secured via the correct methods and materials.

  • You’ll need to check the assembly of the chimney cap. Over time, whether it’s due to the weather, the heat of the chimney or animals, parts of the chimney cap may begin loosening. The metal top of the cap could have warped over the years and could be pulling away from the sides. If this is the case, it should be repaired or replaced. Sometimes, tightening or adding screws may also fix the problem.
  • You’ll need to ensure that the metal mesh is in good shape. Just because it’s there to keep birds and animals out doesn’t mean they won’t still try to get in. Hopefully, the mesh will be in good shape when one of your friendly neighborhood squirrels starts tugging at it. If not, it’ll eventually work its way in to the chimney liner. Also, creosote buildup can occur on the mesh, which can limit the airflow and hinder the chimney draft.
  • You’ll need to check for rust. This shouldn’t be an issue with stainless steel or copper caps, however, the galvanized steel caps, which are of lower quality, will eventually begin to rust. These caps are usually treated with heat-resistant paint to hinder rusting, but the paint will eventually start to crack and peel, thereby enabling rust to set in. The best thing to do in this instance is to replace the chimney cap altogether, preferably with a stainless steel variety.

WHEN TO HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY CAP REPLACED

If the mesh on the cap is heavily clogged or separating from the rest of the cap, the entire cap should be replaced. The mesh is one of the most important parts and should be kept in excellent condition. You never know when an animal will attempt to get in there by pulling at it. If it’s weak, the animal will be successful and you’ll have to call an animal removal specialist to get it out. Any time you’ve had a chimney fire, the cap should be replaced. Chances are, it’ll be warped and damaged beyond repair, leaving you no choice but to replace it. If your cap is on a metal chimney liner, and you’ve had a chimney fire, you’ll have to replace the liner, too.

The chimney cap protects the upper opening of your chimney and prevents rainwater, debris and animals from entering. Inspect it regularly and, if necessary, don’t be hesitant to have it replaced by a certified chimney sweep. Your home is an investment, and those of us at Chimney Care Company want to help you protect that investment. Do your part to protect your home and family from the devastation of fire and structural compromise by keeping up with your annual maintenance service. For more information of to set up your appointment, please click here or call us at 513-248-9600. We look forward to serving you!

By Jeff Keefer | Tagged with: Tags: , | Leave a Comment

Water & Your Chimney

The Damage that H20 Can Cause

According to Chimney Safety Institute of America water can do a lot to ruin your chimney. The damage is often not apparent to the naked eye until it the moisture has caused a great deal of damage. Chimney Care Co. want you to know if the health and safety of your household is at risk when neglected for certain periods of time. The functionality and performance of your fireplace and chimney is also dependent on how well they are cared for.

Water as the enemy.

Installing a properly fitted chimney cap can prevent most of the water from entering your chimney. Call us today for an appointment.

Installing a properly fitted chimney cap can prevent most of the water from entering your chimney. Call us today for an appointment.

Weather plays a big part of a chimney’s deterioration. Winter and rainy days result to hastened damage of what most chimneys are made of except stone. Many construction materials contract during the freezing and melting process causing the materials more exposure to brittleness. We know what happens to metal when exposed to water for long periods of time as well. It rusts and eventually breaks. Wooden parts of fireplaces also deteriorate faster when experiencing weather changes.

A water leak found anywhere around the household is never a good thing. Whatever the source, once water leakage is involved the amount of damage can range from mild to severe. According to Jeff Del Guercio, who is president of the local National Association of Home Inspectors, “Water is probably the single most destructive force to a house, and a leak can go on for a long time without being noticed.”

If leaks are left unattended, it can lead not only to damaging effects on your household members’ health but can also cause mold and termite infestations. In the long run such exposure to water can cause chimneys to wear out and fall apart which in the end will call for more costly repairs.

The question is, how do we avoid or address water damage?

It is important to note that proper chimney inspections be done on a regular basis. It is best to consult experts when dealing with waterproofing your fireplace. Of course this is a good preventive measure. It may cost you more if you don’t take such measures and wait until it’s totally damaged. Schedule an appointment and inquire now. People more knowledgeable will be more than thrilled to guide you through the process.

 

Extending the Life of Your Chimney

Extending the Life of Your Chimney

Have you ever wondered if it was possible to maintain your chimney so well, that it could last for decades? With regular maintenance, it is certainly possible. We will give you tips and ideas on how to get your chimney to perform better and to last for a very long time. Call Chimney Care today.

Water is your chimney's biggest enemy. A chimney cap can divert water away and keep your performance high.

Water is your chimney’s biggest enemy. A chimney cap can divert water away and keep your performance high.

The biggest secret in extending the life of your chimney is to make sure that you maintain the vital parts inside and protect it from water and from different kinds of obstructions. Maintenance includes regular cleaning and also repairing or replacing parts if the need arises.  Sure it might cost quite a bit, but anyone would rather be safe than sorry when these minor damages cause major accidents.

First off, note that water is one of the biggest enemies against your chimney because it slowly, but surely, destroys the structure of the chimney. That’s why one of the major keys to extending the life of your chimney is to keep water out. Here are some of our recommendations:

Waterproofing

Have one of our chimney specialists apply a waterproofing sealant in the brick walls. This will prevent leaks and moisture from accumulating inside. Because where there is moisture, molds can inhabit and this will be a whole new health hazard for your home.

Chimney Cap and Chimney Crown

Having a chimney cap installed is very helpful. It will prevent animals and things from entering and destroying the inside of your chimney.  The chimney crown’s function is to seal off the mortar bricks at the very top of the chimney so water can’t seep in through them and cause the bricks to slowly crumble.

Chimney Relining

One of the many parts that need ultimate protection is the chimney flue and liner. If in cases when damage has already been done, and the flue or flue liner already has cracks and holes, this needs to be fixed right away so that no backflow will happen. Backflow is when the smoke will enter your home instead of passing through your chimney. This is both unpleasant and very dangerous because everyone inside the home will be inhaling toxic byproducts of combustion, including the deadly gas, carbon monoxide. Chimney relining will solve this issue.

Extend the life of your chimney with Chimney Care. We have been proudly serving areas in the Cincinnati, Southwest Ohio, and in Kentucky. Call us to learn more.

Visit Our Showroom!

Chimney Care Company | 413 Wards Corner Road, Loveland, Ohio 45140