Signs That Indicate The Need For A Minneapolis Chimney Repair

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By Earlene McGee


It may not be easy to tell if a chimney is safe, stable, and sound just by the look but there are signs that may help determine when you need to contact a repairer to restore the structure. Chimneys are structures that are exposed to destructive elements including the creosote, heat, moisture, and movement of soils. Creosote is a substance that can accelerate the rate at which chimneys wear out. A Minneapolis chimney repair contractor can be called in whenever defects are noticed in chimneys.

Moisture causes problems when it enters chimneys. It affects the flues, mortar joints, and the bricks. When moisture penetrates and enters chimneys, it corrodes flue liners causing them to develop holes, which allow heat to enter other parts of a home. The spreading heat could easily trigger house fires that cause extensive damages.

If you notice damages in mortar joints of the smoke extraction structure, you have to contact a contractor to restore such flaws. At times, you may have someone going up the rooftop to inspect your chimneys. Damaged mortar joints occurring in the masonry is an issue of much concern. When mortar joints fail, they increase the rate at which chimneys are disintegrating since the bricks are exposed to increased moisture.

It may be easy to notice shaling tiles but on the other hand, identifying cracking of liners may not be easy. It will require an experienced technician to use specialized tools such as cameras to inspect the interior of such chimneys in order to spot the cracks on liners. The cameras are introduced inside and they will capture images showing the state of your flues.

Moisture entering the interior parts of chimneys may corrode metallic flue liners resulting to more damages. When moisture combines with creosote, it forms acidic substances, which erode the flue liners thus exposing other structures to heat and moisture damage. Another sign homeowners should look for is rusting forming on dampers and fireboxes.

It may be easy to remove the staining but then if the cause of efflorescence is not solved, the problem will continue to occur. The presence of the white marks and stains is a clear indicator that moisture is taking its toll on your chimneys especially the masonry parts. If that moisture problem is not tackled, you may experience premature damages of the structure.

You can know of such problems if the damper does not operate or seal properly. The rust may affect the moving parts of dampers making it difficult to seal. Moisture infiltrating chimneys can create other problems such as causing the flue tiles to start cracking. Cracks within flue liners can be dangerous since they allow heat to reach other parts of a home.

You may need to look at the wallpaper near the chimneys. If the wallpaper is wearing out, it may indicate that there is too much moisture within your flues. The moisture problems may be caused by open capping, cracks on masonry, or accumulation of ice within the crown area. It is always smart to make sure you alert a contractor to check the structure. Call a contractor when you notice these and other problems in chimneys so that repairs can be done in time before the structure disintegrates further.




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