Chimneys are easy to forget about when the fireplace seems to be working normally. Still, soot builds up with use, and the brick and mortar outside deal with rain, snow, and cold weather year after year. Cleaning, inspections, and occasional repairs are all part of keeping an older chimney in good shape.
The Chimney Guys works in Upper Arlington, OH, as well as Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, and Hilliard. Homeowners can schedule chimney cleaning and inspections or call when they’ve noticed something that may need repair.
Chimney Sweeping and Cleaning
Soot and creosote build up whenever wood is burned in a fireplace. Over time, that material collects inside the chimney. Creosote is flammable, which is one reason chimney sweeping is an important part of fireplace maintenance. During a sweep, the technician clears buildup and debris from the flue. The technician can also look for visible signs of damage while working around the fireplace and chimney.
No single cleaning schedule works for every house. A fireplace that’s used throughout the winter may need attention sooner than one that’s only lit a handful of times each year. Homeowners who don’t know when their chimney was last cleaned can have it checked before putting the fireplace back into regular use.
Chimney Inspections
It’s difficult to judge the condition of an entire chimney just by looking at the fireplace. Even from outside, homeowners can’t easily check parts of the system. That can make problems easy to miss, especially when there are no obvious changes in how the fireplace is working.
A chimney inspection is useful when the fireplace’s service history is unknown, or something about it has changed. Maybe smoke has started coming back into the room, there’s water near the fireplace, or an unusual odor has appeared. Cracking or loose masonry is another reason to have someone take a closer look.
Chimney Repairs
Brick and mortar eventually show the effects of Ohio weather. Moisture is especially hard on masonry once temperatures drop below freezing, and small areas of damage can grow over time.
Repairs vary depending on what has worn out. Some chimneys need mortar or damaged brick replaced, while others have issues with flashing, the crown, the cap, or the liner. Damage can also occur inside the fireplace and require firebox repair.
A small area of deterioration may only require a targeted repair. If the masonry has deteriorated more extensively, rebuilding a section of the chimney may make more sense. In some cases, a complete rebuild is needed.
Chimney Service in Upper Arlington
Regular chimney service helps homeowners understand how their chimney is holding up. It’s also a good opportunity to address buildup or make smaller repairs before another season of fireplace use.
The Chimney Guys provides chimney sweeping, inspections, masonry repairs, and other chimney services throughout Upper Arlington and the Columbus area. If you’re unsure when the chimney was last serviced or have noticed something unusual, schedule an appointment to have it checked.
