6 Off-Season Chimney Repairs to Know About

When you’re finished using your chimney for the season, it’s time to have it inspected in order to make sure it’s safe and working correctly for the next season.

Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to outline six of the chimney repairs that are often needed between seasons.

It starts with an inspection

The first step to off-season chimney maintenance is an inspection. A knowledgeable chimney inspector can quickly determine what parts or areas of your chimney system need attention.

If you use a wood fireplace, the inspection should include a thorough chimney sweep to remove flammable creosote and draft-blocking obstructions. Along with being safer and more efficient, a clean chimney will produce far fewer odors than one that has been neglected.

Common chimney repair projects

Here are the most common repair projects that chimney technicians regularly perform.

1. Masonry repair

Based on the inspector’s findings, masonry repair might include:

• Tuckpointing to replace crumbling areas of mortar
• Brick replacement to remove damaged, spalling bricks
• Chimney rebuilding to restore larger compromised sections of the masonry
• Chimney waterproofing to keep damaging water from rain away from the masonry

2. Chimney cap repair or installation

A damaged chimney cap can allow water to fall into the flue. Once inside, the water can start a cycle of damage to the chimney liner, interior masonry, fireplace damper and more. Caps can be repaired or replaced. If you don’t have a cap, one should be installed.

3. Chimney crown repair or rebuilding

The concrete chimney crown at the top of your chimney is there to protect interior areas of the chimney. When built correctly, it also provides a runoff to keep water from spilling down the sides of the chimney. Cracked crowns can lead to major water damage throughout the chimney system.

4. Flashing repair or replacement

Chimney flashing skirts the base of the exterior chimney to seal the gap between it and the roof. If the flashing is warped, rusted or otherwise damaged, water can run into the attic and interior chimney spaces. Flashing can be repaired or replaced. It can also be waterproofed.

5. Fireplace damper service

If your fireplace damper is rusted or warped, it may not be able to open or close fully. This can allow warm air to escape your home when you’re not using the fireplace. It can also keep fires from burning efficiently and may cause smoke backups when the fireplace is in use.

6. Chimney liner repair or relining

The all-important chimney liner provides protection to vulnerable areas of the chimney and home. The liner contains intense heat and keeps flue gases and acidic compounds from escaping.

If your liner is damaged, it needs to be repaired. If it’s severely damaged, it should be replaced.

All the help your Florida chimney needs

Doodlebuggers provides a full menu of chimney services, including chimney repairs, chimney sweeping and licensed chimney inspection. Whatever’s wrong with your chimney, we know how to make it right.

Reach a chimney service expert today at 850-477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at 850-243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.