A chimney is an important part of your home. It helps to ventilate the smoke and gases from the fire, and it also keeps your home warm in the winter. If you have a chimney, it’s important to make sure that it’s in good condition. For example, a broken or missing chimney cap can lead to water damage or corroded bricks so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about chimney repairs!
When does my chimney need repairing?
Even if you don’t use your chimney day-to-day, it might still need some TLC. Being out in the open, chimneys are exposed to quite a bit of wear and tear. But how do you know when your chimney needs repairing? Here are some of the signs to look out for:
- A cracked chimney pots
- Cracked or crumbled mortar joists
- Deteriorating pointing
- Excessive rust around the flashings
- Cracked rendering
- Cracks in the chimney flue
- Damaged or missing lead tray
- White staining
Common types of repairs
Here’s a short list of the main types of chimney repairs and maintenance techniques:
Chimney repointing
Pointing is what holds the chimney bricks together, but it can crumble over time. Moisture can then get into the bricks and corrode them, allowing water to leak into the chimney. The repointing process includes renewing all or parts of the mortar joists.
Chimney flaunching
Flaunching is located at the foot of the chimney pots, and it does the job of holding the pots in place and driving away rainwater. Flaunching consists of mortar, so it does deteriorate over time. Failed flaunching can lead to disastrous consequences—chimney pots can become loose and even topple over, potentially causing serious harm to passers-by or damage to your property.
Chimney flue lining
If you have a log burner, you should also have a flue lining. The flue lining improves energy efficiency and fireplace maintenance. Over time, it can deteriorate and become a fire risk, so it will need regular sweeping. We recommend at least once a year. Unswept chimneys can also make your home insurance void in case of a fire.
Chimney flashing
The metal flashings around the base of your chimney are designed to protect the overall roof structure as well as protect it from the elements. If the flashing becomes cracked or loose, it needs to be fixed or replaced before it can cause serious issues.
Replacing chimney caps
Chimney caps are protective covers that protect your chimney. Made from steel or copper mesh, they protect your chimney from rain and downdrafts, keep out animals, stop sparks, prevent blocked flues and reduce moisture. Strong winds can damage chimneys and chimney caps, so it’s crucial to replace a chimney cap that’s missing or broken.
If you notice any of these signs, you should have you chimney inspected and repaired as soon as possible. It’s always safest to bring in the professionals.
At LC Joinery, Roofing and Building Work, we carry out a range of chimney repairs in Edinburgh, Fife and Central Scotland. We can even replace your chimney if necessary. All our work is guaranteed. We are a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, the Federation of Master Builders, the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme, and a Which? Trusted Trader and a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Take a look at our portfolio here.
Call LC Joinery at 01592 747 047 or email us at [email protected].
