Chimney Repairs & Restorations
If you have a sick chimney or an old chimney in need of some TLC, Ace Chimney Sweeps, Inc. has you covered. We’ve spent more than two decades diagnosing, repairing, and restoring problem chimneys. We do damper repairs, masonry repairs, and stone veneer work; we also excel at fixing chimney leaks, waterproofing, and relining, among other chimney-related repairs. Our masonry repair work comes with a five-year warranty, and many of our repairs offer a 10-year warranty.
What’s Wrong With My Chimney?
A sick chimney might be sick for any number of reasons, but almost all of them deserve immediate attention to rule out the risk of house fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, or serious structural or water damage. Ace Chimney Sweeps commonly see and correct the following problems in chimneys:
- “Puffy” or “honeycombed” creosote (byproduct of burned wood) or creosote flakes or pieces on the roof or ground
- Incorrect flue size and improper connection of all parts of the chimney
- A warped damper, metal smoke chamber connector pipe, or factory-built metal chimney
- Cracked or collapsed flue tiles or tiles with large chunks missing
- A discolored or damaged chimney cap
- Cracks in the masonry or evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners
During an inspection, a chimney sweep will determine if a cleaning is needed or if any defects or issues require action. Your sweep may also have maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. Chimney inspections are valuable because they determine chimney integrity and whether or not your chimney system meets current safety standards.
A Word About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
One of the most important reasons to have your chimney repaired or restored is to keep the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning at bay. Improper ventilation and inefficient heating systems don’t just cost money—they may be a source for deadly carbon monoxide. What makes carbon monoxide particularly dangerous is that it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless; that’s why it’s known as “the silent killer.” According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 people in the U.S. die annually from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by problems in the venting of toxic gases produced by their heating systems. Thousands more die from carbon monoxide poisoning related to other issues. In addition, around 10,000 cases of carbon monoxide-related “injuries” are diagnosed each year. Awareness of the physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may go a long way to prevent these deaths and injuries; the CDC advises that most people are able to recover from carbon monoxide exposure simply by getting away from the source. Unfortunately, the symptoms of prolonged, low-level carbon monoxide poisoning—things like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue—are often written off as common winter ailments, so that when the chimney or hearth is the culprit, cases are sometimes not detected until permanent, subtle damage to the brain, heart, and other organs and tissues has been done. The good news is that regular chimney system inspection and maintenance can prevent poisoning incidents like these.
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Chimney leaks need to be found and fixed promptly to avoid more serious and expensive damage to your home. Let our chimney services crew discuss a plan of action that works for you and your situation.
