Our Company Blog

Firebox Repair

Your firebox is the space within the chimney system where the fire actually burns. Of all the parts of the chimney, the firebox withstands the most heat and abuse. Therefore, it can become damaged quickly. When the firebox is damaged, it becomes an extreme fire hazard and needs attention immediately.

Firebox Repair - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney ServicesFirebox Damage

There are a few things that can cause the firebox to deteriorate faster than normal. The firebox is commonly constructed in a way that is heat-resistant and built-to-last. So, it’s important to discover the reason for the damage.

Common causes include:

  • Water Damage. Water wreaks havoc on masonry! When water mixes with soot it can deteriorate masonry quickly, leaving cracks, holes, and spalling masonry. Even a small amount of water can become trapped inside the masonry. This causes freezing and thawing, causing larger cracks, and allowing more water. The cycle is detrimental to even a well constructed fire box.
  • Poor Construction. An experienced chimney technician will use refractory bricks and materials to construct the firebox. These special heat-resistant bricks are designed to withstand a high concentration of heat. The kind of heat that exists daily when you use your fireplace regularly. If regular bricks are used, a homeowner may need chimney maintenance often. Consequently, a dishonest chimney sweep company will continue this cycle. Therefore, it’s important to find a chimney sweep that will fix a problem at its source.
  • Age. Overtime even a well-constructed and maintained firebox can deteriorate. Small cracks in mortar and bricks can quickly become bigger cracks. Plus, damage in the firebox, big or small, raises risk of fire!
  • Environmental Changes. Environmental occurrences can cause damage to the firebox that homeowners often don’t expect. Earthquakes are a common cause of damage to the firebox and masonry in general. In addition, heavy winds and storms can also cause water damage that leads to firebox damage.

Let Chief Chimney Services Repair Your Firebox

When it comes to firebox construction, repair, and restorations, count on Chief Chimney Services. We has the training, expertise, and experience to get the job done, and get it done right. We only use refractory bricks and materials. This is because we want you to be able to use your firebox for years to come. If your firebox doesn’t require a full restoration, we can repair it with a simple tuckpointing, using refractory materials to ensure a long life for your firebox.

Chief Chimney doesn’t just place a band-aid over the problem, we solve it at its root. We don’t just repair the damage, we find its source and fix that too. Even if your firebox damage is caused from water damage, our chimney sweeps are expertly trained and experienced. They will find the source of the leak swiftly and formulate a repair plan that works for your family and your budget.

Call Chief Chimney Services and talk to a certified chimney sweep today. For your convenience you can also request an appointment online.

By John Pilger on November 25th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Firebox Repair

Chimney Leaks and Water Damage

There’s almost nothing worse for a chimney than water penetration. A small crack and tiny amount of water can become hundreds and thousands of dollars worth of damage. Consequently, this is over just one burn season. This is because the freeze/thaw process that water experiences widens cracks in the masonry.  Shifting bricks, a weakening mortar, and making way for even more water to enter is just some of what you can expect.

Chimney Leaks and Water Damage - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney ServiceWater and Masonry

Masonry is constructed of a variety of materials, all of which are adversely affected by water. Brick, mortar, concrete, stone, flue tile, steel, and cast iron all deteriorate. In addition, they become altered when they come into direct contact with water, or are penetrated with water.

Once water is inside the masonry it can cause a host of issues including:

  • Rusted damper assemblies, fireplace accessories, and glass doors
  • Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies, central heating system, and flue lining system
  • Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings and ceilings
  • Water stained walls, ceiling, and chimney exterior
  • Clogged clean-out area
  • Decayed exterior mortar and collapsed hearth support
  • Tilted chimney structure and chimney settlement

This type of damage is solely caused by chimney leaks and can be prevented.

Diagnosing Your Chimney Leak

The damage caused by water penetration isn’t noticeable right away. In fact, by the time these things are noticed, there is extensive damage unseen to the homeowner’s eye.

Three signs that mean you may have a leaky chimney include:

  1.  A stinky chimney, especially one that smells musty is cause from a leaky chimney.
  2.  Less efficiency is generally caused because of an issue such as a chimney leak. Water causes parts to work incorrectly as well as the draft is less effective.
  3.  Stains on interior and exterior masonry means that water is causing discoloration and the mortar has been penetrated.
  4.  Leaks and stains on interior of the house including walls and ceilings. The walls and ceilings don’t even have to be near the chimney because water runs to the lowest place, and then leaks through the weakest portion of ceiling or wall. Water can run several feet or rooms away from the chimney leak itself before physically leaking through the ceiling materials.

Let the Chimney Professionals Repair Your Leaky Chimney

The most common causes of chimney leaks are relatively easy fixes. These include chimney cap repair or installation, replacing or sealing the chimney crown, and repairing or replacing the chimney flashing. All of these things work to keep water out, but none of them are permanent solutions. The best way to insure your chimney is properly waterproofed is to schedule your annual chimney inspection with Chief Chimney today. For the safety of your family and the longevity of your chimney system, it’s vital that you have your chimney waterproofed by a professional.

To learn more about waterproofing services, contact Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

By John Pilger on November 10th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Chimney Leaks and Water Damage