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Signs that Show You Need Chimney Repairs from Vancouver Professionals

“Out of sight, out of mind,” so goes the saying. In the context of chimney upkeep and maintenance, this unfortunately yields more trouble than it should. See, a lot of homeowners tend to neglect the health, so to speak, of their chimney structures, precisely because they don’t really see it up close. As long as the hearth is working, and the smoke is able to pass through the chimney, it’s safe to assume that all is well. But is it really?

The problem with chimney care is that unless you diligently look for possible issues on a regular basis, you’re not likely to notice it until it’s bad enough to be noticeable. By then, the damage could be already severe as to require serious chimney repairs from Vancouver companies. You don’t have to wait for the worst case scenario before you call for help, though.

Here are some telltale signs that could help you be proactive in your chimney’s care, and thus prevent bigger problems from further developing.

Rusty Firebox

If you notice moisture forming in your chimney, be wary because this is not supposed to happen at all. Usually, this comes coupled with rusting in the firebox. If you find it difficult to seal or operate, you might want to give it a closer look. The firebox is there specifically to keep the fireplace dry inside your house when not in use. If, despite the firebox being supposedly sealed, you notice moisture seeping in, it could be the culprit.

Don’t be too quick to dismiss this as a minor problem, because if your firebox or damper is indeed rusty, this could lead to bigger issues later on, such as cracked flue tiles, which then makes the rest of the house vulnerable to fire.

Cracks on the Chimney Crown

Here’s a tip: when you go up your roof to you clean your gutters, or even to do minor sealant repairs, you might as well check up on your chimney crown as well. Examine for cracks; this is crucial because this is the first possible entry point of moisture and water. If not prevented, these cracks can develop into larger cracks, all the way down to the rest of the chimney and liner.

From a simple crack, your chimney problems can easily escalate into shaling and spalling problems. At the end of the day, it will cost you even more repairs.

These are just some instances wherein you may need chimney repair from Vancouver, BC professionals, such as Consumers Choice Roofing and Drainage. If you know that this task is beyond your skill set, don’t hesitate to call for their help.

Sources:

When to Clean a Chimney Flue. The Family Handyman.

Fireplace Maintenance and Safety. HGTV.