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Watching Out for Signs of a Deteriorating Chimney and How to Fix Them
Posted by Tim Wong on July 6, 2016
Chimney problems can creep up on you without the slightest clue. It is very easy to forget about chimney maintenance because most people don't use it that much. However, some of the problems that arise due to neglect can cost you a lot in repairs. The best thing is to have a professional in Vancouver to provide maintenance on a periodic basis.
One chimney issue that homeowner should keep an eye out for is deterioration. Vancouver chimney experts can provide fixes for a deteriorating flue. However, you can take better care of the flue system in your home or commercial building when you have knowledge of how systematic damages occur.
Porous Bricks
Brick houses can last a long time but only if the quality of the material is good. The same applies to the chimney. A flue constructed with porous bricks will start to deteriorate with time. One phenomenon common with porous bricks is spalling. What happens is that during the freeze/thaw cycle, water from rain or melting snow enters between bricks and then freezes from low temperatures.
The frozen water expands and as the freeze/thaw cycle continues, the brick structure disintegrates. A chimney that is going through spalling is unsafe to use, and hiring services for chimney repairs serving Vancouver, such as Consumers Choice Roofing and Damage, is the best course of action.
Water Infiltration
The other common cause of chimney deterioration is water infiltration. Some flues are built in a way that allows water to enter right through. When this happens, the moisture mixes with soot and creosote and forms an acidic mixture. This mixture eats away at the brick and mortar and also facilitates rusting in metal parts. In severe cases of water infiltration, a home may suffer roof and floor damage. A chimney repair expert in Vancouver can conduct inspections and diagnose problems of water infiltration and leaks.
Exposure to Elements
Chimneys exposed to harsh weather, especially in commercial buildings will also damage at a faster pace. Lightning is one of the most common conditions that destroy the structure of a chimney. If a commercial building or home is in an area that experiences extreme temperatures or wind patterns, then the risk of chimney damage is higher.
Chimney repairs provide different types of solutions for specific problems. For example, in a case of water infiltration, a chimney repair company can install a chimney cap to keep the water out. Rebuilding and flashings are other solutions to fix a deteriorating chimney. Carrying out inspections at least twice a year or before using a flue will help in diagnosing damage problems before they escalate.
Source:
Fireplace Maintenance and Safety. HGTV.
What's Causing This Brick to Deteriorate. Green Building Advisor.
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