by admin | May 4, 2018 | NJ Chimney Repair
Do you have a chimney and are in need of Hopewell chimney masonry repair? When you have any type of masonry work in your home, it will need some work at some point. There are a lot of ways you could see potential damage and several types of maintenance that may need to be done. Here are some of the more common forms of masonry repair that you find yourself in need of.
Common Types of Hopewell Chimney Masonry Repair
1. Repointing – Repointing is essentially just replacing any mortar that is damaged between bricks, stones, etc. It’s important that, if you choose to do this yourself, that you use mortar that is of equal strength to the old mortar. If you don’t you may have some other issues that arise as a result of it.
2. Sealing – Sealing is important for your masonry to protect it from the elements. Several issues can come up if your masonry is not properly sealed. You may get cracks as a result of water getting in and freezing and therefore expanding. Another issue that may come up from improper sealing is discoloration. You don’t want your masonry to appear stained or discolored; it can greatly detract from its value.
3. Cleaning – Cleaning is an important maintenance step that you should be able to easily do yourself. If you want to keep your masonry looking fresh and new, cleaning is essential. It’s important that you use low pressure washing so that you don’t cause any damage to the masonry.
Looking for Professional Hopewell Chimney Masonry Repair?
There are many minor repairs that you may be able to do yourself, but for the best Hopewell chimney masonry repair, call St. John Chimney Sweeps today! For over 15 years, they’ve worked with excellence on every job they have. When you work with St. John Chimney Sweeps, you’re guaranteed 100% satisfaction and no mess! For more information, contact them today!
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by admin | Apr 21, 2018 | NJ Chimney Sweep
How long has it been since you’ve had your chimney swept? Have you ever had this done? Usually when buying a new home we hear about the importance of regular chimney sweep. If you are in need of a Lawrence chimney sweeps we know a great one. If you have a chimney and this topic has never come up, perhaps this is the time to consider taking care of this before it becomes a bigger issue.
Importance of Regular Lawrence Chimney Sweeps | What is Regular?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.” Not everyone has the same need to sweep annually. People further south who might light a fire once or twice a year can go a lot longer than those of us in the northeast who may require a fireplace or stove for supplemental heating. In some rare cases it might be more frequent.
Safety tops the list of why this is a good idea. Smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning are dangerous outcomes of poor ventilation. Chimney fires have the potential to ignite the dwelling if not nearby structures or trees. The dangers related to poor chimney maintenance are very real and largely preventable. By all means we should take care of our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors but we should also keep our chimney clean.
Lawrence Chimney Sweeps Tips | What Should be Burning?
Not all fireplaces are designed for the same purpose but the smoke they all release needs to be safely removed. Wood burning stoves can be installed directly under a fireplace to utilize the chimney. In most cases there is some modification required to carry the smoke from a free standing unit to the chimney. This we typically see in coal stoves and wood burners that are designed for cooking. So in addition to cleaning the main chimney, the vents from the stove itself require regular maintenance.
If you’re buying a house and aren’t sure of the proper use of a stove or fireplace you may want to call a professional. Sometimes the model is apparent and the manufacturer will have the details to let you know what it is designed to burn. If you have any doubts it is better to speak to qualified professionals because of the dangers involved.
Importance of Regular Lawrence Chimney Sweeps | Keeping it Safe
Everything surrounding a clean chimney involves safety on some level. We want to keep the people warm and safe in the home. When the chimney cleaners work, they utilize whatever safety measures are required for a given situation. Thoroughly inspecting the entire heating system is also a safety concern when we show up to do a cleaning. Knowing what is involved (namely human life), we cannot be too careful. The responsibility of carrying out a professional chimney service isn’t one we take lightly. Treating people like family ensures that our commitment to their wellbeing is never compromised or taken for granted.
What is the importance of regular chimney sweep? Why should this be a priority for every homeowner? Preserving life and protecting property requires that we maintain a safe environment. At St. John’s Chimney Sweeps we hold these ideals in high regard. If you have any questions at all we are more than happy to help. Serving the community for over fifteen years our certified professionals continue to prove how effective our service can be. Call us today at (609) 737-0133 and schedule an appointment. This is the perfect time to take care of this important matter. We look forward to hearing from you.
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by admin | Apr 19, 2018 | NJ Chimney Inspection
When is the last time you took a close look at your chimney? West Windsor chimney inspections are always a good idea. Some of the issues related to damage are obvious to see. Do you know how to maintain your chimney? If not there are several important points to consider. Of course you should always expect the professionals to accomplish these tasks and more. The biggest issue with chimneys is getting all the way to the top. Most of us aren’t comfortable working high up in the air so while we share these thoughts with you, keep in mind no one expects the average homeowner to tackle these jobs on their own. Trust the professionals, but educate yourself.
How to Maintain Your Chimney | Caps
Starting from the very top, which might be hard to see without a close look, caps can be in need of careful cleaning or replacing. Depending upon how old they are it might be easier to go with a newer cap. These serve several important purposes. The first is that they allow the exhaust to escape unhindered by back draft and the elements. Secondly they keep flying critters from venturing down the chimney for whatever reason flying critters chose to do such a thing. One last aspect is how they protect the flu from soot and rain.
There are options when it comes to chimney caps and in some areas the zoning laws affect those choices. Professionals know what the codes allow in your area but it helps to be informed of a couple of popular types of caps. Galvanized might be ok for some climates and provide long life but purchasing a stainless steel cap will give you the longest possible life. Protecting the flu is one of the most important goals in maintaining your chimney because replacing the flu is an expensive operation.
Cracks and Where to Find Them
Ideally you don’t find any cracks but unless your house is very new it is worth looking the entire chimney over. Cracks can lead to moisture penetration which can lead to unseen damage. They also pose a risk of weakening the structure significantly. Above the roof line we expect to see cracks, especially in areas where snow collects and sits for extended periods of time. Just below the cap and where the roof is sealed to the chimney, look for cracks and missing chunks of concrete.
Sealing these seams and replacing mortar is the first step. It is also a good idea to weather seal the entire area to protect it from the inevitable. Wind, rain, snow and changing temperatures are going to provide constant stress that needs attention periodically. It is far better to have a good maintenance program and never have the need for major repairs. Depending upon the position of your chimney, the professionals might make other suggestions to protect the structure periodically.
How to Maintain Your Chimney | Regular Cleaning
It can’t be stressed enough how important regular cleaning is for a chimney. One of the typical service requirements for furnace maintenance is to check the draw and flow of exhaust. The gasses released from wood, coal, oil and even natural gas are dangerous.
Even if you don’t know how to maintain your chimney, the professionals you contact to give it a good cleaning should know. They can offer support with a detailed analysis of its current condition. In fact you can call St. John Chimney Sweeps at (609) 737-0133 today and schedule an appointment. Our professional team will take care of all your chimney maintenance needs. We treat our customers like family and love to keep them safe.
Mercer County Chimney Sweep
by admin | Apr 16, 2018 | NJ Chimney Repair
As we come to the close of a prolonged heating season, have you noticed anything peculiar regarding your chimney? Are there signs of moisture either in the basement or within the masonry? Is there any noticeable physical damage? We learn from Robbinsville chimney inspections that homeowners aren’t always aware of the causes of chimney damage. The obvious causes of large objects like trees or even lightning strikes are hard to miss but there are other reasons for a chimney to require repair. Let us explore why this aspect of our home should never be neglected when it comes to proper home maintenance.
Causes of Chimney Damage | Moisture
Rain doesn’t have to be torrential and the damage it produces can take a long time. Metal caps and flus are going to notice the prolonged exposure to moisture. No matter how well designed, water molecules will form condensation and eventually rust even though the metal is encased in masonry. The chimney flu is changing temperature constantly and attracting moisture and evaporating it again. The integrity of the metal will undergo a slow process of breaking down and over time need to be replaced.
Bricks and cement also suffer from water erosion. Once again the constant exposure to the elements will eventually form small cracks and fissures in the masonry. This can also contribute to a compromised flu, but more serious is the structural stability of the chimney. Here the inspection needs to be very thorough. The weight of even a single story chimney (approximately fifteen feet) is over five thousand pounds. With weakened mortar and bricks it may be difficult to prevent that much mass moving once it gets started.
What About Wind?
Can a strong wind actually take down a chimney? Hopefully the construction of your chimney is designed to handle the typical wind activity in the area you live. Most homes that we see impacted by tornados or hurricane force winds still show at least part of the chimney still standing. By design they should withstand the wind, but the wind over time has as much to do with the slow erosion of the bricks and mortar as the rain and snow.
Working in tandem these two elements can erode a mountain, so it is smart to consider the prolonged affect they’ll have on your home. Some argue that the best position for the chimney might be on the eastern side of the home since winds tend to primarily blow from the west. For most of the structure this seems logical, but the chimney to be effective has to extend above the roofline. Up there it has no protection at all which is why the inspections usually start from top to bottom.
Causes of Chimney Damage | Defects Unseen
Now that we’ve talked about mostly visible signs of chimney damage, we should also consider the possibility of defects in materials or workmanship. All building materials are subject to careful scrutiny for possible defects. Builders are also subject to series of inspections during the various phases of construction. From the foundation to the roof every part of a carefully constructed building remains susceptible to undetected flaws in materials and workmanship. Despite how careful we are putting it together, we simply expect it is going to need maintenance.
Like the natural elements mentioned above, interior defects are still one of the common causes of chimney damage. Typically we won’t notice these defects or the damage they cause until after the life cycle prescribed by the manufacturer. Are you aware of what that life expectancy is for the chimney on your home? Why not give us a call today and allow us to look at it for you? Not only can we confirm the soundness of the chimney but we can offer some tips for keeping it in good shape.
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by admin | Apr 15, 2018 | NJ Chimney Repair
Do you enjoy a crackling fire in your fireplace at home? There is nothing quite like it. A fireplace gives off a homey atmosphere, a warming glow, and a cozy feel to any room. It provides a warm, comfortable place to settle down in front of on long winter nights. If you have a fireplace, however, you also have a chimney. While you are in your home enjoying your fireplace, how is the chimney doing outside your home? Have you looked for signs your chimney needs repair? Maybe it needs the professional help of a Mercer County chimney repair service.
Moisture | Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
The culprit for most chimney problems is moisture. Any moisture that can squeeze its way between your chimney and the masonry can pose a big problem. All that moisture trapped up at the chimney level can freeze, then thaw out, causing stress on the masonry. This could lead to big problems for your chimney, possibly ending in its collapse. If you see any damage to your mortar joints, this could be a sign your chimney is in need of repair.
Crumbling Masonry | Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
If you see any sign of flaking or peeling masonry, there is probably moisture between the chimney and masonry material. This is a sign that the moisture is damaging the masonry, which can result in loss of support to your chimney. This crumbling, or breaking off, is known as spalling. Spalling materials such as bricks are easy to identify because they will be popping off the chimney. If it is obvious that tiles or bricks have crumbled or popped off, there is a good chance your chimney needs repair and waterproofing.
Water Seeping in the Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is designed to keep unwanted things out of your chimney. It will protect it from things like water, debris, such as leaves and sticks, and even small animals or birds. You cannot tell if the chimney crown is damaged unless you get on the roof. Unlike bricks falling into your yard, a very obvious sign of damage, the chimney crown will require closer inspection for problems. Over time, a chimney crown can become deteriorated, especially if it is made of mortar. The elements will take a toll on a mortar chimney crown, resulting in a need for a replacement.
Signs of Moisture Inside
If there is moisture in your chimney, it will not only appear at the roofline. Any rust appearing on your damper or your firebox are a sure sign of moisture. Rust on the damper will mean operating it will be hard, and it probably will not easily seal. If you suspect any moisture problems, you need to contact a specialist, just as you would for obvious exterior problems. This excess moisture, which is causing problems with the damper, could also result in cracked flue tiles. This is particularly dangerous, as a build-up of heat could end in a house fire. Another sign of chimney moisture, is damage to any wallpaper near the chimney. Damp and peeling wallpaper close to your chimney are a tell-tale sign of needed chimney repair.
Rain, snow, sleet, the freezing and thawing of water on your chimney, all take a toll over time. If your chimney has any evidence of damage from moisture, these are signs your chimney needs repair. Do not hesitate, contact a Mercer County chimney repair service today. Keep your family safe, and get your chimney inspected right away. Then you can relax in front of a cozy fire, confident that your chimney is in good shape.
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