From 2012 to 2014, the average number of structural residential fires due to chimneys and chimney connectors was 22,300. That’s a lot of costly damage and personal injury that could have been avoided with a little chimney TLC.
Anyone who lives in a cold climate knows how integral their chimney is to their quality of life. As you relax in front of a beautiful fire in your cozy living room, the last thing on your mind is fire safety. The fact is, however, that chimney safety is fire safety.
Many homeowners cut corners where they can to save costs, but when it comes to the wellbeing of your family, it’s not worth it. That’s why you need a professional doing your chimney repair.
Here are some of the different fine points you’ll want your chimney repair person to know.
Mortar Joints
Mortar is the combination of cement and sand that holds the bricks in your chimney together. Needless to say, these are an essential part of the integrity of your chimney.
While most homeowners know that regular chimney cleanings are important, they don’t realize that some mansonry upkeep is also necessary. The harsh Milwaukee climate is likely to damage the mortar joints of your chimney. That could potentially lead to a chimney collapse.
Repairing mortar joints is no easy task. First, you need to ground out the old mortar. Then, fill in the new mortar, but remember that it dries quickly, so you’ll have to make the mortar in small batches.
Considering how important mortar joints are, it’s best to call in a fully insured and bonded chimney professional.
Signs of Rust
Moisture is an enemy of almost every structural element, but it’s nearly unavoidable. That means you’ll have to be proactive about your maintenance or deal with the later fallout.
When you regularly inspect your chimney, make sure to look for rust. Even if you spot the smallest amount, it’s time to call a professional chimney sweeper.
Moisture is dangerous because of the extreme climate fluctuations around your chimney. When it’s hot and in use, it creates condensation. When your chimney cools down, that condensation will freeze.
That push and pull from liquid to frozen can easily create dangerous cracks in multiple areas of your chimney, but a chimney expert can pinpoint the issue and prevent any future disasters.
A Safe Investment
While a DIY job is good for most household needs, the chimney is an especially complicated and precarious part of your home.
Not only do you risk a fire from an improperly completed chimney repair job, but harmful toxins can make the air in your home unsafe. A professional chimney sweeper is aware of all these dangers and is professionally bound to avoid them.
The Chimney Repair Experts
At Over the Top Roofing and Construction, we help Milwaukee residents maintain the safety and stability of their chimneys, as well as other structural residential needs. Our company is fully insured and bonded, we hold many contractor certifications, and we received Angie’s List Super Service Award every year since 2009.
If you’re looking for chimney experts to handle the job, give us a call!
