Connecticut gets 50 inches of rain annually. The amount of rain in Connecticut has become a problem for homeowners with chimneys on the roof of their houses. The chimney is an important part of the roof, and during monsoon, it acts as a protective layer against harsh weather.
Since the chimney withstands extreme external factors, it is bound to be left with minor wear and tear once the rainy season is over. The tree twigs and leaves that come along with the rainfall can also damage the chimney’s masonry. According to CSIA, you should hire chimney sweeps for a yearly chimney inspection and cleaning services.
Why Chimney Inspection and Cleaning is Important Before the Rainy Seasons?
You can DIY your way through a lot of things, but chimney cleaning is not one of them. During the chimney cleaning, the chimney sweeps use professional tools and equipment to clean the flammable creosote buildup that can cause chimney fires.
A dirty chimney causes approximately 25,000 fires in the US annually. To avoid being added to that number, get your chimney cleaned at least once a year. Chimney cleaning also reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is Included in the Chimney Repair Process?
A chimney is made up of a lot of parts, namely, chimney flue, chimney liner, chimney flashing, smoke damper, and chimney cap. Each part has its own importance. Without any of them, the use of your chimney is compromised.
During the chimney inspection process, the chimney sweep will look for the following issues in your chimney.
Cracks Around the Chimney Crown
If there are cracks around the chimney or on the concrete chimney slab, it can let the water seep in through those crevices. If the water that is seeping through mixes with the creosote buildup, it’ll create an acid that essentially leads to the rusting of the smoke damper. If the smoke damper creates a problem during opening and closing, it’ll let drafts of cold air inside your house through the fireplace and mess with the heating system of your house.
Damaged Chimney Caps
A chimney cap protects the chimney from dirt and debris during the rainy season. It also reduces the risk of animals and birds building their home inside your chimney. If the fireplace in your house is not in frequent use, then your chimney won’t be either. So, it gives the best living conditions for birds to build their nests inside. If the chimney cap is damaged around the edges, you need to repair it before the rainy season.
Damaged Chimney Creates a Leakage Problem
Whether it’s the masonry of your chimney, chimney flashing, or chimney cap, any potential damage to the chimney will cause water leakage problems. Water damage causes property damage and causes the property value to go down. The water will seep through the surface of your chimney, causing damage to all parts of it and compromising the usage of the fireplace. You’ll need to repair the masonry of your chimney as well if it has withstood water damage
Damaged Chimney Flashing
During heavy rainfall, the water pools around the chimney flashing. In case the masonry of the chimney flashing has cracks or is broken, it’ll create a passageway for water to seep through, creating water leakage issues.
Leaning Chimney
If there was a sudden shift in the footer or the setting of your chimney, chances are you notice it leaning towards one or the other side. You must contact a chimney sweep immediately since a leaning chimney can cause the masonry of your chimney to crumble. Delaying the chimney repair process will only lead to bigger structural damages.
Hire Top of the Line Chimney Sweeps in CT!
Creative Masonry & Chimney provides the finest chimney cleaning, chimney rebuilding, fireplace remodeling, chimney liner installation, and chimney repair services. They have a variety of stoves and inserts that homeowners can choose from as per their installation needs. They serve their services in Farmington, CT, and surrounding areas.
