Chimney Repair

Chimneys are probably the most common example of masonry construction in the world. 

Even in areas where bricks or stone were extremely expensive they were still used for that one part of the house. 

There is an area of every city filled with historical houses, and almost every one of them has a brick chimney. And yet, there is a shortage of contractors who know how to properly repair or rebuild a chimney.

Chimneys can be dangerous when allowed to deteriorate. And when poorly repaired they are at best an eyesore, and at worst, a way for your house to catch fire.

If you are thinking about having your chimney repaired or rebuilt, here are a couple things to consider.

• If you use your chimney for a wood fire place, it is very important that the chimney be in good repair. It is far less important if it is only being used as a vent for a gas furnace or something of that sort.

• The chimney "cap", is the top of the chimney. Here in the north, water and ice is what destroys masonry structures. If the cap is cracked or missing chunks, all that water is getting into the structure. This will cause a chimney to quickly go from needing a cap, to needing a full rebuild.

• If you are looking into replacing your roof you should have your chimney fixed first. It is far more expensive to work on a fresh roof, because of how hard it is to prevent staining or scuffing the shingles.