Alright, let's talk about chimneys. You have one, you use it (or maybe you do not, but it is still there), and eventually, you will have questions about keeping it in shape. Especially with our New England weather, those chimneys take a beating. I have been doing masonry work in Lexington for many years with All Star Masonry Inc, and I have heard just about every question. So, I put together some answers to the things you want to know.
What are the most common reasons my chimney leaks?
This is probably the number one call we get for chimney leaks, especially after a good Nor'easter or a heavy spring thaw in Lexington. Most people assume a leak means the bricks are bad, but it is often more involved than that. Here is what we typically see for chimney leaks:
- Flashing Failure: This is a very common reason for a chimney leak. Flashing is the metal material where your chimney meets the roof. It is supposed to create a watertight seal. If the flashing is old, bent, corroded, or was not installed correctly in the first place, water will find its way in. Many times when someone calls about a "leaky chimney" in Lexington, it is a flashing problem. You will see water stains on your ceiling or walls near the chimney.
- Damaged Chimney Crown: The Chimney Crown is the concrete slab on top of your chimney, not the metal cap. The Chimney Crown is designed to shed water away from the flue and the masonry. Our freeze-thaw cycles here in Massachusetts are very hard on Chimney Crowns. Cracks in the Chimney Crown let water seep right into the chimney structure, causing many problems with the chimney.
- Porous Masonry: Over time, bricks and mortar can become porous, especially older ones common in Lexington's historic homes around the Battle Green. They just soak up water like a sponge. This water then freezes, expands, and causes the bricks to spall, which is when the face of the brick peels off, or the mortar to crumble. This porous masonry can lead to a leaky chimney.
- Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap: A Chimney Cap is the cover sitting right on top of your flue. Its main job is to keep rain, snow, and critters out of the chimney. Without a Chimney Cap, rain pours straight down your flue, causing water damage inside the chimney and potentially your home.
How often should I have my chimney inspected and cleaned?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends an annual inspection for all residential chimneys in Lexington, no matter how often you use them. Even if you do not burn fires much, critters can build nests in the chimney, debris can fall in, and moisture can cause hidden damage to the chimney.
As for chimney cleaning, it really depends on how you use your fireplace. If you have a wood-burning fireplace and you are using it regularly through our long winters, you will likely need the chimney cleaned once a year. If you are burning more than three cords of wood, you might need the chimney cleaned twice a year. Gas fireplaces still need annual chimney inspections and cleaning every few years because they can collect debris and moisture. All Star Masonry Inc provides chimney cleaning and inspection services in Lexington.
The best time to get this chimney work done is in the spring or summer, after the heating season. That way, if we find any issues with your chimney, there is plenty of time to get them fixed before you want to light that first cozy fire in the fall.
What's creosote, and why is it dangerous?
Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. It is a very flammable, tar-like substance that builds up on the inside of your chimney flue. Think of it like plaque in an artery, but for your chimney. The more creosote builds up, the more dangerous it gets for your chimney.
Here is why creosote is a big deal:
- Chimney Fires: This is the most immediate danger from creosote. Creosote is incredibly flammable, and even a small amount can ignite if the chimney gets hot enough. These chimney fires can spread fast, damage your chimney, and potentially your whole house.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A thick layer of creosote restricts the airflow in your chimney. This means dangerous gases, like carbon monoxide, cannot escape properly and can back up into your home. That is colorless, odorless, and deadly.
- Damage to Your Chimney: Creosote is corrosive. Over time, it can damage your flue liner and masonry, leading to costly chimney repairs.
Burning wet or unseasoned wood makes creosote build up even faster in your chimney. So, use good, dry wood, and get that chimney swept regularly. Call All Star Masonry Inc for chimney sweeping in Lexington.
How do I know if my chimney needs repointing?
Repointing, or tuckpointing as some call it, is when we remove old, deteriorated mortar joints and replace them with fresh mortar. You will know it is time for chimney repointing if you see:
- Crumbled or Missing Mortar: This is the clearest sign your chimney needs repointing. If you can easily pick out pieces of mortar between your bricks, or if there are noticeable gaps in the mortar, you need chimney repointing.
- White Stains (Efflorescence): Those white, powdery stains on the outside of your chimney? That is efflorescence, and it means water is getting into your masonry and bringing salts to the surface. It is a sign of moisture problems in your chimney.
- Loose Bricks: If bricks are wiggling or falling out of your chimney, the mortar has definitely failed. This means your chimney needs repointing.
Here in Lexington, with our old homes and those harsh winters, chimney repointing is a common job. Water gets in, freezes, expands, and pushes that mortar right out. It is important to address this before water causes even bigger structural issues with your chimney. All Star Masonry Inc provides chimney repointing services for homes in Lexington, Massachusetts.
What's the deal with chimney caps and crowns? Are they the same thing?
No, they are not the same, but both a Chimney Cap and a Chimney Crown sit on top of your chimney and are very important for keeping water out of your chimney.
- Chimney Cap: This is the metal cover that sits directly over the flue opening. It is like a hat for your chimney. The Chimney Cap keeps rain, snow, leaves, and animals (squirrels, birds, raccoons love chimneys!) from getting inside the chimney. Many Chimney Caps also have a spark arrestor screen to stop embers from flying out and landing on your roof.
- Chimney Crown: This is the concrete or stone slab that forms the very top surface of the masonry chimney, extending out over the flue tiles. It acts like an umbrella, directing water away from the chimney's masonry walls. Cracks in the Chimney Crown are a major entry point for water into the chimney structure.
Both the Chimney Cap and the Chimney Crown are vital for your chimney. A good Chimney Cap and a solid Chimney Crown work together to protect your chimney from the elements, which is especially important with our heavy rain and snow here in Massachusetts. Call All Star Masonry Inc for Chimney Cap and Chimney Crown services in Lexington, MA.
My chimney is leaning. Is that a big problem?
Yes, a leaning chimney is definitely a big problem, and it is not something to ignore. A leaning chimney usually means there is a structural issue with the foundation or the masonry itself. This could be due to:
- Foundation Problems: If the ground under your chimney's foundation has shifted or settled unevenly, the chimney can start to lean.
- Water Damage and Deterioration: Years of water getting into the masonry, freezing, and thawing can weaken the structure to the point where the chimney can no longer support itself straight.
- Lack of Proper Support: Sometimes, especially with older chimneys in Lexington, they were not built with adequate support from the start.
A leaning chimney is a serious safety hazard. It could collapse, causing significant damage to your home or, worse, injuring someone. If you see your chimney leaning, you need to call a professional masonry contractor like All Star Masonry Inc immediately for an assessment. It might require stabilization or even a partial or full rebuild of the chimney. For Lexington homes, All Star Masonry Inc is here for all your chimney needs.
Does my homeowner's insurance cover chimney repairs?
This is a common question, and the answer is usually: it depends. Most homeowner's insurance policies will cover chimney repairs if the damage is caused by a sudden, unexpected event. Think things like a lightning strike, a tree falling on it, or a house fire.
What they generally will not cover is damage that is a result of neglect, poor maintenance, or just old-fashioned wear and tear. So, if your mortar is crumbling because it is 50 years old and you have not had it repointed, that is likely on you. But if a branch fell during a storm and cracked your Chimney Crown, that is probably covered. It is always best to check your specific policy or call your insurance agent to understand what is covered before you start any work on your chimney. All Star Masonry Inc provides chimney repair services for homes in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Look, your chimney is a very important part of your home's structure and safety, especially if you are using a fireplace or wood stove. Do not put off getting things checked out. A small chimney repair now can save you a whole lot of headache and money later. We are here to help keep your Lexington home safe and sound.