It is common that since you do not use your chimney everyday, you may not think about the repairs that come along with it. The worst part is that if you let these repairs go without attention they could potentially worsen and cause damage to the chimney and to your home.
The first step is to have someone who is Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified. You also want to make sure that they are someone that they are commonly recommended, so you know their work is always solid. For chimney assistance, contact the professionals at Homestead Chimney Service today.
What can go wrong?
Being aware of the problems that will reveal themselves over the life of your chimney will help you be preventative and save money.
Even though you do not want to think about it, there are many things that can go wrong inside of your chimney that may look small and turn out to be big problems. One of the main things is the water that can enter your home and cause mold to form. If you live in an area that has extremely wet weather you will have to pay closer attention. If your flashing becomes loose, cracked, or missing a professional may be able to caulk it is caught in time. If not, it may need replacing.
Also, the bricks of the chimney can become cracked and a great place for water to collect. Your technician will be able to examine the damage and figure out the proper way to fix it. Lastly, they may suggest that you have a chimney cap installed to protect from water, animals, and debris.
After your chimney is fixed a water test it needed to see if any water is still absorbing into the unit, and if so you will probably be suggested to have it waterproofed. Any experienced professional can do this in a day. The sealant spray used will need at least six hours to dry so make sure you pick a day that has a dry forecast.
What happens if the repairs are not fixed?
Other than becoming a bigger issue in the chimney, the effects could eventually harm your entire home. The mold that grows in the chimney can spread to the foundation of your home and the air you breathe. Also, other broken parts or chimneys that have not been cleaned properly can start an unwanted fire. The best way to avoid these kinds of problems is to ensure regular maintenance to your chimney.
Let’s Talk Mold
As you may already know, water is your chimney’s biggest enemy. It can cause structural damage by getting into your bricks and mortar, rusting and corrosion damage to your chimney parts, and, even more dangerous, mold spores to grow inside your chimney walls. When mold begins growing inside your chimney, it spreads quickly, entering your home, causing illness to you and your family. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a guide to mold, moisture, and your home, and they recommend the best solution for ridding your chimney from mold is having a professional chimney sweep performed on your chimney by a Chimney Safety Institute of America-certified chimney sweep like Homestead Chimney Services. We want to highlight the main points from the EPA guide so you can know for certain if you do have mold in your chimney.
Mold in your home is never a pleasant thing to endure, and chimney mold can enter your house and spread quickly if you are not prepared to deal with it as soon as possible. If mold gets into the walls of your home, you will have costly repairs of replacing dry wall, insulation and even duct work. Proper maintenance of your chimney is your best prevention, and having an annual chimney sweep and inspection go a long way in protecting your family from the dangers of mold. Contact us at Homestead Chimney Services today to schedule an appointment for your annual chimney sweep.