Chimney Repairs Galway

Chimney Repairs Galway

Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Clare

Common Chimney Repair Problems

Creosote: When wood is burned, more than just smoke goes up the chimney. Creosote is deposited inside the chimney lining. Creosote is a black or dark brown tar, and soot is a fine carbon powder which colors smoke. The combination of creosote and soot is usually what is referred to as creosote in the chimney. There are several forms of creosote, they are all dangerous because they are flammable and can cause chimney fires. Every year, many thousands of house fires are caused because of dirty chimneys which haven’t been properly maintained. Chimney Creosote Creosote can also prevent proper venting of the chimney system, causing dangerous fumes to enter the home. An obstructed chimney is one of the reasons carbon monoxide can invade a household. Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide in large amounts is deadly; it is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. During a chimney cleaning, our professional chimney sweeps use just the right tools to remove creosote from the flue lining. There are three types of creosote, and we have the tools and equipment to remove even the toughest flammable deposits from the flue lining. Call Advanced Chimney Repairs in Galway.

Blockage: There are many forms of blockage besides creosote. One of the most dangerous Nest Blockage situations with chimneys is when a fireplace hasn’t been used in a very long time and causes a blockage in the chimney system. It could be caused by a bird’s nest, leaves and other debris, or even masonry if a neglected chimney has deteriorated. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having chimneys inspected annually; if there is blockage, it will be identified and removed by a professional chimney technician. Call Advanced Chimney Repairs in Galway.

Cracks in the Flue: When fireplaces are initially built a chimney lining is included. The most economical and common type of lining is clay tile, which isn’t as durable as a stainless steel lining, which virtually never has to be replaced. Homeowners should be aware that chimney linings are subjected to a lot of heat and stress; and if not constructed of steel, they often become damaged. One of the most important reasons to get an annual chimney inspection is to ensure that the flue lining is intact. A damaged flue is dangerous, and a fireplace should not be used until the lining is replaced. When there are cracks, the heat from the fire can reach combustible parts of the home and start a house fire. In addition, it could expose the household to dangerous gases including carbon monoxide. Call Advanced Chimney Repairs in Galway.

Brickwork/Blockwork Problems Masonry Issues: Chimney masonry can usually last about a century depending on if the mortar is in good condition. When mortar deteriorates, the masonry and entire chimney system is exposed to moisture which leads to brickwork problems. The best way to keep brickwork in good shape is to keep moisture out, which means that sometimes mortar has to be replaced. Our chimney experts can help with any and all brickwork problems you may have. Call today for repairs or for an inspection to find out what kind of shape your chimney is in. Call Advanced Chimney Repairs in Galway.

Chimney Cap and Chimney Crown: The first lines of defense against harsh outdoor elements are the chimney cap and chimney crown. If either of these is damaged, moisture could enter your chimney and wreak all kinds of havoc causing your chimney to be unsafe for use. Don’t be among those who underestimate the importance of chimney maintenance. Call us today, and we can send a professionally licensed and experienced chimney technician to determine whether your chimney needs repair.

Chimneys are exposed to the cold weather outside and hot fumes inside. These extreme temperature differences can cause chimney masonry, chimney clay flues and chimney brick to crack and the chimney quickly deteriorates. We can carry out chimney repairs on most chimneys. We have scaffold license and insurance. Call Advanced Chimney Repairs in Galway.

Types of Chimney Repairs

Repointing is removing deteriorated or distressed mortar from joints between masonry units and installing new mortar into the joints. Repointing is necessary on most exterior chimney masonary work at some point in a chimneys life. Repointing a chimney can improve the weather resistance by reducing the amount of water that penetrates the chimney masonry, thus increasing its longevity as well as other components of the structure, which can deteriorate due to water infiltration through the masonry. Correct repointing can last 25 to 30 years, however, improper repointing will do little to extend the life of the chimney and may lead to irreversible damage. After the chimney has been cleaned we review the condition of the chimney, using cameras, checking that all soot and debris (such as birds nests) have been removed from the chimney.

The Chimney Crown is the top base of a chimney. The mortar mix which makes up the crown is not designed for and will not withstand years of weather abuse without deteriorating the chimney. When cracking or chipping is present, the chimney crown should be removed and a new crown should be properly constructed and cast so that it provides an overhang projecting beyond all sides of the chimney.

A Chimney cap covers the chimney. A chimney is essentially a hole in your roof and if it is not properly covered, a whole host of problems could occur including birds nesting. Exposing your chimney to the elements can lead to extensive and costly damages. Water that seeps into existing cracks can expand and cause further damage. Without a chimney cap, rain and soot mix to form sulfuric acid, which is particularly damaging to your chimney and not something you want your family exposed to. Without a chimney cap, rodents and insects may crawl or fly into the chimney as it’s a warm and protected space that animals find appealing in cold weather. An open chimney without a flue cap or fireplace chimney cap is a fire hazard. Embers and sparks can fly from the top and land on your roof, dry leaves in your rain gutters, or surrounding foliage and quickly cause a blazing and lethal fire.