All You Need To Know About Chimney Repair Virginia Beach

By Kathleen Reynolds


A number of people may think that chimney repairs are an easy thing to do. To the contrary, it is actually quite difficult because locating the damage needs a thorough inspection first. You can do it on your own; you can probably use a pair of binoculars to get a visual, but the best thing to do is really is to have someone go up on the roof and inspect properly so that they can see the full extent of the damage. The chimney repair Virginia Beach VA is the place to secure a full package repair.

The chimney consist of three parts- the stack, which is visible from the outside and is usually covered with brick or stone, the flue which most fireplace users are familiar with as the way smoke vents out and the crown which is on top and seals the space between the flue and stack. The crown is inclined towards cracking due to the constant source of heat and this can in turn lead to moisture seeping in and causing unseen damage to the home and fireplace.

The steel brush is available in almost all types of house improvement stores or hardware stores; hence you will not face any problems searching one. The brush handle must assist you in reaching the other side of the chimney for utmost cleaning. If there is any airflow being restricted by debris, it should be removed as soon as possible. Examples of debris may include broken bricks and flue liners.

If there are any vertical cracks inside of the chimney, this means that a flue fire has taken place here before, and it should be handled immediately by a professional.

In addition to all this, the type of material has changed drastically over the decades, which these chimneys were not built to handle. The chimneys were originally built to contain the high temperatures that the coal and the wood burning process resulted in. However, with today's modern central heating systems and the occasional use of the fireplaces, the chimneys do not get exposed to sustained levels of high temperatures any longer. This difference could often lead to condensation, which results in damage.

For every homeowner, one's home is their most proud possession and its timely maintenance saves from serious damages in the future. Restoration work typically consists of removal of damaged parts and restoration with appropriate matching materials and style to offer a uniform appearance.

So, what are the tools needed when you have to repair the chimney on your own? First of all, it is important to make sure your chimney is clean and free from dirt and debris. To clean the inner side of your chimney, you will need a brush to clear away ashes and creosote where it is formed due to the burning of wood. Before cleaning, ensure that the fireplace is properly covered to avoid major cleaning after the repair work.

Repairing a chimney crown requires the use of masonry cement and pea gravel, mixed with water. The crown mix has to be prepared in a wheelbarrow and one cup of bonding agent must be put into this mix and blended. This mix must be appropriately applied on the crown area.




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