Chimney Repair
Services
Professional Chimney Repairs in Ellicott City, Maryland
“Chimney damages require specialized repairs – call us today!”
Chimney repairs are not a home task that you or anyone in the household looks forward to. However, even the sturdiest chimney systems need periodic attention to keep them in good working condition and provide a lifetime of service.
Ellicott Chimney Cleaning is one of the leading providers of chimney repair services in Ellicott City, Maryland, Benson, Maryland, Woodstock, Maryland, Columbia, Maryland, West Friendship, Maryland, and surrounding cities. Our team has the knowledge, experience, and expertise for any chimney repair that you need.
Our goal is to provide you with quality chimney repair service and complete customer satisfaction. We want to ensure your chimney repair job goes through smoothly and is done right the first time. When our technicians leave, the job site will be as clean as or cleaner than when we got there.
We care about our clients and accommodate their every need. We guarantee to be with you every step of the way from the initial estimate to the completion of the project. Ellicott Chimney Cleaning is your best choice for chimney repair.
What are the Signs that Your Chimney Needs Repair?
You can’t tell that your chimney isn’t safe and sound just by simply looking at it. However, there are some visible signs that repairs may be needed.
Since chimney safety means safety from fire hazards, here are some chimney repair signs that every homeowner should be familiar with.
Damaged Mortar Joints
It may need a rooftop vantage point to spot, but damaged mortar joints between chimney masonry is an issue that needs to be addressed. Failing mortar joints can mean accelerated damage to the chimney since this condition exposes the bricks to a greater amount of moisture.
When water penetrates small cracks in the masonry, they can turn into large cracks, as a result of freezing and thawing. If this problem isn’t addressed, the chimney could collapse.
Spalling Bricks
Spalling occurs when water enters the bricks, natural stones, or concrete and forces the surface of the masonry to pop out, peel off, or flake off. Sometimes, salt also pushes outward from the inside, leading to spalling.
It can be easy to detect spalling, since bits of masonry fall from the chimney. The outcome of failing to repair spalling chimney is continued crumbling and eventual destruction of the entire structure.
Shaling Flue Tiles
Thin slices of chimney tile can start to pile up at the bottom part of your chimney if the liner is damaged. Cracked and shaling flue tiles are signs of a serious condition, which when not resolved, could result in a house fire.
The flue lining of a chimney should be intact to safely use a fireplace. Nowadays, several people are switching to stainless steel liners, which usually carry lifetime warranties.
While shaling flue tiles can become evident, identifying cracked flue liners often requires ab inspection by a professional chimney cleaning company. They use a specialized camera to spot potential problems in the flue which are difficult to see using the naked eye.
Cracked Chimney Crown
Another problem that needs attention is a damaged chimney crown. The chimney crown needs to be in good condition since it is the first line of defense against outdoor elements.
When the crown is cracked, water gets in and freezes and thaws, which can lead to larger cracks. A damaged chimney crown allows moisture to seep between the chimney and the liner and into the chimney, causing shaling and spalling.
The best preventive measure against this damage is to weatherproof the chimney crown and the chimney itself.
Damaged Wallpaper
When you notice that the wallpaper is damaged in areas near the chimney, it could be due to excess moisture in the chimney. Whether the moisture problem is caused by the above-named conditions or others that are less obvious, it should be repaired without any delay.
Most Common Chimney Repairs
Below are the most common types of chimney repairs that Ellicott Chimney Cleaning can handle.
Cap Replacement
Your chimney is missing a chimney cap, allowing nearby rain and animals to enter freely. The chimney cap keeps water, birds, and other pests out of your chimney. While keeping unwanted things out, it still allows smoke to exit. A stainless-steel chimney cap with a spark arrestor does the job and it will never rust.
Crown Cap
The crown or chase cover is the roof of a chimney. It is usually made of reinforced cement to protect your chimney from rain and debris by shedding water away from the flue tiles. Ask our professionals about an overhanging crown for a lasting chimney repair.
Waterproofing Service
During cold weather, your chimney gets wet and freezes. The ice inside the brick and mortar can cause cracking and spalling of the bricks. Our certified technicians have protected thousands of chimneys from annual freeze and thaw damage.
Flue Liner Installation
The chimney liner carries exhaust from your fireplace to the outside environment. If your flue liner is defective, it will hinder the draft of your fireplace and may allow heat, fire, or fumes to reach your home. Our chimney repair specialists install the best chimney liners in your furnace or chimney system.
Flashing Installation
Chimney flashing prevents water from entering your home through the roof. Loose or leaky chimney flashing causes extensive damage, often without the homeowner noticing. Water stains on ceilings are one major sign of chimney leak damage.
When you see unsightly watermarks appearing, it means that your chimney is not protected from rain and snow. Call the professionals at Ellicott Chimney Cleaning to evaluate and repair your chimney flashing as soon as possible.
Fireplace Damper
The chimney damper is your fireplace’s door to the outside environment. When a damper cannot close tightly, air-conditioning and heat leak out of your home. The cost of a new fireplace damper can be recouped the first year in utility savings.
Reliable Chimney Repair Services
Chimney cleaning and inspection are only a part of the maintenance necessary to keep your chimney functioning and working properly. Ellicott Chimney Cleaning provides high-quality chimney repairs to fix the structure and design of your chimney.
Ellicot City Chimney
To know more about our chimney repair services. Ellicott Chimney Cleaning proudly serves all properties throughout Ellicott City, Maryland, and the surrounding areas.