Chimney Repair, general maintenance

T his article looks at the types of chimney repairs, the factors that result to chimney being not in the proper condition and what should be done to repair the chimneys. Chimney repair is necessary since it clears the layers of smoke or other creosote materials that restricts the easy flow due to building up inside the chimney chambers. These materials may pose danger since some like creosote are flammable and may easily catch fire resulting to burning of the chimney and to some extent the whole building. It is advisable to have regular chimney repairs and maintenance so as to ensure that these materials are all removed or maintained at reasonable levels. Chimney repairs must be aimed at reducing the occurrence of dampness in the houses resulting from cracked chimneys. Also, repairs should be made to the chimney stack which might have a defect or even posing danger. For chimney repairs, a binocular may be used to carefully look through the chimney stack before deciding to go upwards to the roof. In cases where the chimney pot is heavy, a rope should be used by passing the rope across the chimney pot so as to take it down. In this type of a job, it is advisable to use a ladder which has a tubular hook ridge. The stack pointing should be examined and at times renewed or removed if the chimney is not required any more. For chimney repairs it is necessary to leave adequate ventilation outlets if the chimney has to be capped. Failure to have regular chimney repair, leakages through the chimney may cause damp patches. For chimney repair, the roof area adjacent to the chimney should also be considered as failure to check the roof condition may result to water penetration. Broken chimney may lead to choked airbricks or erosion of the materials used in the construction of the building. Chimney repairs are essential since they assist in decreasing dampness which causes a distinctive smell into the building. Proper chimney repairs and regular maintenance makes a building distinctive from the others and creates a nice dwelling environment.