Your leaky chimney may appear like a leaky roof or a plumbing issue. When water comes into the home by way of the chimney system it can move through the house through walls, floors, and ceilings. The water flows to a low point where it pools before forming a leak. This may appear to a homeowner like a leaky pipe in an upper story bathroom, or like the roof has sprung a leak. This is not the case! If you have a leak in your home or any water damage for that matter, then it is most likely a chimney issue–NOT a roof issue.
The Chimney Professionals
A general contractor is a licensed professional who oversees construction. In order to do this, he works together with other trade professionals. For instance, a contractor might contact a chimney professional during construction in order to have a chimney built properly and up-to-code. He might hire a roofer to make sure the roof is built and materials installed properly. This is standard, and it ensures that all parts of construction are made to specifications and will work properly and last. Like roofers, certified chimney sweeps are the experts in their field. When it comes to chimney construction, diagnostics, and repairs, the chimney experts are who to call when there’s a sign of a leak.
Chimney leaks can cause extreme damage to the masonry and chimney system. In fact, water can cause:
Rusted parts
Deteriorated assemblies and central heating system
Water stains and water damage on furniture and home
Rotting wood and interior of a home
Masonry stains
Cracked, deteriorated masonry
Collapsed hearth support
Chimney settlement
This type of damage caused by water in the chimney can be expensive to repair, and chimney leaks are almost 100 percent preventable. Schedule annual maintenance, including routine chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections. In between these important appointments, there are things that you can do including getting to know your system, using it properly, and paying attention to how it works.
Signs of a Chimney Leak
Any staining on the brick indicates a leak. White staining on the masonry exterior means water is passing through the brick and leaving behind minerals on the surface. In the firebox or the interior portions of a chimney may appear darker in color due to prolonged dripping.
Odors of mildew, mold, or must means there is a leak that has been present long enough for bacteria to grow. Additionally, sounds of dripping, even if you cannot see it, means there is a problem. There shouldn’t be water in the chimney!
Any leak in the home where a chimney is present is most likely caused by a chimney leak. Water enters by way of the chimney and then runs through the house inside walls, ceilings, and floors. This leak may occur behind the scenes for days or weeks before it pools in a low area and eventually forms a leak.
Your chimney system may not seem affected during the off season, but a noticeable change in efficiency while the fire is burning is an indication of a problem, possibly a leak. The easiest way to find out is to call a professional and have it inspected. Hudson Chimney diagnoses leaky chimneys and doesn’t just repair the damage, but fixes the problem. This may include installing a new cap, flashing, crown, and waterproofing the masonry.
Professional Measures of Prevention
You can call a roofer when you have a chimney leak. The odds are that the leak is caused from flashing–the most common cause of a chimney leak. Although many roofers may claim to install flashing, it is not their specialty. It is our specialty!
Chimney Leak Diagnostics
When you have a chimney leak, call us. We check out the area, assess the damage, and repair it all. When we install flashing, our experts place the sheets of metal according to the slant and material of the roof, with no nails visible, and without the need to cover with sealant. If you have recently had your roof replaced, and your flashing has exposed nails, is missing, covered in tar, or has been dislodged it’s time to call a chimney expert.
Call Hudson Chimney
Hudson Chimney repairs flashing. We do not just fix the damage from your leaky chimney. We correct the problem at its source! Hudson will install and repair flashing, caps, crowns, and even waterproof the masonry itself for good measure.
Call the chimney professionals at 904-282-4159 or contact online.
This is the best time to get your annual chimney inspection to ensure a problem-free spring and summer. After a long winter of fires, there may be winter damage, water damage, and inefficiencies because of dirty and damaged parts in your chimney. However, no matter how well your chimney and fireplace worked all winter, it won’t continue to work well if it’s not given proper maintenance. The best way is to schedule your annual inspection.
After a full season of burning fires, your may find that your chimney flue is full of soot and creosote or even debris from animals or weather. Soot is a carbon residue released when your burn fires inside your fireplace. Creosote happens when you burn organic fuel. When these substances are not cleaned out on a regular basis, they can build up in the system. This can lead to numerous problems such as a drop in efficiency, obstruction of airflow, or even a dangerous fire hazard.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) agree that chimney systems that are inspected regularly are safer. When your chimney is inspected, your technician will catch hazards big and small. This also brings down the risk of accidental residential fires–saving your lives and property.
Three Levels of Thoroughness
When you schedule your chimney inspection, we can help you determine which level of inspection your chimney needs too. We offer three levels of inspections, and the condition of your system determines which level your chimney needs.
Level One – This is required annually when your chimney has been used in the same way and no changes have been made. Level one inspection is a visual assessment of the interior and exterior. Our expert techs examine the readily accessible portions as well as connections and appliance. At the end of this appointment, your chimney will have a clean bill of health.
Level Two – This level is required before the sale or transfer of property, when any changes are made to the system, or when there has been a problem that affects the chimney. This inspection includes a Chim-Scan camera footage of the interior.
Level Three – The most thorough inspection is required when serious hazards are suspected. This inspection require limited demolition to gain access to the suspected hazards. The chimney crown or interior wall may need to be removed, and then replaced following inspection.
As we come into the off-season, it’s important to schedule an inspection with a professional. Trust Hudson Chimney with your Chimney Inspection. We’re licensed, certified, and we are ready to serve you.
Call 904-282-4159 today to ensure your system is ready for the rainy spring days. If you neglect this important appointment, you could put your home and family in danger. A damaged chimney also allow animals and wildlife in, and it may not be safe to use once fall returns.
Your chimney is important. It may be the largest system in your home. It changes the air pressure, can allow or stop drafts, adds heat and ambiance to your favorite spaces, and can even affect your breathable air. Your chimney is important to you, and it’s important to us too. Chimney professionals know the ins and outs of chimney science. We know things that homeowners don’t know, and we use that knowledge to prevent devastating fires and accidents. We want to help your chimney be the safest and most efficient system possible, and we do this by offering services and repairs that are absolutely essential. Liner replacement and repair is one service that is essential for chimney life and safety.
Your Chimney Liner
One of the most common problems with old chimneys has to do with the chimney liner. Liners may be clay, ceramic, or metal, and older liners may become damaged without you ever knowing. Although hidden from view, the liner is one of the most important parts of the chimney system. Like human skin, it covers a lot of area and is extremely durable because it is an important barrier. The liner should keep your fire, heat, and gases inside the chimney. Without a liner, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide can escape and poison your family. Carbon monoxide can cause permanent organ injury and even death. A cracked or damaged liner can also allow high temperatures to affect beams and other structural materials in your house. You might notice that your masonry is extremely hot to the touch, which is a liner problem. You may also notice pieces of ceramic or clay tile in the fireplace. This is also a sign of a damaged liner. Once a problem is recognized, it needs to be addressed before you use your fireplace again. Discontinue use and have the liner repaired by a professional.
Reasons to Replace a Liner
If the damage to your liner is extensive, it may need a full relining. Other reasons your liner may need to be completely replaced include:
-There is no liner in the chimney
-The liner is an old and badly damaged clay tile liner
-You are switching fuels and the current liner is not safe for use with your new fuel
-The flue needs to be resized to match the capacity of a new fire appliance.
At Hudson Chimney we can help you determine whether your liner needs a quick repair or a full replacement. We install stainless steel liners which are long-lasting and safe for all fuel types, and we also design and install custom liners in all sizes, shapes, and designs. Bring your old chimney up to new standards. Your chimney will work better and safer when you trust Hudson Chimney.
If you know you have a liner problem, contact Hudson Chimney to price your new liner or repair. Call us at 904-282-4159 today.
The chimney is as long-lasting as your house itself, which is why you may have a historical home with old parts and components. Over the years, advancements in chimney science and technology have resulted in new products that bring up the efficiency of your old chimney. At Hudson Chimney we revitalize old chimneys and improve efficiency and function by installing energy top dampers and clean-out doors.
Energy Top Dampers
Named for their energy saving capabilities, the energy top damper is also called the top mount damper. It is a damper that is installed on the top of the chimney instead of the traditional metal dampers which are installed in the throat of the chimney. Many homeowners like to replace a throat damper with the new energy top dampers in order to start reaping benefits right away.
Airtight seal – The energy top damper is equipped with an airtight seal that prevents air, moisture, and animals or insects from entering.
Chimney cap – Energy top dampers double as a chimney cap, keeping animals, water, and wind out even when it’s open.
Ease of use – With a handle that reaches to the hearth, it’s easy to engage and disengage the damper from indoors.
Durable – Made of stainless steel and aluminum, the energy top damper doesn’t rust or corrode. It is long-lasting and unaffected by soot and creosote which may cake the interior of the flue.
Pre-set – The damper remains open by default for maximum safety and always opens to the perfect pre-set height.
Once your energy top damper is installed, you will start reaping the benefits right away. The new damper will save you money year-round, preventing heated air loss through winter, and conditioned air loss throughout the off-season. With this new addition, you can save up to 75 percent on heating and cooling costs.
Chimney Clean-Out Doors
The clean-out doors are the “back door” to the chimney which allows for easier access to the flue and chimney for cleaning. Not only does a new clean-out door make your chimney more accessible, but will also help you notice and diagnose chimney problems. You may not see evidence of chimney damage in your stove or fireplace, but when you find fragments of clay tiles or mortar in your clean-out door, you know there is a problem. Your clean-out door makes the flue more accessible to you, the homeowner, but also offers another route to the chimney professional who may come and clean or repair your chimney system.
Whether you’re replacing a damaged damper or looking to improve efficiency or value, we have what you’re looking for. At Hudson Chimney we use our experience and expertise to bring safety and efficiency to our customers’ homes and lives.
Call and speak with a chimney expert at 904-282-4159.
The chimney system is made up of many chambers, assemblies, units or appliances, and connections, and many refractory materials hold the heat in through all these parts and spaces. The firebox is the space which endures the most abuse and is often paid the least attention. The firebox is the fireplace itself–the space that holds the fire and endures the most heat for the longest periods of time. In order to do the job correctly and safely, the firebox should be constructed specifically for this workload, and maintained regularly.
Damage to the Firebox
If the firebox becomes damaged, it can mean life or death. Your home is made up of wood beneath wall coverings and floors and ceilings. Behind your firebox is some type of building material, and it’s most likely flammable. Even beams and walls with proper clearance can become brittle and weak when exposed to high temperatures over a fair amount of time. This puts your home at risk for fire as well as structural damage. Basically, if your firebox is damaged, have it repaired right away. Have it serviced on a regular basis to prevent serious damage. Call in the professionals. If you don’t schedule services with chimney professionals on a routine basis, you will have a very unexpected visit from the fire protection district in your city, and it will be about saving your life and your home when a little damage turns to disaster.
Common Firebox Damage
As often as you look into your fireplace to light a fire, you should notice damage to the firebox. The most common cause of firebox damage is water damage, but there are other causes, preventable and treatable. Water Damage – Signs of water damage in the firebox include stains on the masonry, cracks or gaps in the masonry, vegetation growth, rusted doors, and metal components, and odors in the fireplace that indicate moisture, mold, and mildew. Improper Installation/Construction – When the firebox isn’t constructed of proper refractory materials strong enough to withstand the extreme temperature of your fire, the masonry will become cracked and gaps will appear. You may even find pieces of mortar on the floor of the firebox. Smoke stains on the walls of the firebox may also be a construction issue, or from the fuel you’re burning. Be sure you’re only burning properly seasoned firewood in your fireplace. Debris in the Fireplace – If your cap is dislodged, the firebox can be damaged by falling debris or even animals nesting in the system. They can scratch up the chimney interior, damaging masonry and leaving flammable materials behind.
Basically, any sign that your system isn’t working properly means your next call should be to a certified chimney professional. Only the professionals can properly repair and rebuild a firebox to bring comfort and safety back to your home.
Jacksonville’s Trusted Experts
For more than 30 years, Jacksonville homeowners have trusted Hudson Chimney with their homes. We specialize in masonry, and our masons use firebricks and refractory mortar to get the job done right. Your firebox will be safe for use, whether you use your fire daily or only periodically.
Call Hudson Chimney at 904-282-4159 and have your firebox assessed and repaired now.
