We Restore, Repair & Rebuild Masonry Chimneys

Did you use your fireplace this winter only to realize that you have damaged masonry? A fireplace and chimney may seem to work, while efficiency has actually gone down, and water is in the chimney. Masonry damage, big or small, should be repaired as soon as it’s noticed in order to avoid expensive repairs and hazards in the future.

 

Winter Damagemason repairing a red brick fireplace

A common call we get in the spring here at Hudson Chimney is for masonry repairs due to winter damage. Cold temperatures during the winter months can wreak havoc on a masonry chimney, especially if there are any cracks or gaps in the masonry. A little damage in the fall can lead to serious water damage and structural damage by spring. Once spring arrives, so does the rainy and stormy weather, adding more damage to the already damaged chimney.

Common winter damage includes:
-Spalling masonry in which mortar is cracked and bricks are falling away, leaving gaps and openings in the masonry.
-Stains on the surface of the masonry which indicate water penetration or a damaged cap.
-Crown damage from snow, ice, water, and sun exposure which allows water into the system from cracks and gaps.

 

Trust Hudson Chimney

For over 30 years, Hudson Chimney has been the choice for comprehensive chimney care in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. If you reside in Jacksonville, Florida, and you need masonry repairs, look no further than the team at Hudson Chimney. We are experienced masons and bricklayers and can repair and rebuild your masonry chimney no matter the type of stone, size of the chimney, or amount of damage. Being from the Jacksonville area, we know what it means to maintain masonry near a shoreline, with salty air and tropical winds.

Our chimney sweeps are experienced at repairing masonry through tuckpointing, a process in which the damaged section of masonry is removed, and then replaced using new mortar of equal strength, consistency, and color. When we repair your masonry with tuckpointing, the repair should be seamless. Following a repair, we protect our work with an industrial water repellent that will protect your chimney year after year. Living on the coast, even the panhandle.

 

Prevent Masonry Damage

It is easier and cheaper to prevent damage rather than repair it. We can help you prevent masonry damage by performing routine chimney maintenance and services. For instance, we recommend annual chimney inspections for every fire appliance and chimney regardless of performance, and routine chimney sweeps as needed to keep the system clean of soot and creosote. We also waterproof masonry with ChimneySaver’s Water Repellent to protect masonry year after year. This solution is 100 percent vapor permeable, protecting against water while allowing the chimney to breathe.

If you haven’t had your chimney serviced this year, or if you’ve never had it waterproofed, you can schedule these important services today and avoid masonry damage.

Call Hudson Chimney today at 904-282-4159.

Storm Damage Repair

One thing that many homeowners try to prepare for is hurricanes. This is especially true if you live in Florida. How many homeowners are prepared for more than one hurricane? How about two hurricanes and one tropical storm in one season? Our customers in Jacksonville are busy putting things back together after devastating storms statewide. Now we’re here to help!

Common Storm Damage

Tropical storms come with sustained winds of 39 mph and higher. Once the maximum sustained winds pass 74 mph, the storm is considered a hurricane. Tropical storms, hurricanes, and even a heavy thunderstorm can cause damage to your chimney system. Winds can blow off or damage flashing and chimney caps. Hail and rain can damage masonry, and if the damage isn’t repaired, more can occur. This season, our service area in Jacksonville has been battered, and you might not have gotten the repairs your chimney needed before another storm passed through.

Your Chimney Cap

In high-wind areas, you can opt for a chimney cap designed to handle hurricane-force winds, and deflect wind from coming into the flue. A functional cap should block rain from falling into the flue. However, when it blows off during a serious storm, it will allow water into the chimney system. Water destroys a chimney from the inside out. If it isn’t corrected, it will continue to ruin parts of the chimney system, as well as components of the home.

Your Flashing

The flashing is made up of thin sheets of metal, placed along the seam of the roof and chimney intersection. This is the most vulnerable of all the chimney system. Not to mention it becomes worse when flashing is installed incorrectly – as it often is. It’s best to have the chimney inspected regularly and know the flashing is in good shape and ready for Florida weather. What happens if the flashing becomes damaged, shifts, or is blown away? Water from tropical storms will penetrate the roof, affecting the chimney, flooring, walls, and structural materials of the home!

Your Chimney Repairs

Hudson Chimney sees a lot of storm damage this time of year, after hurricane season, and before fall. This is the time that homeowners are getting ready for burn season. So, it’s the best time to have the chimney inspected and schedule necessary repairs.

Flashing Repair – Hudson Chimney repairs flashing with the expertise required to properly place flashing according to the slant of the roof, the roofing materials, and the high wind area you live.

Masonry Repair – Depending on the damage to the masonry itself, whether water or wind damage, a masonry repair may be in order. Hudson Chimney sweeps can repair spalling masonry through a process called tuckpointing, replace chimney crowns, and waterproof the masonry for added protection.

When the storm has passed, it’s time to assess the damage, and start repairs. If you have questions about chimney damage, preventative maintenance, and insurance claims, a Hudson Chimney technician can assist you. Just call 904-282-4159 or schedule an appointment with Hudson Chimney online today!

 

We Repair Storm Damage to Your Chimney and Masonry

At Hudson Chimney, we know firsthand the affect of recent storms on our neighbors in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Our technicians live in the area, and know the damaging affects that high winds and water have on their homes.

We Repair Storm Damage to Your Chimney and Masonry - Jacksonville FL - Hudson ChimneyHurricanes and tropical storms bring with them strong winds. These winds can can rip up flashing, damage chase pans and chimney caps, damage masonry, wear down chimney crowns and more. When these important parts of the chimney are damaged or missing, the water then has access to the chimney system. The water alone causing extensive damage itself. In our tropical climate, it’s important to repair damages like this as soon as possible. The best place to start is with a chimney inspection.

We Provide Inspections

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), you should schedule a level two chimney inspection if your chimney has experienced a change or a natural occurrence that might have compromised the integrity or safety of the chimney system, including hurricanes. Our technicians provide expert and prompt service. In addition, our inspections include a video scan of the chimney system to provide a comprehensive report for your records.

We Will Sweep Your Chimney

The chimney sweep is vital to the safety and efficiency of your chimney, especially if your chimney cap was lost during the storm. During your chimney sweep, our technicians will remove all storm debris from the chimney. Also, removing the naturally occurring buildup of creosote on the chimney walls.

Common Storm Repairs for Your Chimney

Our experience of over 30 years of operation in the area has taught us what to look for first when dealing with storm damage.

  • Masonry and Fireplace Repair
    Our technicians will look for and repair cracks, receding mortar joints, crumbing or cracking chimney crowns, and any other type of masonry shifting or damage. This commonly occurs due to high winds during a storm, and is worsened by prolonged water exposure.
  • Chimney Relining
    We look for damage to the flue liner. Depending on the type of liner in your chimney, our technicians may choose to replace it with a more durable liner. However, our chimney sweeps may choose to apply HeatShield® cerfractory sealant. This product is applied to an existing flue liner, leaving a new, heat resistant surface to your chimney liner.
  • Flashing Installation and Repair
    We look for flashing damage, because any damage at all will affect it’s durability. A single dent can affect the way the water flows across it. This may allow it to penetrate the flashing and the roof. Consequently causing water damage not just within the chimney, but in the home itself.

Hudson Chimney offers a full menu of chimney services and we want to be your choice for storm repairs. To find out more about waterproofing and damage prevention contact a Hudson Chimney professional today.

Does Your Classic Chimney Meet Modern Standards?

The use of fire for home heating is centuries old, as well as the need for a ventilation system. Fireplaces and chimneys have changed in major ways through the years. However, how the chimney works remains the same.

Does Your Classic Chimney Meet Modern Standards - Jacksonville FL - Hudson Chimney IncYour Classic Chimney

Many older chimneys are missing important parts that have been found to be vitally important in recent years. Many older masonry chimneys do not have a chimney liner, or they have an old clay tile liner. In other instances, older chimneys are too big for the size of the fireplace or insert. Chimney caps are also a part of the chimney that are often overlooked by the older generation of homeowners. They have been missing on classic chimneys for years.

There is a reason why these elements have been added to modern standards of chimney and fire safety. The fire industry is constantly changing, which is why chimney professionals renew their training regularly. It’s also why fire codes and municipal standards are always changing as well.

Modern Standards

The industry standard for chimney sweep credentials is the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) credential stands for excellence and training in the ever-changing field. There is a need for such a standard. In addition to have a similar need for manufacturing, installation, and operation standards for everyone’s safety.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical, and related hazards. The CSIA became the industry standard for professional chimney sweeps. The NFPA became the industry standard for safe ventilation, installation of fire-burning appliances, and the construction and installation of chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems.

The NFPA 211 standards address:

  1. Design, installation, maintenance, and inspection.
  2. Chimneys, fireplaces, venting systems, and solid fuel-burning appliances.
  3. Residential, commercial, and industrial occupancy.

Comprehensive provisions address general requirements as well as specific types of units. The appliances are actually manufactured with these codes in mind. So, chimney sweeps are well-abreast of them when they install, maintain, replace, or repair the appliances and chimney systems. This is why you should never install your own fireplace or furnace. Only a certified chimney sweep can install the appliance and properly match it with the perfect venting products.

Hudson Chimney has changed with the industry standards, as we’ve been full-time chimney sweeps since 1979. Our technicians are experienced and trained to bring your classic chimney up to modern standards.

Ready to let someone bring your chimney system into the modern era? Also, keeping your safety and comfort in mind? Call Hudson Chimney today at 904-282-4159. For your convenience you can also request an appointment online.

Water and Your Chimney

Even though your masonry chimney was built to be durable and strong enough to last a lifetime, its exterior is constantly exposed to the elements of weather. Water from rain erodes the bricks and mortar joints over the years, and this can lead to chimney leaks as well as to severe structural damage. Protecting your chimney from water penetration is one of the most important responsibilities a homeowner has, and Hudson Chimney is proud to provide water leak repair and prevention services. For over 30 years, we have been taking care of chimneys across Northeast Florida, and we have the training and experience to ensure your chimney is safe from water damage. Our chimney technicians have all been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and we agree with this non-profit educational organization that water is the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. We would like to tell you more about the services we provide to take care of leaky chimneys.

Water and Your Chimney - Jacksonville FL - Hudson Chimney

MASONRY REPAIR

If you have noticed cracked, loose, or missing bricks and mortar joints on the outside of your chimney, you will need our masonry repair services to restore the structure of your chimney. Damaged masonry materials allow even more water to get inside the flue, which can lead to rusting of the liner or damper and to rotting of the wood that surrounds your chimney. Hudson Chimney uses masonry techniques like tuckpointing to replace damaged and missing bricks and mortar joints. You can trust us to make sure your chimney is safe and sound.

CHIMNEY CAP

Without a chimney cap professionally installed on top of your chimney, rain water can easily get into the flue. Hudson Chimney offers a wide variety of chimney caps, and we can help you find the best one for your chimney and install it to protect your chimney from water intrusion. The CSIA recommends chimney caps, as the least expensive preventive measure you can take against chimney water leaks.

FLASHING

One of the most common areas for water leaks is where your chimney meets the roof. To protect this vulnerable spot, Hudson Chimney can install a customized flashing system by wrapping metal sheets around your chimney at the roof. We will ensure that the flashing provides an airtight seal of your chimney. If you have a flashing system that has been damaged, we also provide flashing repair services.

WATERPROOFING

Once your chimney has been repaired, Hudson Chimney can create a barrier against water penetration by applying a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney. We only use formulas that are 100% vapor permeable, which is important because it allows vapors to escape the masonry materials while keeping water out of them. Our waterproofing treatment has a 10-year warranty, so your chimney will be protected from water penetration for a decade.

Protect your chimney from damaging water leaks. Contact Hudson Chimney today to schedule an appointment for a water leak chimney inspection.