Many homeowners pay little attention to chimneys until something begins to go wrong. By then, the process of repair is likely to be time consuming and costly. A better approach is to be on the lookout for signs that something is not quite right and take action immediately. Here are some examples of things that could develop. Pieces of Brick in the Fireplace or in the Yard Over time, bricks can begin to break down. When this happens, a process known as spalling begins to occur. This simply means that the faces of the bricks begin to crumble and fall off.
When there is no liner in the chimney, those pieces end up in the fireplace. If the spalling occurs to the outside of the bricks, then the pieces eventually make their way to the yard below. Noticing and fragments of bricks is grounds for calling a professional at once. In the best of scenarios, the Chimney Repair in Carroll County MD will involve replacing some bricks and shoring up the remainder. The Liner Deteriorates The liner in the chimney performs several essential functions. Along with protecting the bricks, the liner also helps to make the chimney more energy efficient. If the liner is beginning to break down, that exposes the bricks to more damage and also reduces the amount of heat that the fire actually provides. With this type of Chimney Repair in Carroll County MD, the focus is on removing the old liner, cleaning the bricks, and then installing a new liner.
Doing this in a timely manner helps to keep the chimney safe for use, and also allows it to provide more efficient heat for the home. Like other elements of the home, the chimney needs to be inspected from time to time. Along with the inspections, it also pays to have it cleaned at least once a year. Many service providers like Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps offer service agreements that include periodic inspections, cleanings, and even discounts on basic repair work. Choosing to set up an agreement ensures that the chimney is maintained properly and will provide excellent service for many years to come.