Why is Preventative Maintenance Important for My Chimney?

Taking care of your chimney now will help keep your family and home safe. It will also save you money!
Preventative maintenance is key because it helps to prevent issues from occurring, and helps to keep your chimney in tip top shape for years longer! In addition to lengthening your chimney’s life span, preventative maintenance will help to prevent chimney fires.

Preventative Maintenance Steps:
1.    Once a year have your chimney swept by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified chimney professional. The chimney sweep will clean any dirt, debris and creosote out of the flue. The chimney technician will also let you know if they notice anything within the chimney that needs to be fixed.
2.    Once a year have your chimney inspected by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified chimney technician. A certified chimney sweep will make sure there is no damage to the fire walls, i.e.: cracks and gaps.
3.    Install a chimney cap. This will help prevent animals, nesting, and debris from getting into the chimney. 
4.    Be sure to only burn seasoned wood. Wet wood can cause more creosote to build up and heighten chimney fire risks.

Call Superior Chimney today so that we can schedule a time to inspect your chimney! We can be reached at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We look forward to hearing from you!

Water and Freeze Thaw Cycles Effect on Masonry Chimneys

Masonry chimneys are constructed of many different materials, all of which are effected by water. Below is a list of some of the different types of materials that are used in building masonry type chimneys.
1. Brick
2. Mortar
3. Concrete
4. Concrete Block
5. Stone
6. Flue Tile
7. Steel and Cast Iron

When water seeps into chimneys it can erode the mortar joints and then weaken the bricks. During winter, the freeze/thaw cycle really affects the material make up of chimneys because it causes the chimney to expand and contract. This causes cracks, missing mortar and gaps.
In order to prevent water damage to your chimney we have two suggestions:
1. Invest in a chimney cap. Chimney caps are rather inexpensive, and are a great way to prevent water from entering your chimney. In addition, a chimney cap prevents birds, raccoons, and other animals from making their home in your chimney!
2. Waterproof your chimney! The plus of using water repelling agents, is that they allow chimneys to breathe! Meaning moisture that is already in the chimney is able to escape, but no new moisture is able to enter.
Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. at (877) 244-6349, for more information!
                                   

Resource: http://www.mastermasonry.com/chimney.htm