Like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your brick chimney until there’s a problem. And when that problem arises, it can be challenging to know who to call for help.
Here at Gromex Masonry, we understand the importance of having a safe and functional chimney system. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of services to assess and repair chimneys of all shapes and sizes. So, whether you’re experiencing a water leak or drafty cold air, we can help with your chimney repair.
Chimney Repair: Our Process For Assessing And Repairing Your Chimney
Your chimney is an integral part of your home. It keeps harmful gases and smoke from entering your home and adds to your property’s aesthetic appeal. That’s why keeping your chimney in good working order is important. Over time, though, even the best-maintained chimneys can develop problems.
That’s why it’s crucial to have your brick chimney regularly inspected by a professional. As the weather starts to cool down, now is the perfect time to get your chimney inspected and repaired if needed.
Read on to learn more about our process for assessing and repairing chimneys. We hope this information helps you feel confident in choosing us as your go-to chimney repair provider!
Common Chimney Problems
As the weather gets colder, you may fire up your fireplace more often. But before you do, it’s essential to ensure your chimney is in good working order. Unfortunately, chimneys are susceptible to a number of problems, from superficial stains to severe structural damage.
Here are some of the most common chimney problems:
Damaged Chimney Crown
A chimney crown is a crucial part of your chimney. The crown is the concrete or masonry that covers the top of the chimney and helps keep water from seeping into the chimney and causing damage.
Unfortunately, chimney crowns can crack or break over time, especially when they are exposed to extreme weather conditions. Left unchecked, cracks in a chimney crown can become more significant and cause serious structural problems. And suppose water gets into a cracked chimney crown. In that case, it can freeze and expand, causing even more damage and allowing water to penetrate your home.
If you notice that your chimney crown is damaged, it’s crucial to have the chimney repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of further damage to your chimney and even your home.
Chimney Cracks
While a chimney may seem like a sturdy structure, it is susceptible to many types of damage. One of the most common problems is chimney cracks. These can occur for various reasons, including settlement, weathering, and improper construction.
Chimney repair is not a do-it-yourself project; it should be conducted by a professional with the experience and knowledge to properly assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. In some cases, cracks can be repaired with specialized mortar or sealant.
However, in other cases, the damage may be too extensive, and the chimney will need to be rebuilt. Regardless of the chimney repair method, it is important to take care of cracks as soon as they are discovered to prevent further damage to the chimney.
Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most destructive forces your home can face. And while water damage can be caused by several different factors, one of the most common is a chimney leak. Chimneys are constantly exposed to the elements, and over time, this can take its toll on the mortar and bricks. Cracks can form, allowing water to seep in and cause damage.
Water damage can cause the structure of your chimney to weaken, leading to cracks and even collapse. Even a small leak can quickly lead to extensive structural damage. Moisture can also cause mold and mildew to grow, creating health hazards for your family.
Unfortunately, since the signs of initial water penetration are often hidden behind interior walls, the damage is usually at a stage where it will require extensive repair by the time you notice water inside your home.
Flashing Failures
One of the most common chimney repair problems is flashing failure. Flashing is the waterproof barrier that goes around your chimney where it meets your roof. Over time, flashing can loosen and pull away from the chimney, allowing water to seep in and causing damage. In some cases, the entire chimney may need to be resealed or replaced.
That’s why it’s so important to have a professional inspect your chimney regularly and replace the flashing if necessary. It may seem like a minor chimney repair, but it can make a big difference in the long run.
Chimney Leaning
If you have a leaning chimney, getting it repaired as soon as possible is essential. Left unchecked, a leaning chimney can eventually collapse, causing severe damage to your home. A chimney repair can be expensive, but the cost of not fixing a chimney is much higher. In addition to the damage to your home, a collapsed chimney can also pose a serious safety risk.
A cracked or damaged foundation is the most common cause of a chimney leaning. In some cases, the chimney may also be affected by subsidence–the gradual sinking of the ground beneath it. If you notice that your chimney is starting to lean, you should contact a professional chimney repair company as soon as possible.
If you need more information on common chimney problems, be sure to check out our blog post on the 6 most common chimney issues.
Why Chimney Inspections Are Crucial
Many homeowners begin to think about chimney repairs and inspections as the weather gets colder. After all, a well-functioning chimney is crucial for keeping your home warm and cozy all winter long. However, chimney repairs and inspections are often put off until it’s too late. By the time homeowners realize they need to make repairs, the damage has already been done. This can be both costly and dangerous.
Chimney inspections are crucial because they allow you to identify problems before they cause severe damage. For example, a poorly cleaned chimney can develop a blockage. This blockage can cause dangerous gases to build up in your home, putting your family at risk. A blocked chimney can also lead to a fire. That’s why it’s so important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly.
Our Process
Here at Gromex Masonry Inc., we pride ourselves on our streamlined and customer-focused process for assessing and repairing your chimney.
Let’s take a closer look at the 9-step process:
1. Fill Out Our Form
The first step in the process is filling out our contact form. Tell us about your chimney issue and include photos (if possible). This will help us better understand your specific chimney problem and how we can best solve it.
2. Phone Consultation
The next step is a phone consultation. We will reach out to you as soon as possible after you fill out the initial contact form online.
3. On-Site Inspection & Consultation
After a phone consultation, we will schedule an on-site inspection and in-person consultation to identify your chimney issue and provide a solution. A $300 fee for the in-person consultation will be credited towards your repair if you choose to move forward with us.
We typically use a ladder to inspect your chimney if you have a single-story house. For higher locations, we use a drone to take videos and photos of your chimney to help us diagnose any problems.
4. Sign A Contract
The next step in the process is going over a contract together that outlines the chimney repair cost, timeline, and other aspects of the job. We review the agreement together to ensure you have all the necessary information and are comfortable with every detail.
5. Protecting Your Home
Before any chimney repair project, we ensure that your house is protected from dust, dirt, and debris.
6. Work Begins
Now we begin to work our chimney repair magic! It won’t be long before your chimney works like it is brand-new again.
7. Clean Up
We ensure that the chimney repair site and your home are as clean as before we began our work.
8. Post-Job Walkthrough
Once the chimney repair services are complete, we walk you through the entire repair process and make sure you are satisfied.
9. Warranty And Follow-Ups
Gromex Masonry Inc. offers a 3-year craftsmanship warranty. You’ll also benefit from any manufacturer’s warranty on materials. If something happens that is within our control and included in the warranty and contract, we get it fixed for you free of charge. We also personally come to your house after 3 months and 11 months to ensure everything is still in good condition and to your liking.
Typical Chimney Repairs
Some of the most common chimney repairs in the Chicago area include repairing a broken chimney crown, rebuilding the top third of a chimney due to water damage, and repairing leaning chimneys. Other less common repairs include installing new chimney liners and complete chimney replacement.
Gromex Masonry Inc. Can Help With Your Chimney Repair
As you can see, here at Gromex Masonry Inc., we take every repair job seriously. We want to make sure that your home is safe and sound throughout every season–and that starts with having a well-maintained chimney!
If you think you might need repairs or just want peace of mind knowing that everything is in good working order, don’t hesitate to give us a call or fill out our online contact form today!