Contractor Tips Blog

Jun
23

Buying a New Home? Don’t Skip the Chimney Inspection

Posted in Contractors

Shopping for a new home can be daunting. There are so many factors to consider: size, location, amenities, price and so much more. You have a grocery list of items you want in a home, including structural integrity. No one wants to buy a home and then find out six months down the road it needs a major repair. Although all homes receive an inspection before sale, a general inspection may not reveal hidden issues.  If the home you want to buy has a chimney, don’t skip a specific chimney inspection before signing on the dotted line.

Hidden Chimney Problems

A general home inspection will detect a leaning chimney or one that has noticeable damage to the masonry. However, unless the issue is visible from the outside, many chimney problems will get missed. Level I or II inspections rarely catch chimney issues that are not visible. There are structural issues within the chimney that can lead to major chimney repairs and even full chimney replacement. A chimney that is unstable can become a hazard to your home as well as your family; a falling chimney can cause serious, even fatal, injuries.

If you are considering buying a home with a chimney, take the extra step of getting a qualified chimney inspection. These inspections can uncover any hidden problems within the structure, giving you the option of asking for these issues to be fixed before you buy. If the chimney passes inspection, you have the peace of mind that you won’t need a major chimney repair in the near future.

When scheduling your chimney inspection, make sure to use an honest, reputable masonry company with many years of experience in chimney repairs and replacements.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924

Dec
3

Signs Your Masonry Chimney Needs Repair

Posted in Masonry

If you have a brick or masonry chimney that is decades old, it is important to know the signs of disrepair. A damaged chimney can be very dangerous; it can put your home at risk of a chimney fire or the chimney could fall, causing injury or property damage. Here are a few signs that it may be time to schedule a chimney inspection:

  • White substance. The white substance that accumulates on chimneys is called effloresence and is caused by excess moisture. While this white staining is not harmful, it is a sign of too much moisture that can damage your masonry.
  • Leaning chimney. Masonry chimneys depend on a solid, even foundation. If a chimney is leaning, the foundation most likely has settled. It is only a matter of time before gravity wins the war and the structure begins to fall.
  • Cracks and spalling. When the masonry begins to show signs of erosion, you need chimney repair. Cracks between the bricks and spalling, which is when pieces of masonry begin chipping off the outside of the chimney, are signs of damage from erosion or moisture.
  • Shaling. Sometimes the problem is inside the chimney. Shaling is when small shingles begin to fall off inside the flue, accumulating in the fireplace. If the flue lining is damaged it can put your home at risk for a fire, so don’t wait to schedule an inspection.

Considering the important role your chimney places in your heating system, it is vital to keep it in good repair. If your chimney has any of these signs, schedule a chimney inspection with your local chimney service contractor that handles masonry and foundation repairs.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924

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