Chimney Repair Near You: Don’t Call Just Anyone…Let Our Certified Chimney Sweeps Help

What Are Signs That My Chimney or Fireplace Is in Disrepair?

Now, that’s a great question that, unfortunately, doesn’t always have a clear-cut answer. Why is that exactly? Because chimneys are dark and inherently dirty, and due to their design and nature of placement, it is a real feat to get a good, hard look inside.

However, for as much that can go wrong and unnoticed, there are still some issues that will make themselves known. You might not necessarily know the cause or precise problem, but there are a handful of things to look out for that signal something is not right – and that you should stop using your fireplace immediately, until a professional can come out and take a proper look.

Make a plan to schedule a chimney repair service if you notice any of the following signs:

• Any kind of odor. Whether your fuel source is gas or wood, there should never be a noticeable smell lingering in or around your fireplace when it is not in use. If you find that your hearth is smelling a bit musty or reminiscent of your childhood camping days (think a strong and smoky aroma), don’t light any more fires until you’ve scheduled a service.
• Excessive soot and creosote accumulation around the logs and firebox walls. Black, ashy deposits called creosote are naturally produced during combustion. Creosote is highly flammable and, when left to gather, the buildup can be a huge fire hazard. Remember – your chimney may be designed to withstand extreme heat and temperature fluctuations, but it is not built to endure direct contact with flames.
• Signs of leaking, including water damage to the walls or ceiling near the appliance. Leaks are generally easy to spot – at least in terms of their presentation: sounds of dripping down the flue, small puddles forming on the firebox floor, spotting on the walls or ceiling, etc. The bigger problem is determining where exactly the leak is coming from… The crown? The flashing? The chimney cap? The masonry or siding itself? Without a professional eye, it can be hard to tell.
• Any visible rust, staining, or discoloration on the brick or siding of your chimney. Not only are these eyesores, they are also signs that, while your chimney might not be actively leaking, it has definitely endured some kind of water damage. This means that it’s only a matter of time before the leak permeates all the way through and starts to make itself known.
• Bizarre fireplace behavior, such as the inability to light the flame or issues with it staying lit. Whenever your fireplace is acting strangely or different in any way to how and what you’re used to, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Something as simple as the way in which the logs are burning can indicate that your chimney and fireplace are in distress and require prompt attention.

What Are the Common Causes of Chimney Damage?

If the former list describes the various presentations of a damaged or deteriorating system, what are some of the factors responsible for causing that damage? Like so much else in this industry, every chimney – just like every home and family who occupies it – is different.

But, while there are certainly unique circumstances and outliers that contribute to overall structural damage, most chimney damage is a result of one or more of the following:

Water/Moisture Damage

It may sound crazy considering the strength and durability of the materials used during chimney construction (brick, in particular), but water is perhaps the single most deadly threat to your entire chimney system.

Brick is a naturally porous material which means that, if it is not properly waterproofed, it will absorb and retain large quantities of water – all of which can not only seep through to your flue and other vulnerable areas, but it also expands and contracts with the freeze/thaw cycle.

Animal Intrusion

It is not uncommon for a variety of climbing (and flying) critters to make themselves right at home inside your chimney. This is especially true if your chimney cap is not the proper shape or size, or is otherwise ineffective, as it’s the perfect access point for animals to squeeze in. Not only can this cause damage to your chimney liner, but also leaves your home susceptible to other debris entry.

Plus, where there are animals, there is usually also nesting materials which can be a huge fire hazard, as well as feces, which requires no explanation – no one wants to burn a fire in a system littered with animal droppings.

Extreme Heat/Chimney Fire

We mentioned earlier that while chimneys can mostly handle the extreme heat present during combustion, drastic and sudden temperature changes and/or direct contact with flames can destroy a flue liner.

Regardless of material, a damaged flue liner renders the entire appliance unusable until you can schedule a chimney relining service. Without a liner, the dangerous fumes and toxic gases can seep out into your living space – as opposed to up and out into the air the way they’re supposed to.

Improper Construction and/or Hidden Discrepancies/Defects

Like anything else made and installed by people, chimneys are susceptible to human error. Whether it has to do with the materials used for construction, a minor sli-up during the brick laying process (or installation if it’s a prefabricated chimney), or something else entirely, it’s always a possibility that system damage was inevitable due to a poor or sloppy installation – even if it took a long time to show.

Poor or Neglectful Maintenance Habits

As irritating and unnecessary as those pesky preventive services may seem, annual chimney cleanings and inspections are utterly vital to the health and longevity of your fireplace and chimney. Plain and simple.

Chimney inspections serve as a general system overview meant to seek out and diagnose any problem areas, and regular chimney sweep services ensure that the walls are as free as they can be from creosote accumulation and other potential obstructions. Staying on top of these yearly services can save you so much time, money, and anxieties in the future.

Do you know the last time you scheduled a chimney sweep service for your appliance? What about an inspection? Even if it’s been so long that you can’t remember, don’t let your embarrassment stop you from booking with us. Life has a nasty habit of getting in the way of our checklists and to-dos – but English Sweep is here to help, no matter what’s going on with your hearth.

Give us a call at 636-225-3340 – or reach out online, if you prefer – and learn more about what we can do for you today.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Chimney?

Honestly, it totally depends. Not only do we have to consider the kind of damage plaguing your system, but the extent of it too.

• How wide/long is your flue?
• Where is the damage coming from?
• How long has it been between you noticing signs that something’s off and giving us a call?

All that and more goes into determining the final cost of a repair service. And because there isn’t really any kind of standard among any of those variables, we can’t even provide a range or average in pricing because we never want to mislead any of our customers.

However, we also never hide our prices, and we always strive to be transparent and upfront when it comes to what to expect. If you live in the greater St. Louis area and would like to learn more about our chimney and fireplace repair services – and receive an approximate quote – get in touch with someone from our team.

Request your spot online or give us a call at 636-225-3340 so we can get a better idea of what you need.

How Do I Choose the Right Chimney Repair & Service Company?

Choosing a provider for any home service can be quite the overwhelming process – after all, you’re shopping around for someone who has to come into your safe space. While this largely comes down to personal preference and a gut feeling, when you’re on the hunt for the perfect chimney maintenance and repair service company, there are some things to keep in mind:

We Offer Quality Chimney Care to St. Louis, Ballwin, Wildwood, Chesterfield, & the Neighboring Areas

Are you feeling overwhelmed because you know you need chimney repairs, but don’t know who to trust? Put your worries aside, pick up the phone, and give our techs a call. We’d be happy to tackle the work for you, giving you one less thing to worry about in the weeks and months ahead. Once the new burning season begins, you’ll be happy you relied on us for your chimney repairs!

Dial 636-225-3340 or reach out to us online today. You’ll be glad you did.

Leaky chimney repairs may be some of the most time-sensitive chimney repairs on any homeowner’s list. Call us now to get the ball rolling.