Chimney Repair Costs 2021 (Replacing, Removal, Maintenance) A fireplace is a beautiful and cozy addition to your home, but it is important to keep your chimney in good repair and up to code in order to prevent leaks, carbon monoxide and smoke intrusion, and chimney fires. Chimney damage can be caused by a number of Read More »
Where Your Roof Leaks Question #1: Tim, I really need your help. My roof is leaking and my last attempt to get it repaired was fruitless. It rained again and water still came in. Where do most roof leaks happen? Is it okay to use caulk or black roofing cement to do a roof repair? Read More »
Hot water heaters and other fuel venting appliances must have vents sized according to code. Chimney venting may not be the right way to vent these appliances. Building inspectors can check your masonry chimney to make sure that none of the fuel exhaust will spill back into your home.
To prevent problems resulting from chimney construction and fireplace design, check out the following resources. Because firebox design is critical to the success of the fireplace, consult the fireplace sizing chart before building.
DEAR TIM: Our house has an usual chimney made with irregular stones. The existing cap is in poor shape and I'm worried about damage. Each contractor I talk with has a different solution and none of them are even similar. What's the best way to install a cap on a masonry chimney, no matter if Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Problems with new house construction Correcting an off-center window Wood-burning stove exhaust stack not properly installed Checking to see if the contractor is on the run DEAR TIM: I'm having a house built and I've got some problems. It's still in the rough stage with just the rough framing pretty much complete Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Chimney repair for the ages Protect your chimney with a crown Chimney liners Prevent cracks with wire mesh DEAR TIM: My chimney is constructed with concrete block and has a thin stucco coating. I know the top of the chimney is not right and some of the blocks are falling apart. There Read More »
The crown or top of your chimney is an important element of your chimney. The chimney crown is designed to keep your chimney dry. If it is cracked, water can get into your masonry.
Chimney caps should be checked for leaks. A chimney cap can be the cause of a damp attic. If there are cracks in the cement cap, water can get into the inner layers of the chimney masonry. The bricks, stones or block around the chimney may also be a source for the leaks.
Chimney smoke in a house is a sign something is wrong. Usually, it means the fireplace does not have a proper combustion air intake vent.
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