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A chimney adds to the aesthetic appeal of your home’s interior and exterior, but it’s so much more than a decorative accent; a chimney is a vital component of your fireplace. It’s this structure that allows the excess heat, smoke, carbon monoxide, and other waste products of combustion to exhaust out of your Douglas County home, and it feeds fires with the oxygen they need to burn. Needless to say, a chimney is pretty important. Like any other part of your house, however, a chimney can become damaged, and when it does, it needs to be repaired ASAP.
Why are chimney repairs so important? Well, because using a fireplace when the chimney is damaged can increase the risk of a host of problems, including house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, and if the damage is severe enough, the structural integrity of a chimney could become compromised. On top of these issues, fires won’t burn as efficiently – if at all – when the chimney is damaged. But if you’re a novice, or you’re new to chimney repairs, there’s no doubt you have some questions; specifically, what causes them and the most common types of chimney repairs that are needed.
Below, you’ll find an overview of both the factors that can contribute to and what the most common causes of chimney repairs in Lawrence, KS are.
There are several factors that can contribute to chimney damage, and the following issues seem to be the most prevalent among Douglas County property owners.
Of all the factors that contribute to chimney repairs in Lawrence, KS, moisture is the most prevalent. Moisture and masonry materials do not mix. That’s because masonry materials, such as brisk, stone, concrete, and mortar are porous, which means they readily absorb water. When water penetration occurs, especially in Douglas County’s frigid winters, it quickly freezes, which causes the masonry materials to expand and crack. As the freezing and thawing continue, the cracks will only get bigger, allowing more water to get in. The process repeats, and eventually, you can have severe damage on your hands. In fact, moisture damage can be so severe that it can weaken a chimney’s structural integrity, and eventually, it could collapse.
Years of neglect – especially when the structure is used on a regular basis, but even if it’s only used on occasion – can cause serious problems that necessitate extensive, costly repairs. Creosote buildup – a highly flammable byproduct of combustion – along with soot, ash, and constant exposure to extreme temperatures, as well as the elements, and even critters and outdoor debris; chimneys can take a serious beating. It’s for these reasons that regular maintenance is vital for a healthy, safe, and properly functioning chimney; however, despite this fact, many Douglas County homeowners fail to maintain adequately maintain their chimneys and fireplaces.
Well-constructed chimneys are generally sturdy and can easily withstand Kansas weather; however, weather-related events can and do contribute to damages that necessitate chimney repairs in Kansas. Heavy snow and rain, extreme winds, and even lightning strikes and earthquakes can significantly weaken a chimney and destabilize the entire structure.
As you can see, chimneys can be damaged in a number of ways; fortunately, however, a reputable Lawrence, KS chimney repair specialist can repair all of these damages, as long as they are addressed soon enough. You see, the longer the damage goes unaddressed, the worse it will become, and eventually, it can become so severe that the structural integrity of an affected chimney can become compromised. That said, the key to preventing more widespread damage is contacting an experienced professional as soon as possible.
The following are some of the most common types of chimney repairs Lawrence, KS homeowners require.
Crown Repairs
A chimney crown is made of concrete, a porous material that rapidly absorbs water. Chimney crowns can crack as a result of ground settling, regular use, constant exposure to the elements, and poor construction. Experienced Lawrence, KS chimney repair professionals can perform durable, long-lasting crown repairs to correct the problem.
A chimney cap is a protective covering that sits over the top of a chimney. Typically comprised of metal mesh materials, such as copper, a cap prevents rainwaters, snow, animals, leaves, twigs, and other exterior debris from falling into the chimney. High winds, tree limbs, and poor installation are just some of the reasons why this protective barrier can become loose and fall off, but a reputable Lawrence, KS chimney repair specialist will be able to install a new one.
As discussed, masonry materials are highly porous, and thus, they absorb water very quickly. As the moisture freezes and thaws, the masonry materials expand and contract, forming cracks. If this problem is addressed, it will only worsen, and eventually, the entire structure could collapse. Professional contractors that specialize in chimney repairs in Lawrence, KS will have the knowledge and skill that are needed to repair masonry damage.
Contact Douglas County’s Chimney Repair Experts
No matter the type or the cause, when you’re in need of chimney repairs in Lawrence, KS, there’s only one company to call: Chimney Restoration of Kansas City. Our team of professionally trained CSIA Specialist Certified experts are highly skilled and will provide durable results that will last for years to come. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call 913-374-7902 today!
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Chimney Restoration of Kansas City is a family owned and operated business. Our goal is to bring peace of mind into every home we service. Continued training and education in our industry is a must when you’re working with fire. If you are looking for the best professional in KC, look no further!