Having some knowledge about the way a house functions is beneficial for any homeowner, as it can help them to recognize when things are falling into disrepair. Let’s consider one of these areas – the chimney. In this blog, we are going to highlight some signs to watch out for that would indicate that a chimney needs maintenance or repairs.
First, think if there is anything that has happened that could have damaged the chimney. For example, has anything fallen on it such as a tree limb or scaffolding, etc.? A bad storm or even a minor earthquake could do some damage and compromise the chimney in some way. You should also consider the effect that weather has on the chimney over time, and how it may have caused some erosion of the bricks and mortar.
There are a couple of ways you can determine the condition of the chimney. A simple way is to stand far enough away from the house to be able to see the entire chimney from the roof to ground level. Does the chimney appear to lean or list a little? Does it show signs that it is becoming separated from the rest of the house? Next, turn your attention to the chimney’s footings – do you observe any deterioration of any kind? Perform a quick test on the mortar by scraping some of it with a screwdriver – does it crumble easily?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions, your chimney may need maintenance, and it might be time to call in a professional.
