Should You Worry About Efflorescence?
Chimneys are solid constructions that are designed to withstand the passage of time. Because they are constructed from of brick and mortar, they are resistant to the effects of weather extremes such as wind, rain, lightning, snow, and hail. The winters, on the other hand, can be bitterly cold and covered in snow, which is why it is imperative that you keep your chimney in pristine condition at all times. Because there is nothing that is better than lying down in front of a warm, crackling fire in front of a Colorado fireplace after spending the day outside in the snow and cold, fireplaces in Colorado receive a lot of use. Because of this, it is imperative that you get your fireplace and chimney professionally examined and cleaned on a regular basis. You should also be on the lookout for any locations that have the potential to become problem regions.
In point of fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) advises that you get your chimney evaluated on an annual basis or more frequently if there are any signs of damage. If you engage the technicians at Chimney Doctors of Colorado to come and clean your fireplace, we will remove all of the creosote that has accumulated in there throughout the course of our work. When you next wish to light a fire and get cozy, we will make sure that your chimney has been cleaned and is in working order to accommodate your upcoming plans. However, in addition to that, we will also be searching for the following things:
The chimney or brickwork in your home could have efflorescence on it at some point. Here’s the thing.
In some cases, the problem is nothing more than a matter of appearance, which at most is unsightly. Which is something that may or may not be a major concern for homeowners. The problem, however, is that you won’t be able to determine for certain whether the white salt staining on your bricks is superficial (just on the surface) or the result of water penetrating the bricks and causing damage there.
Leaks
Leaks in the chimney are the one thing that tops the list of things that need your attention the most. This is significant because leaks can result in significant damage if they are not discovered and remedied in a timely manner. When we visit to check and clean your chimney, we take particular attention to any potentially hazardous areas that may be present. Your chimney cap, chimney crown, the flashing, and the inside of your chimney are some of the sections that fall under this category.
Efflorescence and Spalling both come to mind.
The mortar and bricks that make up the structure of your chimney are another potential source of leaks in your home’s chimney. One of these indications is called an efflorescence. If you examine the bricks that surround your chimney very carefully, you could find certain sections that have a gritty, almost salty appearance and glittering patches here and there. This phenomenon is known as efflorescence, and it is a sign that salt and water that are present on the inner of your bricks and mortar are leaking out. This is a concerning symptom since it indicates that the construction of your chimney is becoming compromised.
The presence of spalling is another another indicator of this. Examine the area surrounding the bottom of your chimney in great detail. If you find white specks or flakes, this may also be a sign that the mortar or the brick is flaking off because there is water trapped inside. It’s possible that these areas of weakness are what’s creating leaks on the inside of your chimney. As a result of these leaks, water is able to enter your chimney, which in turn obstructs the passage of smoke.
Better to be safe than sorry. Let the experts handle your chimney troubles like Chimney Cleaning Colusa and repairing. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today.