Typical Chimney Issues in Older Homes
The chimneys in houses constructed many decades ago were constructed with different specifications than those in use now, which might occasionally lead to genuine safety concerns. Prior to the 1950s, chimneys were almost always made of brick or blocks. Since it wasn’t necessary to have lined chimneys when the fireplace was installed, this is the most frequent issue with older homes. There are additional problems to watch out for.
Nowadays, chimney linings are required for secure, sturdy chimneys. However, a lot of older chimneys lack liners. Without a liner, there is a greater likelihood that harmful gases and carbon monoxide would leak into the house. Creosote build-up, which can cause fires, also increases the likelihood of catastrophic issues. Chimneys without lining perform worse because they frequently have poor drafting. When a chimney is utilized, soot and creosote are dumped inside the chimney or flue, both of which are highly combustible. Creosote can catch fire and start a dangerous chimney fire if there is a spark. The likelihood that lethal carbon monoxide and other hazardous gasses will be emitted into the residence increases significantly when a chimney is not lined. If there is a fire and the chimney was not lined, it’s likely that you can run into issues with an insurance claim.
The good news is that your bricks may be of superior quality to bricks made today if you have an extremely ancient fireplace or house. Even high-quality bricks, nevertheless, require routine mortar maintenance. Tuckpointing is a helpful process that restores broken mortar and significantly increases the chimney’s lifespan. Tuckpointing can reinforce the construction, make the chimney safer, and restore its elegant aspect.
When mortar deteriorates, the chimney structure is considerably more susceptible to moisture damage, which may necessitate a variety of expensive repairs. A chimney will start to lean and eventually collapse if the damaged mortar is not rebuilt. Fortunately, a process known as “tuckpointing” allows for the straightforward removal of old mortar and replacement with fresh mortar. If the issue is discovered in time, there is no need for demolition or reconstruction. Tuckpointing will strengthen the entire structure and give it a new aesthetic while restoring the chimney’s original shape.
Pyrolysis, a degradation process that takes place over time as a result of high temperatures, is another typical chimney issue in older houses. The distance between the chimney and the fireplace and the combustibles was not a safety concern in earlier times. It has been discovered that pyrolysis can take a very long time. Because of the pyrolysis process, wood beams that have been heated by a fireplace for even 50 years or more will suddenly catch fire. The procedure makes the wood extremely flammable. Pyrolysis may be taking place if you can see wood that is up against chimney masonry. The best course of action is to have a chimney specialist evaluate the potential threat posed by your fireplace before re-using it.
Although old houses and fireplaces are lovely, they are not necessarily safe to use. To install a chimney liner, schedule an annual chimney inspection, or for assistance with any concerns you may have regarding the security of your fireplace and chimney, get in touch with a Local Chimney Cleaning Piedmont professional right now.