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6 signs your chimney needs repairing

Chimneys are built to last, but even the most well-constructed chimney will degrade and deteriorate over time. With the interior experiencing extremes of temperature from the fire laid below and the exterior being exposed to the elements 24 hours a day, it’s hardly surprising that they should suffer some damage.

While there are several causes of damage to your chimney, such as storm damage, cold damage, and impact damage from falling branches, the key symptoms to look out for are signs of water ingress. Once water seeps into the brickwork and mortar, the damage suffered so far will only get worse. In this article, we will describe six clear signs to look out for and how to tell if your chimney needs repairing:

Smell of smoke

One sign that your chimney needs repairing is smoky odour even when there isn’t a fire burning in the grate. This is caused by creosote from burning wood sticking to the inside of the flue liner. Creosote can block the smoke as it escapes through the chimney, causing a potential health risk. If you notice a constant smoky smell, you should call in an expert to clean or replace the flue liner for you.

Rust in the fireplace

If you see evidence of rust in your fireplace, that is a sure sign of excess moisture inside the chimney. Indeed, if the interior of your chimney is damp enough to allow rust in an active fireplace, there is probably already significant damage to the flue and masonry.

Deteriorating masonry

Sometimes you can tell if your chimney is damaged just by looking. If the chimney stack appears sunken or misshapen, it’s probably due to the masonry degrading as a result of water ingress. Another clear sign is bits of rubble either outside your property or inside the fireplace. These are caused by water expanding in the brickwork during cold weather and cracking the masonry. If you spot either of these symptoms, it’s important that you take steps to repair the damage.

Deteriorating mortar joints

If, when cleaning out your fireplace, you see signs of mortar dust or even chips of mortar, it’s important that you get your chimney inspected as soon as possible. When water gets into the mortar, it can freeze during cold weather, expanding to create cracks. When it melts, it takes part of the mortar with it, severely damaging the structural integrity of the chimney and potentially causing a collapse.

Interior damage

Of course, water damage doesn’t just affect the chimney. Left unchecked, it can impact the interior of your home too. Water seeps through the porous brickwork and masonry into the surrounding walls and ceiling. If you see evidence of dampness around your fireplace, such as bubbling or peeling wallpaper, blistering paint, or discolouration, that’s a sure sign of a leak. If it’s confined to that part of the house, it’s most likely due to a damaged chimney.

Exterior staining

If you can see a white discolouration on the outside of your chimney stack, this is another sign of excess moisture in the mortar or brickwork. Known as efflorescence, this white residue grows in the small cracks and air pockets of your masonry when it is unusually damp. While the staining is easy enough to remove, this only addresses the symptoms rather than the cause itself, which, left unchecked, could result in the deterioration of your chimney stack.

Signs your chimney needs repairing: final thoughts

If your property is based Finchley, Haringey, or anywhere else in the capital and has a chimney in need of repair, get in touch with ABC Roofing Company today. We are a well-established, local firm of roofing experts that specialises in chimney repairs throughout the region. If you’ve spotted any of the symptoms listed above or have any other reason to suspect a damaged chimney, we can help. We also offer other roofing services, including roof repairs, fascias, soffits and guttering, and industrial roofing. Call the team today on 0208 895 2054 or 07867 808385 to arrange a free, on-site consultation.

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FOR EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIRS 7 DAYS A WEEK CALL 07774 789150

ABC Roofing Company London is a local roofing company operating across London. We specialise in all major roofing solutions for our customers in Finchley, Harringay, and beyond. This includes roof repairs (including chimney repairs), leadwork, and fascias, soffits, and guttering. We also fit new roofs and replacement roofs, including commercial roofing and industrial roofing. We use a variety of methods, such as tiled roofing, fibreglass roofs, and EPDM rubber roofs, to ensure every customer gets the roof they deserve. Call or email to get a free, no-obligation quote.

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