Even though it might sound a bit old-fashioned, there are still many homes in the UK that feature a chimney. Whether they’re still used or simply a decorative feature, it’s important that they are well maintained in order to prevent damage to your property as a whole. In this blog, we explore the signs that your chimney might need repairs to be carried out.
Crumbling brick or mortar joints
You may need to take a look at your chimney from someone else’s home or with binoculars, but the outer bricks and mortar on the chimney should be inspected every so often. If you notice that the bricks or mortar joints are crumbling or damaged in general, this means it could collapse. With these exposed cracks, moisture will get into them, meaning the cracks will slowly get bigger, especially if the moisture freezes. Call out a professional chimney repair service immediately if you spot this.
Rust
If you spot any rust on your firebox or damper, this is a sign that there is excess moisture in your chimney. If there’s enough moisture in your chimney to show visible signs of rust, it may mean there is more serious damage hidden away, such as cracked flue tiles and deterioration. If there is a breach within the tiles and the rust continues, it could ultimately create a house fire, so it’s important to call out the professionals as soon as possible.
White staining
Although it might not look like much of a problem, white discolouration on a chimney can cause many problems. Known as efflorescence, this white staining may be easy to remove with cleaning products, but it actually highlights a bigger problem. The whiteness indicates excess moisture in the masonry which could lead to a quick deterioration of your chimney, so ensure you get it sorted straight away.
Damaged wallpaper
If you notice that your wallpaper is beginning to become damaged in areas near the chimney, including moulding or peeling, once again this could mean that there is moisture in your chimney. Before using the fireplace and chimney again, call a professional around to take a look at it. Once fixed, you can then replace your wallpaper however you want – a perfect excuse to redecorate too!
Although a buildup in a chimney is quite common, it’s important that we keep an eye on our chimneys to ensure they don’t clog up or experience moisture damage. If you’re looking for a professional to carry out chimney repairs in Aberdeen and surrounding areas, contact A.J. Donald Slaters today for expert and high-quality repairs today.