by Billy Sweet | Sep 18, 2016 | Chimney Masonry Maintenance
Your chimney system is made of many working parts, that together do a very important job. Without your chimney the byproducts from your fire would be released into your home, causing health risk and increased chance of 
fire. An important part of the chimney that keeps it working properly is the chimney crown, and it should not be overlooked.
What is a Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is a masonry slab that covers the top of the chimney from the flue liner to the edge of the chimney. The crown is designed to keep water from entering the flue, and guides the water instead to the roof. The chimney cap prevents water from entering the flue from the sky, and the crown prevents water from entering the flue from the edge of the chimney.
The chimney crown should be professionally installed, and is made specifically for each chimney. If the chimney crown is not the correct size or installed incorrectly then water will not only enter the flue, but can also pool around the chimney and penetrate the flashing.
Water and Your Chimney
Water damage is the single worst enemy of your masonry chimney. It can cause parts to rust, masonry to weaken and crumble, walls and ceilings to leak, and more. Avoid this costly damage by getting the job done right the first time.
Hire a Professional
A general contractor may be unfamiliar with chimneys, chimney crowns, and other vital chimney parts. To ensure that you’re getting the proper taper, overhang, and materials call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep. A proper chimney crown should be constructed of a Portland cement-based mixture and cast or formed so it provides an overhang projecting behind all sides of the chimney by a minimum of two inches. Also, the flue liner should project above the crown a minimum of two inches.
A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) can not only construct a proper chimney crown, but is also experienced in assessing damaged crowns as well as repairing them.
Signs Your Chimney Crown Needs Repairs
Cracks, crumbled masonry, or chipping and flaking—known as spalling—as well as chimney leaks and leaks around the crown itself is cause for repair. An experienced and professional chimney sweep can assess damage and offer a fair rate to repair or replace the chimney crown. If damages are not extensive, our technician can apply a simple crown coat sealant, which will seal cracks, creating a water-proof barrier.
Your trusted chimney sweep will quickly assess damage and offer a repair plan that you can feel comfortable with. Our top priority at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep is the safety of our customers. We do not cut corners with training, experience, or work. We are licensed, ensured, and guarantee the best.
Call a Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today, and make sure your chimney crown is ready for fall and winter!
by Billy Sweet | Mar 5, 2014 | Chimney Maintenance
When the weather warms up, we tend to put our fireplaces and chimney systems out of mind. But before you shut your flue for the season, figuratively and literally, it’s beneficial to consider some spring chimney services that’ll help your chimney come back around to the cold months in the best shape possible.
It’s Springtime! Time to enjoy warm sunny days and let your chimney rest after enduring those cold grueling months of hard labor. Give it some spring chimney care.
So here’s something of a Spring Chimney Care Checklist to go over as your thoughts turn to T-shirts and garden blooms:
Spring Chimney Care Checklist From Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep
Ensure A Clean Chimney And A Non-stinky Spring
If you used your wood-burning fireplace all fall and winter, you doubtlessly have creosote built up in your flue. That’s just part of the equation with burning wood: You get heat, light and creosote. Some folks figure it’s best to just wait until next winter to get the chimney swept, since they’re less concerned about safety and fire hazards when not using the fireplace. But we can make some pretty strong arguments for the benefits of making a chimney sweeping appointment part of your spring chimney care checklist.
First, you’re getting that work done before the busy season, so you’ll have more options in terms of scheduling an appointment with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep technicians, and most likely a faster turnaround time, too.
More than that, though, you’ll be improving the air in your home all spring and summer. Creosote build-up is one of the most common contributors to a stinky chimney. Creosote has a strong musty smell, and as the temperature and humidity rises, that smell can get stronger. So a spring-cleaned chimney, beyond being ready for winter ahead of time, makes your spring and summer that much more pleasant.
Check For Roof-related Damage
We all know that winter weather can take a toll on our roof, as well as the flashing where the chimney meets the roofline. Before we get into spring rains, it’s good to be aware of any flashing damage, since even something as small as caulking coming off can lead to a chimney leak.
Make Sure Animals Haven’t Moved In, And That They Won’t Be Able To
Some animals — including federally protected chimney swifts — are known for nesting in chimneys during the off-season. And when animals nest in your chimney, they bring along sounds, smells and debris that you certainly don’t want there. Inspecting your flue for nesting animals or signs of nesting animals is a smart thing to do. Preventing nesting animals, by having a quality chimney cap installed, is an even smarter thing to do.
Prep Your Masonry For Moisture
Moisture is, was and always will be the worst friend your chimney has. And during the wetter months, moisture gets a chance to give besting your chimney system’s defenses its all. There’s a lot you can do, though, to protect your system against moisture intrusion, including having Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep inspect your chimney crown and your flashing and having us apply a strong waterproofing sealant to protect your masonry.
You Can Get Through This Spring Chimney Checklist With Billy Sweet’s Help
You can get all of this spring chimney care accomplished — and more — by scheduling a chimney inspection and chimney sweeping appointment with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep. During an inspection, we’ll check the system bottom to top and let you know if any problems are preventing your chimney from being protected and prepared for the next heating season. Just give us a call to schedule an appointment!
by Billy Sweet | Aug 27, 2013 | Chimney Maintenance
A Chimney’s Worst Enemy
Water isn’t just fire’s worst enemy—homeowners with masonry chimneys need to beware, too. While a chimney is the most ignored and neglected part of the home, it has an important job and needs to be taken care of. One way you can do this is by protecting your chimney against water damage.
Masonry chimneys are made using combinations that include brick and mortar, concrete, stone, clay, steel and cast iron. These materials are porous and susceptible to water that can damage both your chimney and the structure of your home. Some signs of water damage are moisture on brick, dripping in fireplace, or wet spots on the ceiling or walls.
Sometimes water damage is visible near ceilings. Water is a threat to the structure of your home.
Water damage can cause chimneys to tilt or collapse, damper assemblies to rust, rotting rafters, stained and ruined walls, ceilings and wall coverings. It can also cause cracks, rust and deterioration of the flue lining system.
The number on solution for a chimney with water issues is to install a chimney cap. Many insurance companies require chimneys to be capped to minimize water damage and other issues. Chimney caps keep rain and moisture out, serve as spark arrestors, and keep animals and birds out, as well as debris such as leaves and twigs.
Other things that may need to be checked are the seal between the roofing and chimney (called flashing), the chimney crown, or the mortar joints. If any of these things are damaged, they will need to be replaced or repaired.
Talk to your chimney specialist during your annual cleaning about the many products available for waterproofing your chimney. Choose only vapor permeable sealers, which allow the chimney to breathe so that moisture doesn’t become trapped inside the chimney and deteriorate it.
