Chimney & Chimney Cap Repair
Chimneys are structures most people don’t think about very often. They just exist to channel smoke up and out of a home. At least until problems develop after years of Minnesota’s freeze–thaw cycle.
Billy Bricks’ crews understand the finer points of chimney construction. We repair and replace chimney crowns, install liners and caps, and chimilator. If you’re building a new home, when you use Billy Bricks for chimney construction, be assured that it will be done right the first time.
In existing chimneys, cracks are relatively easy to repair unless they reveal a serious structural issue. Mortar and bricks tend to flake, wash out, or crack; these problems usually appear after 25–30 years in Minnesota’s extreme climate. And the key is to repair cracks when they’re small. Why? Moisture goes up into the masonry, resulting in damage to it and to any attached metal object such as a lightning rod or satellite dish. Unrepaired damage leads to water leaks, cracked flue tiles that can block and contribute to chimney fires, access to animals and debris, and sometimes a buildup of toxic carbon monoxide gases.
If you own an older home that was converted from coal heat, it’s a good idea to have Billy Bricks’ experts examine the chimney. Chimneys built for coal are prone to condensation because they have a lower heat resistance than is recommended for modern hotter–firing oil or natural gas fuels.
Check your chimney every one or two years. The most vulnerable areas are where the chimney joins the roof. Check for missing or loose flashing and damaged or cracked masonry. However, climbing rooftops and peaks can be dangerous. Contact Billy Bricks for help. We’ll show you what’s happening up there.
Call us for a FREE, no–obligation quote.
