Causes of Spalling Chimney Bricks & How To Fix It
The word “spalling” might not be familiar but the symptoms are easy to identify with a simple walk outside to look at your chimney. Chimney spalling is the deterioration of the bricks or mortar of a chimney. The spalling of chimney bricks is a common problem that can lead to significant chimney damage and extensive repairs. It is essential that homeowners understand the cause of chimney spalling and how to fix it.
What is Chimney Spalling?
When you look at your brick chimney, does it look like it used to? Spalling refers to the deterioration of the brick, mortar, or blocks making up a structure. From a distance, you may only notice that something doesn’t look right. Closer examination often reveals the symptoms of spalling.
- flaking surfaces
- cracks in the mortar, bricks, or blocks
- chunks of brick or block missing
- pieces of your chimney on the ground
What Causes Chimney Spalling?
When water freezes, it expands. The freeze-thaw cycle can split a boulder. The same cycle that splits boulders does similar damage to any bricks in your chimney. There are several ways that destructive moisture gets into chimney bricks.
- Older bricks may be softer and lack the glazing that protects the surface. The same issue can arise from newer homes that were built using salvaged bricks. The salvaged bricks may not have been designed for exterior use at all.
- Improper pressure washing can damage the surface of your bricks. The high pressure pushes water into microscopic crevices, and the next freeze expands the cracks.
- Leaks in your gutters, chimney flashing, or crown let water into the structure of your chimney, and this creates more places for spalling to occur.
- Storm damage from wind, debris, and hail can create avenues for water to enter your chimney bricks.
How Do You Fix Spalling Chimney Bricks?
During your annual chimney inspection, a professional will examine the inner and outer surfaces of the chimney along with surrounding flashing, etc. Their training and experience help identify all areas of concern. Cracks in a chimney crown, pitting in bricks, flaking surfaces, and other symptoms are looked at in context.
- Chimney flashing may need to be repaired.
- A chimney cap may need to be replaced or added to keep the rain out of the chimney.
- Mortar or crowns may need to be repaired with materials containing waterproofing sealant to prevent moisture away.
- Missing bricks or mortar may need to be replaced and sealed.
- If the damage is extensive, the chimney may need to be rebuilt.
When you see spalling chimney bricks on your property, you have evidence that damage is occurring. It is important to hire the right chimney repair company. Repairing that damage quickly will keep the damage from getting worse. Regular inspections and maintenance are the key to preventing spalling chimney bricks.
Ultimate Guide to Regency Wood Fireplace Inserts
Regency fireplaces is a world leader in manufacturing and designing hearth products. It is no surprise that so many homeowners in the Washington DC Metro area are having companies like ours, install Regency fireplaces inserts. Many homeowners inquire about Regency wood fireplace inserts. There are many wood fireplace insert models to consider. This article will provide all of the information that you need to know about Regency wood fireplace inserts.
What Is a Fireplace Insert?
Fireplace inserts are designed to be installed into an existing masonry fireplace converting open, wood fireplaces into either wood or gas heaters. Smoke vents out of the chimney in the same manner as traditional open fireplaces. Gas heaters use either natural gas or propane. Wood heaters are used like wood fireplaces but encapsulate the wood, fire, and smoke within the insert. Wood fireplace inserts provide a more energy-efficient way to enjoy the beauty of a wood-burning fireplace. You can learn more about fireplace insert fuel options here.
What Are the Benefits of Fireplace Inserts?
Fireplace inserts have a few significant benefits. These include:
- Updating the look of a room
- Lowering your home’s heating bill
- More energy efficient than traditional wood burning fireplaces.
- Eliminating cold chimney drafts
- Many style options
- Can fit up to 95% of current existing wood fireplaces
What Are the Different Regency Wood Burning Fireplace Models?
Regency offers many models of wood burning fireplace inserts. Each model has unique features and functions. These models and features include:
Regency Classic I1150 Wood Inserts
- Large fire viewing area
- Solid forged steel and adjustable cam lock
- High performance firebox lined with brick
- Non-obtrusive air wash curtain ensures glass stays clean
- Lip is welded ash. Will not break or bend.
- Burns longer due to dual-burn design
- Cool-to-touch handle and hinges on strong, heavy duty cast iron door
- Heating level can be adjusted by front-mounted single-draft level
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass
- Log retainer made with heavy gauge steel.
- 2-speed blower
- Heavy-duty cast door with a cool-to-touch handle
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass
- High-performance brick-lined firebox
- Front-mounted single-draft lever for heat adjustments
- Dual-burn design for longer, more complete burns
- 10-year, 100% warranty on the original catalytic combustor
- Heavy gauge steel log retainers to keep your logs in place
- Large fire viewing area
- Heavy-duty cast door with cool-to-touch hinges and handle
- Solid forged steel and adjustable cam lock
- Digital catalytic temperature monitor
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass
- Welded ash lip
- Triple-burn technology
- Front-mounted draft level and catalytic bypass rod to adjust heat to any level you prefer
- Decorative cast-iron grille for a beautiful appearance in your home
- High performance brick-lined firebox
- Heavy-duty cast door with a varnished wood handle
- Side-mounted single-draft lever for heat adjustment
- Dual-burn design
- Heat radiating ceramic glass
- Cast iron exterior for radiant heating
- Large fire viewing area
- Load wood front to back or side to side
- Convector grills allow warm air to be moved around your room
- High performance brick-lined firebox
- Heavy-duty cast door with cool-to-touch hinges and handle
- Solid forged steel and adjustable cam lock
- Side-mounted single draft rod for heat adjustment
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass
- Non-obtrusive air wash curtain for clean glass
- Welded ash lip
- Dual-burn design
- Large fire viewing area
- Load wood front to back or side to side
- Convector grills that move warm air into your home
- Heavy-duty cast door with cool-to-touch hinges and handle
- Solid forged steel and adjustable cam lock
- Side-mounted draft lever and front-mounted catalytic bypass rod for easy heat adjustments
- Air and bypass operating tool
- Digital catalytic temperature monitor
- High-performance brick-lined firebox
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass
- Non-obtrusive air wash curtain for clean glass
- Welded ash lip that won’t break or bend during use
- Triple-burn technology for better burning over time
- 10-Year, 100% warranty on the original catalytic combustor
- Load wood from front to back or side to side
- Large fire viewing area
- Solid forged steel and adjustable cam lock
- Side-mounted single draft rod for heat adjustment
- High performance brick-lined firebox
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass provides maximum warmth
- Load wood front to back or side to side
- Convector grills directs warm air into the room
- Heavy-duty cast door with cool-to-touch handle and hinges that won’t break or bend
- Non-obtrusive air wash curtain keeps glass clean from edge to edge
- Welded ash lip will never bend or break
- Dual-burn design creates longer and more complete burns for reduces debris
Hampton H1500 Wood Insert
- Large fire viewing area
- Cast iron exterior provides additional radiant heating
- Heavy-duty cast door with cool-to-touch handle and hinges
- Adjustable door hinge
- Front-mounted draft lever and catalytic bypass rod for heat adjustment
- Digital catalytic temperature monitor
- High performance brick lined firebox
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass provides maximum warmth
- Heavy gauge steel log retainers
- Glass airwash system keeps glass clean
- Triple-burn technology allows for longer burn times and more complete burns
- 10-Year, 100% warranty on original catalytic combustor
Regency Pro-Series CI2700 Wood Insert
- Large fire viewing area
- Heavy-duty cast door with cool-to-touch handle & hinges that will never bend or break
- Adjustable door hinge for a tight seal
- Front-mounted draft lever and catalytic bypass rod for heat adjustment
- Digital catalytic temperature monitor
- High performance brick-lined firebox
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass
- Heavy gauge steel log retainers
- Glass airwash system to prevent tar buildup and black glass
- Triple-burn technology creates longer and more complete burns
- 10-Year, 100% warranty on original catalytic combustor
- Convector Airmate directs heat into your room and allows for closer clearances
- Heavy-duty cast door with cool-to-touch handle
- Side-mounted single draft rod for heat adjustment
- High performance brick-lined firebox
- Dual-burn design creates longer and more complete burns
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass provides maximum warmth
- Convector grills directs warm air into the room
- Heavy-duty cast door with cool-to-touch handle
- Side-mounted single draft rod for heat adjustment
- High performance brick-lined firebox
- Dual-burn design creates longer and more complete burns
- Heat-radiating ceramic glass provides maximum warmth
EPA Certified Wood burning fireplace inserts
All Regency wood burning fireplace inserts come EPA Certified, which means that each heater has been independently tested by an EPA-accredited laboratory. The EPA certificate guarantees that the heater’s emissions are below 4.5 grams per hour.
Advance Airwash System
All Regency wood burning fireplace inserts come with the Airwash system, which brings air into the firebox from a vent that is directly above the glass panel. This air “washes” over the glass, keeping it clean and preventing the build-up of tar and black glass.
Temperature-sensitive blowers
The added temperature-sensitive blower makes sure heat spreads around your home and doesn’t just settle next to the unit. Each unit has an automatic heat sensor that turns the blower on or off to meet your preferred temperature settings.
Limited lifetime fireplace insert warranty
With a Limited Lifetime Warranty, these award-winning products have amazing looks and superb performance. The high-quality products are backed by the most comprehensive warranty program in this industry.
Are you considering installing a Regency gas fireplace? Read our previous article.
Fireplace Safety Tips
Fireplace installation companies like ours often get asked the same questions about fireplace safety. Different measures exist and they all depend on the type of fireplace you have at your home. It doesn’t matter if you have a wood-burning or a gas fireplace. Bellow, you will find the best fireplace safety tips for each category.
Safety Tips for a Wood-Burning Fireplace
Consider the most common type of fireplace for its traditional appeal and cozy charm. Wood-burning fireplaces are fairly easy to use. However, its recommended to follow these safety tips to keep them in good shape.
1. Use the Right Type of Wood
Not everything should be burnt in your fireplace. It’s important to always use dry, cured firewood. Moist wood produces less heat and creates more smoke than dry wood. Increased smoke levels will rise the creosote build-up rate on your chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable substance. Here are some of the top kinds of wood to burn include:
- Beech
- White ash
- Sugar maple
- White oak
- Hickory
2. Focus on the Damper
It’s also a good idea to close the damper when you’re not using the fireplace. This ensures that the air you’re paying to heat doesn’t escape up the chimney. If the damper doesn’t seal properly, be sure to have it replaced.
3. Install a chimney cap
A chimney cap helps to prevent objects, rain and snow to fall into your chimney. Also with a chimney cap, you will keep animals from nesting on your chimney. If you wish to know about what kind of animals live in chimneys and how to keep them out, here is an article for you.
4. Store your wood properly
Storing your wood for a year will ensure that it is dry enough to be burnt. Dryer wood = less creosote on your chimney. Keep your firewood covered on top but leave the sides open for air to circulate.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher close
Fire authorities recommend having a fire extinguisher close to your chimney or any room with fire activity. Doing so is allows homeowners to be prepared in the rare case of a fire.
6. Install Detectors
All homeowners should have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. This applies to homes with or without fireplaces. The presence of a fireplace makes it even more important. Carbon monoxide detectors can make homeowners aware if their fireplace is malfunctioning.
7. Schedule professional chimney services
Having your chimney inspected is the best safety measure. A chimney professional has the skills to identify chimney needs that a homeowner may miss. A chimney technician will identify any structural damage, creosote build-up or other safety concerns. They can also clean your chimney. It’s important to schedule a chimney inspection at least once a year.
Safety Tips for a Gas Fireplaces
Many homeowners view gas fireplaces as safer due to the lack of smoke, soot or the need to light matches. By following these easy tips, you don’t have to worry about anything when you decide to create a warm fire in your home.
1. Create Clearance Zones
Clearance zones are critical when you have a gas fireplace. You don’t’ want to place electronics or décor too close to the fireplace. Be sure that nothing flammable is nearby, including:
- Drapes
- Books
- Wood
Also, you never want to lean anything against the glass or too close to the firebox.
2. Install a Safety Screen
Check the safety screen that serves as a barrier between the firebox and the room. It ensures that the fireplace is safe and is more efficient.
3. Schedule Maintenance
You should plan to schedule yearly maintenance to ensure that everything is working as it should. Professional chimney maintenance will allow you to make sure that the gas lines are in good condition. Often, smaller issues can be addressed without costing too much if you catch them early enough. Chimney Services companies like ours provide professional fireplace repair services around the Washington D.C area.
The chimney room is a great place to create memories with your loved ones. That is why it is so important to exercise safety at all times. Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions you might have. The All Pro Chimney team is always happy to help.
Understanding chimney crowns
Most of our customers come to us asking the same questions about their chimneys. A homeowner in Howard County recently asked what is a chimney crown, and how does it work? It’s vital to understand chimney crowns, as it can be the source of various problems down the road. Chimney crowns repairs are one of the most common repairs. Luckily for you, we are here to explain everything you need to know about chimney crowns.
What is a chimney crown?
Sometimes referred to as a chimney wash, a chimney crown is a large slab of brick or concrete that covers the top opening of the chimney. Finding the Chimney Crown is relatively easy, as its name suggests the rest on top of your chimney on its last layer of brick. It is typically about three to four inches thick and slopes down at the edge of the bricks. Most chimney crowns are concrete, but they can also be metal or stone. They are not to be mistaken for the chimney caps, which are metal and cover the chimney flue. If you wish to know more about what chimney caps, read this article.
There are a few types of crowns:
- Cast-in-place: Suitable for large chimneys and made of concrete. Cast in place chimneys involves using steel forms to construct the chimney crown on-site.
- Precast: Ideal for chimneys that are 16×16 or smaller or new construction. Precast crowns are not suitable for chimney jobs involving large chimneys. The weight of the concrete makes this solution impractical for larger chimneys.
- Floating crown: Floating cast crowns are built with an overhang that is approximately 1 1/2″ to 2″ above the chimney. Floating cast chimney crowns require more time to install than the other options. As a result, the service cost may be slightly higher. In most cases floating cast crowns last twice as long. In most cases, longevity makes it worth the minor increase in cost.
Why do chimneys have crowns?
The primary role of the chimney crown is to keep water from entering the stack. It is considered the first line of defense for the overall masonry. If the crown should fail, it can cause your chimney to leak. Chimney leaks can cause the masonry to crumbing, leading to severe structural damage. By keeping the chimney crown in good condition, you can keep your chimney and the rest of your fireplace in good shape. You will avoid costly, time-consuming chimney repairs.
What are the common chimney problems?
There are several problems that can arise with your chimney crown. Be aware of issues such as:
- Sealant problems
- Cracked crowns
- Masonry degradation
Scheduling a chimney service company like ours to inspect your chimney will help identify chimney problems. You may encounter all sorts of issues based on many factors such as the age of your chimney, its construction quality, and how often is it inspected. Annual inspections catch problems in their early stages. Chimney crown problems can also lead to issues with cracks in the flue. Chimney crowns or one of the many common causes of chimney leaks.
What maintenance is required for chimney crowns?
Just as you should schedule roof inspections periodically, you want to have a chimney sweep inspect your entire chimney inside and out. They can identify if there are issues so that you can schedule a chimney repair. You may also be able to conduct a visual inspection on your own to see if the chimney crown is cracked or damaged in some way. However, your visual inspection is not a suitable replacement for professional service. Annual inspections are the best way to catch problems in their early stages.
Conclusion
Chimney crowns are one of the most critical parts of your chimney system. They are often made of concrete, and there are several options for structuring them. The best way to prevent chimney crown problems is by hiring a professional chimney service company to inspect our chimney every year. Annual inspections will not prevent problems. However, it will result in catching issues before they become costly.
What Is A Chimney Flue?
During a recent chimney inspection at a home in Rockville, MD, we discovered that chimney liner needed to be replaced. The homeowner quickly asked, “So, what’s a flue?” We were glad that the homeowner asked that question. It shows that the homeowner cared enough to want to know everything that is happening with their chimney. Most people don’t give much thought to their chimneys, thinking of them as simply a low-tech invention which funnels smoke out of their homes. But in reality, a chimney is an evolved structure with several essential components that work together to move smoke and heat safely and efficiently out of your house, and one of the most important of these parts is the flue, or liner. Your chimney integrity and maintenance is critical to fire safety, that is why you should always have your chimney professionally inspected and clean by your local fireplace services company.
What Is A Chimney Flue, And What Does It Do?
At one time, most chimneys were constructed without a flue liner, but because of safety concerns, most local building codes now require one to be installed. Various tests conducted in the mid-20th century showed that unlined chimneys did a poor job of protecting a structure from fires and damage. Without a flue, the heat was transferred rapidly to the surrounding wooden structure, setting them aflame in as little as a few hours. The chemicals released by combustion can act directly on the brick, stone, and mortar, causing rapid deterioration and failure of the chimney, and possibly releasing deadly carbon monoxide into the home. A flue liner also allows for the correct sizing of the chimney configuration and a proper draft, which is necessary for efficient combustion and prevention of the buildup of creosote in the chimney, which can lead to fires.
Types Of Chimney Flue Liners
There are three basic types of flue liners used today:
- Clay Tile Liners – This is the most common type because it’s inexpensive and easily available and works well in a properly maintained chimney and open fireplace. Most older homes with liners will have this type. With regular cleaning and maintenance, they can last for decades. They aren’t as effective at containing chimney fires or the chemical by-products of gas fireplaces, and they are susceptible to cracks. When significant cracking has been detected by a professional Chimney inspection, it is usually recommended that a new liner be installed rather than attempting repairs.
- Metal Liners – Usually made of either aluminum or, more commonly, stainless steel. They are very safe and durable and do a good job of protecting a chimney and lessening the need for expensive repairs. Metal liners can be constructed for almost any type of chimney, and can be flexible or rigid, making for easier and less costly installation. They sometimes need to be used with an insulating material for higher temperatures.
- Cast Liners – Commonly made out of cement or a like material, these work well for their intended function and also contribute greatly to the structural integrity of the chimney, and are especially recommended for older chimneys that need support. They can be poured directly into the chimney creating a seamless and leak-proof lining. These can also handle higher temperatures than other liner types, something around to 2,100 degrees. That makes them a better protection against chimney fires and creosote buildup. The drawback is that if they are somehow damaged, which is unlikely, it requires a complete removal and replacement.
Your chimney flue is very important to the safety of your home and family, and to the useful life of your chimney. It’s a good idea to have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once per year, especially before cold weather arrives. That way if any damage is found, you can get it repaired in order to start using your fireplace or woodstove immediately. If you are concerned if your fireplace needs to be repaired or not, here are 6 Signs that you need chimney repair.
All Pro Chimney Services operates in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Contact us today for consultation and an estimate.
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