CHIMNEY INSTALLATION AND REPAIR
Your chimney and it's condition is very important for several reasons. You might not know it but even an unused chimney must be maintained to avoid water penetration that can cause exterior as well as interior damage. The chimney requires many key components to be present in order for it to resist the harsh elements that we experience in Ontario. Remember, the chimney resides above the structure and is exposed to all the elements.
Your chimney must be built according to fire code. It must have a crown (a sloped center) that will stop water from entering the chimney. A cap (a concrete slab that sits on top of the brick) with a drip edge that will protect your brick by directing the water away from it. The red clay flue liners that are located inside the chimney must be in good condition. The flashing (where the chimney meets the roof) must be in exceptional condition to avoid water penetration into the structure. All elements are sealed with a fire rated caulking.
The most frequently asked question we receive from our customers is when they should be repairing their chimney. The best time to repair your chimney would at any sign of decay. The longer you wait to repair your chimney, the more decay will spread inside and out. Repairing only the damaged brick or stone you see on the outside will result in continuous repairs as the inside brick decay makes its way to the outside where it is visible. The chimney must be dismantled to the point where there is no more visible damage on the inside and in many cases, it is best to rebuild the entire chimney (to roof line). A total rebuild will give you peace of mind for many years.
Stone Chimneys
Rebuilding a chimney with stone has become an excellent solution for those homes where the matching brick is no longer in production. There are many real stone choices that will look great with your existing masonry. This is not an option for minor repairs, but it works great for total rebuilds to the roof line or foundation. This option is not just a rebuild, but a property enhancing renovation.