If you do find some cracks in your chimney or fireplace, don't panic! You've come to the right place.
With chimneys and fireplaces, repairs and maintenance are inevitable. Cracks in the crown or firebox are even considered a fire hazard by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Don't wait too long to have it repaired as the potential for damage could worsen.
Water Penetration. Water can enter the chimney through cracks in the crown or chimney side walls.
Damaged Chimney Crown. The chimney crown is the top element of the chimney which itself acts as a shield from a number of dangers. It covers the chimney from the flue liner to the chimney edge. The crown should have a downward slope which directs the water away from the flue edge. It must have a minimum-2"-width overhanging drip edge directing rain run-off away from the chimney.
Chimney Flashing. Rain can also enter at faulty or damaged flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Flashing waterproofs the area between the roof and the chimney, preventing rain water or ice/snow melt from going down into the house. It acts as a critical safeguard for the ceilings, walls and floors which would otherwise be extensively damaged every time it rains. Flashing acts as an expansion joint between the chimney brick and the roofing material. It allows both the chimney and roof to expand and contract at their own rates without causing any problem to the waterproof seal.
Crumbling Chimney Brick. Major deterioration in chimney brick presents both a fire and collapse hazard. We can thoroughly assess crumbling chimney brick or stone and present you with a plan to restore it to a place of majestic strength and beauty.