Chimney Restoration
There are many beautiful historic homes within the Greater Columbia area. At Chimspector Venting Specialists, we strive to help you maintain the quality and craftsmanship that was originally included in the building of your home. Much of the older chimneys were built without flues, but we can schedule a thorough inspection to determine exactly what it may be that your chimney is in need of and inform you of how we can assure it gets brought back to its original condition.
Your chimney, literally, takes a lot of heat.
Your chimney sits at the highest point on the top of your house where it is exposed to wind, rain, moisture, and extreme temperatures day after day. It is common during the winter and colder months of the year for water to possibly get into existing cracks, then freezing, causing the brick and mortar to break apart. Every chimney, even the best-constructed ones, will require repairs and maintenance over time.
Most chimneys are built out of brick and mortar.
Brick and mortar are two materials that are simply porous by nature and have a tendency to break down and weaken over time. Cracks and gaps will start to form in the mortar that is holding the bricks together. These cracks and gaps can be caused by moisture, corrosive gases, or extreme temperatures, or all of these can be contributing factors. As cracks and gaps begin developing, the damage will accelerate rapidly. Your chimney will not function efficiently and could possibly be dangerous to use at this point. Hot gases can escape from your chimney liner through these cracks and gaps, and can leak into the walls of your home, which could quickly cause a fire.
Every chimney is different, especially when it comes to older homes.
During the middle part of the 20th Century, it became part of building code requirements that homes be built with chimney liners in their chimneys. Some older homes built before this code still have chimneys that remain without a liner. If you reside in an older home and are aware that your chimney was built with a liner, you should schedule to have your chimney inspected with a video scan to assess the condition of your chimney. The ideas of longevity and legacy are implied through the concept of restoration. With respect in regards to the original design and character of the chimney, the structural architecture must be dealt with in such a manner that safeguards the materials or restores it in a manner that mimics the initial design.
This detail oriented and exacting craftsmanship seamlessly blends with the original masonry work.
To ensure the structural integrity for years to come, a complete restoration will strengthen it. Consider the occupation of a curator in an art museum or preservers of historical buildings and landmarks, they restore works of art. They attempt to imitate the original artistry and style in their work. An unknowing observer would have a hard time deciphering whether any restoration had taken place by the time the repair is completed. The restored piece looks completely original and natural. That is the kind of excellence that our professionals at Chimspector Venting Specialists aim for.
The need for restoration can originate from a variety of causes.
After years of onslaught from climate and weather changes, your masonry chimney crown can crack. It is important to repair a damaged crown as quickly as possible to prevent any leaks from happening. Repointing/Tuckpointing work is another element of restoration to consider. Our professionals at Chimspector Venting Specialists can repair and restore any flaking, chipping, or crumbling in your masonry work, by making the necessary improvements while giving considerate respect to any historical designs and features.
Finally, what about the bricks?
Bricks can last for a century or longer with the proper care and maintenance. Many things can take their toll on bricks and mortar joints, such as water and weather, as well as the natural settling of a home. Our experienced professionals at Chimspector will use the utmost consideration for the appropriate choice of brickwork and will respect the integrity of your chimney’s original designers and builders.
Service Area
Richland County, Lexington County
Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Blythewood, Northeast Columbia, West Columbia, Dentsville, Forest Acres, Lake Murray
Get In Touch
4720 Yonge St, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
info@chimspector.com
1-803-602-5929
Hours: Mo – Sa 8:00 am – 6:00 pm