When it comes to our roof, we don't really think about the chimney, but it is important. If a chimney stack is damaged due to the elements or simply old age, we often have visible clues, such as mortar joints weakening and eroding. If brickwork is missing any parts or starting to crumble, this should be sorted as soon as possible. Any openings or cracks can be a worry, due to water potentially freezing inside them during the cold months. If this happens it can cause expansion and if your chimney is wearing away it will need urgent work.
If you find any brown marks this could indicate damp issues, potentially caused by leaking gutters or damaged flashings, which has caused issues within the brick pointing. This means the rooms underneath could be susceptible to the damp, therefore causing mould and mildew within the timber. If you also find that your home is often cold with draughts, this could mean the chimney pot is crooked or even missing. An issue with the chimney could cause debris to fall down, causing damage to the room below.
If you notice any rust forming, this suggests that there is rain seeping through cracks, leading to potential flue damage. Roof and chimney repairs will likely be needed, to keep things protected, such as a new flue liner to keep both the insulation and masonry intact. One more obvious sign of a chimney issue is a lean. If a chimney is old is can be common to have a small lean, but it can mean the joints need assessing to check the stability. You may need to have it rebuilt to ensure the safety and security of your home. Call Ayre roofing for any Chimney repairs and Lead Roofing in Exeter.
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