Last week, we explained why fireplaces are a hot home feature and how much value it can add to your home. If you already have a fireplace and chimney, you might be wondering when it is the right time to invest in your fireplace and chimney.
As the weather heats up, starting a new home improvement project may be at the top of your to do list especially since putting money back into your home is a smart way to invest your tax return. Upgrading your fireplace to a more contemporary style could make your home more marketable. You could also reduce your energy costs throughout the year and, potentially, qualify for an extra tax credit next year if you choose to upgrade to a more energy efficient fireplace. Investing in your chimney and fireplace may also protect the safety and structural integrity of your home.
Even though masonry chimneys and fireplaces have a long life, eventually they need to be repaired or replaced. Neglecting them for too long can put you and your home more at risk. If you fail to recognize the signs and take action, your home could endure serious structural damage, or you and your loved ones could suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning.
These are the 3 signs that your fireplace and chimney should be replaced or repaired:
1. Black Stains in the Firebox
A little discoloration in a firebox is normal but, if there are dark black stains, it is a sign that your fireplace is unusually smoky which means that it is not venting properly. This could be a serious health risk.
Fire not only produces soot and smoke that can irritate allergies and asthma, it also produces toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (known as the “silent killer” because it is a tasteless, odorless poisonous gas that kills more than 400 people per year). If these combustion byproducts cannot escape up the chimney, they will collect into your home putting you and your loved ones at risk.
If you notice serious staining in your fireplace or a lot of extra smoke billowing into your home from the fireplace, you should contact a professional chimney technician to evaluate the problem. In most cases, the cause will be:
· The wrong chimney height
· Negative air pressure
· Obstructions in the chimney (such as an animal nest, leaves or other debris)
Upgrading to an attractive, new fireplace might be the best solution.
2. Deteriorating Mortar
Cracks in the mortar and missing chunks or a chimney that is leaning to one side are signs that the mortar in your chimney needs to be replaced. This is often a problem for homes with a chimney that is 25 years old or older. While fireplace and chimney bricks can last almost 100 years, mortar only lasts for about a quarter of that time.
The reason that mortar has a shorter life is because water is able to seep into it more easily. During the winter, this water expands and contracts. This process eventually wears mortar down causing it to deteriorate. If it is not replaced, the structure of the chimney will be compromised. It will begin to lean to one side and, eventually, it will collapse causing additional damage to your home and posing a safety risk for you and your loved ones.
Repairing masonry can be expensive but, if you put off repairs for too long, you might have to pay for more than new mortar.
3. Discolored or Stained Bricks on the Chimney
If you notice white, green, yellow or brown staining on your chimney, it is a strong indicator that there is water damage. This staining is called “efflorescence.” It is produced when moisture draws traces of salt out of the masonry to the surface. At first, these salt deposits will look powdery. Over time, if the problem is not solved and the deposits are not washed off, it will look fuzzy or fluffy. Though it might only look like a cosmetic problem, it is the sign of a serious issue. Water can do considerable damage to both the chimney and surrounding materials in your home (such as structural beams and dry wall). It can also cause mold to grow in the chimney which can result in minor to serious health issues.
If you notice any one of these three signs, you should move “Fireplace and Chimney Upgrade” to the top of your home improvement list. A deteriorating chimney can be as dangerous as a faulty furnace and considerably more damaging for your home if it is not taken care of. If you want to talk to an expert, give us a call at (970) 266-8556! We serve homeowners from Northern Colorado, & Southern Wyoming.