Your home’s chimney seems like a solid, strong part of your home or business. However, even though it’s built to stand the test of time, weather and the elements can cause some considerable damage if it isn’t properly maintained. But what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t have your Nashville home’s chimney masonry and brickwork repaired in a timely manner? Here’s a quick look at the possibilities.
What Happens When Chimney Masonry Goes Without Needed Repairs
- Additional Damage: When your chimney’s masonry begins to fail, it allows more moisture to enter your chimney structure. The freeze/thaw cycle of the cold months causes even more damage, allowing more moisture to enter your home.
- Water Leaks: The water leaking into your chimney can eventually enter the rest of your home, whether through chimney cracks in your attic or simply puddling on the interior of your fireplace or wood stove.
- Mold and Mildew: As this water sits, it can create an environment that is favorable to mold and mildew, especially in Tennessee’s humid climate. This can spread to your walls and ceilings, causing stains, or can cause allergy problems and health issues.
- Poor Draft: Because your chimney is no longer a single, monolithic structure, it can make it hard for the smoke to smoothly leave the chimney. This can cause smoke to back up into your structure, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Structural Failure: Eventually, your chimney will no longer be able to support itself completely. If this is caught early enough, it may be possible to repair it without having to entirely replace the chimney.
- Roof Damage: As the structure of your chimney fails, it can cause significant roof damage. Bricks can fall, scraping your roof’s surface and leading to leaks, or moisture inside your attic can cause rot in the roof’s structure.
- Fire: If you try to use your chimney during these circumstances, from the initial water leaks all the way down to the structural failure, you’re at a higher risk of a chimney fire from buildup on rough surfaces or a house fire from leaks through to your home’s interior.
By staying on top of issues with your Nashville home’s chimney masonry, you can ensure that your chimney will function properly and safely, preventing considerable damage to your home or business. If you’re ready to improve the condition of your Nashville home’s chimney masonry work, this is the perfect time to pursue it. Please feel free to reach out to the experienced professionals at Allegiance Chimney Solutions today to get started.
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