Reasons for Repairing a Chimney Chase in Dallas
During this time of year, most people have fond thoughts of fireplaces and chimneys. Whether these thoughts have to do with warmth or jolly fat men doesn’t matter. All that matters is that, during the winter, people enjoy the comfort and ambiance of a beautiful fire crackling away. What few people realize, though, is that a fireplace comes with many parts and pieces that make it work and make it safe.
Where Is the Chimney Chase?
One of the most important parts of the whole fireplace construction is the chimney chase. This is the big, long part of the chimney that is easily seen on the side of houses with fireplaces. The chimney chase is responsible for covering the portion of the chimney that expels noxious gases from the home. Without this covering, all people would see would be a big, ugly metal chute attached to someone’s home. In order to make chimneys more visually appealing, home builders usually encase them in the same material from which the home is built. So if the home is made from brick, chances are the chase is brick as well.
Can They Be Damaged?
Unfortunately, there are several things that can damage a chimney chase including chimney fires, water, debris, and age. Chimney fires are a scary reality for anyone who has a chimney. The good news is, however, that they are easily preventable with routine chimney maintenance. The cause of chimney fires is simple: the chimney was dirty. Unfortunately, the repair is not simple as it may require building an entirely new chimney.
Damage by Water
More common reasons for needing expert chimney repair dallas include acts of Mother Nature. Water is a homeowner’s worst enemy and it is no different for chimney chases. Water can easily find its way into the nooks, crooks, and crannies of a chase. Once there, it begins to expand and contract causing the chase to start breaking apart. Water can also cause mold, mildew, and rot to occur inside the chimney which is difficult, but not impossible, to repair.
Damage by Tree
Debris damage can occur from any number of things, but the most common is storms. Just like the rest of a home, chimneys can be severely damaged by falling branches. After a severe storm, it is always a good idea to have a certified chimney sweep come do an inspection of the chimney and all its parts. Many times, structural damage is easier to fix than water damage.
Damage by Time
Time is certainly no friend to a home. While it seems that appliances have a life span of about 10 years, chimneys usually last much longer. The key to making sure that a chimney lasts the lifetime of the house is finding a company that specializes in repairing chimneys. At Atlanta Chimney Doctor, we provide thorough routine inspection and maintenance to make sure that a chimney stays in good repair for years to come.