Chimney Flashings
If you are concerned with or are having problems with the effects of the environmental elements on your chimney and roof, installing or fixing the flashing is your smartest move. Flashing will primarily protect your chimney against water damage, dirt and debris. Chimneys can be a major trouble spot for most homeowners. Be sure to inspect them at least once a year.







Chimney Rebuilding


Mortar crumbling, infiltration by water, exposure to elements, frequent use, time, & lack of preventative maintenance will make a chimney vulnerable, calling for major repairs if not a complete chimney rebuilding. Repeated and/or improper chimney repairs & chimney rebuilds are also major causes of chimney rebuilds. A chimney's lifetime depends on climate, usage, construction, and maintenance.


Yankee Gutters

Also known as built-in or integral gutters, the earliest examples of Yankee gutters employed a combination of wood and metal to construct the body of the system. Wood was used as an external element to construct the shell for the gutters, while sheets of metal were used to line the interior. The gutters usually made use of a sloped bottom to help expedite the flow of water through the gutter. While various metals were used for the interior lining, copper emerged during the 19th century as a favored option.

Regular inspection of the metal liner is one of the best ways to prolong the life of the gutters, as the metal helps to protect the wood box from mildew and moisture. Signs that there is likely some damage to repair includes paint peeling off the facing of the gutter, darkened sections of the wood that is moist to the touch, or damage to the masonry surrounding the gutter system.

Chimney Caps & Pot
Temporary repairs are the common solution to a failing chimney, but a better choice is chimney rebuilding. Many homeowners tend to neglect their chimneys; so when problems become apparent, it's often too late for simple repairs. The best option then is tearing down and rebuilding the chimney.

What Is the Purpose of a Chimney Cap?
Chimney caps & pots serve a number of purposes, including improving home safety, preventing disruptive occurrences and avoiding costly repairs.


Birds

It is common for birds to enter a chimney that does not have a chimney cap, typically looking for a nesting area. The birds can also fly into the fireplace and, if the fireplace door is open, right into the house.

Animals

Animals also are known to get into chimneys, particularly squirrels, raccoons and bats.

Nesting Material

If nesting material in the chimney is not removed, the blockage can cause carbon monoxide to build up in the house when the fireplace or wood stove is used.

Rain

Rain coming into the chimney can cause unpleasant odors and damage flue walls. Rain also may run down into the stovepipe and the stove itself, or into the fireplace, and cause further damage.

Wind

Another purpose of a chimney cap is to minimize wind downdrafts that cause smoke.

Embers

A chimney cap prevents embers and sparks from flying out of the chimney and possibly damaging the roof.