Even the best-built masonry chimneys suffer damage over time and from years of use. This damage can balloon into major problems without annual maintenance and inspections. Chimney repair in Yonkers, NY is essential to have.

Look for a number of things that indicate your chimney is in need of repair. These include a white coating called efflorescence and crumbling bricks, also known as spalling.

When the mortar that holds the bricks of a chimney together begins to crumble, it’s a sure sign that your chimney is in need of repair. Crumbling masonry can be caused by water infiltration, poor-quality mortar used in construction, seismic events and various weather elements. Left unchecked, loose or cracked bricks and crumbling masonry can lead to more serious (and expensive) problems with your chimney.

If you notice any of these signs, consult our professional. Our chimney repair in Yonkers, NY can rebuild your chimney and re-mortar the mortar joints. The process is called tuckpointing and it can extend the life of your chimney in both appearance and performance.

Another visible indicator of chimney damage is a chimney leak. Water damage doesn’t just affect your chimney — it can also impact the interior of your home, resulting in rot, mold and other issues. Our chimney repair in Yonkers, NY can seal leaks in a relatively quick and inexpensive process known as waterproofing.

Chimneys are exposed to harsh outdoor elements year-round, which is why damage is so common. Moisture damage is particularly problematic. As moisture enters a chimney, it freezes and thaws repeatedly, which damages the surface of brick or stone, causing it to peel, pop or flake. The damage is often called spalling and it can lead to deterioration of the chimney structure and possible house leaks.

Over time, masonry walls, chimneys and other types of structures can lose the mortar that holds the brick together. This can lead to cracks and crumbling masonry that allows water to penetrate the structure and damage drywall, insulation, ceiling boards and other components. Our chimney repair in Yonkers, NY can replace or install new flashing that effectively seals the area where the chimney meets your roof.

Our chimney repair in Yonkers, NY cleans the cracked areas of your chimney, removing any loose material. Our chimney repair in Yonkers, NY then applies a high-quality chimney sealant that dries to a smooth and durable finish. C**himney repair in Yonkers, NY** may mist the repair area to help the sealant adhere to a damp surface, and they recommend keeping the area covered with a tarp or covering it with a waterproof chimney cover until it’s completely dry.

If the cracked areas of your chimney have stair-step cracks that look like steps, it’s a sign of significant structural movement and needs prompt chimney repair in Yonkers, NY by a professional. Masonry repair specialists use metal ties to stabilize the structure and prevent further movement and cracking.

If the cracks in your chimney crown are severe, a professional chimney repair in Yonkers, NY may recommend chimney rebuilding to restore its structural integrity. The chimney crown is the topmost surface of your chimney that protects it from rain, wind and other weather elements. Our chimney repair in Yonkers, NY can remove the damaged crown and construct a new one using durable masonry materials.

Chimney flashing does a great job of keeping rain and moisture out of the home. However, flashing is not impervious to damage or deterioration. Flashing is made from metal and, over time, exposure to the elements can cause rust or corrosion that causes it to crack or pull away from the chimney. When this happens, rainwater can seep in and do serious damage to the chimney and the home.

Chimney leaks can be difficult to spot. Some may be confined to the top of the chimney, while others can leak through the roof and into the home. Regardless, they are dangerous and should be repaired immediately to prevent further water damage.

To repair cracked or loose flashing, chimney repair in Yonkers, NY first thoroughly inspects the area and removes any debris that has accumulated. Then, they cut new flashing material to the correct size and position it. Next, chimney repair in Yonkers, NY secures the flashing to the shingles and chimney using roofing cement or caulking. Finally, they should reapply the roofing tar to ensure a watertight seal.

There are several types of flashing materials available, including copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel. However, each type has pros and cons that should be considered when making a selection. In general, copper flashing tends to function longer than other options. However, it is also more expensive. To minimize the cost, homeowners can request to have flashing replaced during the off-season, when contractors are typically less busy and offer discounts for smaller jobs like chimney repairs.

During rain or windy conditions, it is common for chimney caps to become loose. This can lead to the loss of the cap, which is a safety hazard because it allows rain, debris and animals into the chimney. It also prevents the proper passage of smoke and gases from the fireplace to the outside atmosphere. Our certified chimney repair in Yonkers, NY can replace your chimney cap to keep it safe and secure.

Chimney leaks are common and can be quite severe if left untreated. They can cause wood rot, chimney flue lining deterioration, water stains on the interior walls and ceiling, rusted dampers and firebox assemblies or even structural damage to the chimney structure itself.

Our professional can repair a chimney leak by applying masonry caulk to the affected areas. Alternatively, a chimney repair in Yonkers, NY may use a chimney crown repair mix that permanently seals the chimney’s top surface.

The chimney crown, cap and flashing should be regularly inspected for cracks, leaking and other damages. If any of these components are damaged, it is essential to have them repaired right away. Our roof installation in Yonkers, NY can perform these repairs as part of a thorough chimney inspection or by request.