Why Choose Keystone Masonry?

Staying on top of your home’s health is a never-ending process and at times it can seem like it’s just one problem after another, but regularly maintaining a home is significantly less costly than having to repair or replace major fixtures in your home. Your chimney is no different. Here are the three most important levels of care when it comes to your chimney:

Chimney Inspection

Creosote buildup - creosote is the general terms used for the entire mix of tar, soot, and creosote and is a byproduct of burning of wood. As you burn more wood in the fireplace the soot and sediment collects and adheres to the inside walls of the chimney leaving behind a flammable residue. This builds up in three stages (1st degree, 2nd degree, and 3rd degree) with each stage having collected more creosote than the previous one. Eventually the buildup can get to a levels that become dangerous, and it can cause a sudden fire in the home. Getting your chimney inspected for creosote buildup is an essential component of home maintenance.

Cracked chimney crowns - the chimney crown serves as an umbrella barrier for your chimney and keeps water from entering, but to do its job effectively it must be intact and in good condition. Deterioration of the crown in any way, such as unexpected cracks, deteriorating mortar, and loose bricks, can all cause water to enter and will eventually eat away at the chimney. During colder winter months the water that seeps into the cracks expands, creating even more damage and allowing more water and ice to enter. The way to determine cracked crowns is through proper maintenance and masonry inspections.

Spalling brickwork - when moisture enters a brick it can be extremely corrosive over time, especially as the temperatures drop the moisture and freezes, beginning to expand within the brick itself. Over time the brick gets stretched out it becomes more fragile. Unchecked, this constant freezing and thawing will make the brick fragile that eventually the brick disintegrates, flaking and parts of the brick break off. Exterior bricks are typically more dense, being less moisture absorbent than internal bricks, but continued exposure to the elements will eventually cause internal disintegration of the brick.

Unwanted/Uninvited Animal Infestation - typically, inclement weather will lead to animals needing shelter from the elements, and they are not shy to make homes in the most unexpected of places, including your chimney. You’ll find evidence of rodents' homes, birds and their nests, raccoons, owls and other animals that can be problematic when a fire is lit in the chimney. In cases where animals have nested and they big enough, they’ll also have an impact on how well (or poorly) the fire receives oxygen; poorly circulating oxygen will mean that the heat is short-lived and not as strong. If you notice a much weaker fire or combustion than in previous years then there is a strong possibility that something like an animal infestation may be occurring.

Chimney (flue) linings fracture - flue linings are defined as “a clay, metal, or ceramic conduit installed inside of a chimney, intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.” The lack of a flue lining in your chimney can be problematic and can lead to disaster if left without a lining. Ensuring there are no cracks in your flue liner creates optimal conditions for airflow to circulate correctly and can prevent unnecessary burning of the mortar between bricks.

Chimney Cleaning

Disposing of flammable creosote - it’s extremely important to keep your chimney linings from accumulating too much creosote, the highly flammable aforementioned byproduct of burning wood. The more creosote you accumulate, the slower the airflow and the larger the amount of still air will linger. When there is a lot of hot air accumulating in the chimney chute, there is an increased chance that a spark will catch and spread to the creosote causing a fire. A chimney cleaning specialist can safely remove the creosote from your chimney using sweeping tools-brushes and a commercial vacuuming system. Routine maintenance is critical to your safety and will also prevent unwanted smells in the summertime.

Animal Removal - not only do you not want animals (and their potential offspring) entering your house through the chimney, but they can leave behind big messes. Additionally, animal remnants can assist with spalling of brick. Tree debris and brush can retain moisture which can be absorbed by the brick. As the moisture freezes, the water turns into ice and breaks apart the brick from the inside. Eventually the brick will begin to crumble from the constant heating and cooling cycle. Clearing the chimney of animals and debris can prevent unnecessary decay, and preserve your chimney.

Vacuum sweeping - if you can’t remember the last time you had your chimney swept, then it probably means your chimney needs a deep cleaning. A relatively simple process, this can be done by our professionals and is the best thing you can do to keep your fireplace safe and running efficiently. How often should you sweep your chimney? Largely influenced by use, it is highly recommended to have your entire system inspected at least once every 12 months.

Chimney Repair

Install caps on your chimney - this has many benefits including the prevention of moisture build-up, keeps animals and their nests out, blocks wind downdrafts, and also prevents sparks from lighting up the creosote.

Replace damper - the damper is a metal compartment that is located directly above the flame but below the flue, and it controls the air flow into the chimney. The damper can be replaced if needed and is relatively inexpensive to swap out.

Replace or repair the flashing - flashing is sheet metal that is installed between the chimney and roof and is intended to keep the connection between the two water tight. With time, the flashing will wear out and will need replacement.

Replace chimney lining - when the lining gets worn out it gives way to creosote build up and increases the chance of the oils catching fire and spreading extremely quickly. Lining is not something you want to put off for the next year.

Waterproofing - water penetration is the single greatest cause of deterioration to your chimney, the life of your fireplace can be extended by taking simple measures to waterproof the entire system.

Tuckpointing - excessive creosote buildup can cause rapid deterioration of the mortar between the bricks and will eventually need to be filled with new mortar. Tuckpointing is standard maintenance with any house that has brick.

Where We Provide Service

Whether you need our masonry services for home, business, or commercial use, we approach them with the same expert eye. We are happy to travel around Chicagoland, from Chicago's North Shore (Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Glenview, Northbrook), to Chicago southwest suburbs (Aurora, Joliet, Romeoville), Chicago west suburbs (Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Bartlett, Elmhurst), and Chicago proper. We will travel to the site and assess the scope of work that needs to be done, while explaining the most important details of the project, to provide an estimate and projected date of completion.