Gas/Oil Burner Shuts Down
Some of today’s heating appliances have an automatic cut off switch which will shut the unit down if it cannot vent the fumes through your chimney. This could be the result of a bird nesting in your chimney, a blockage at the base, or a collapse of the interior of your chimney. All three scenarios should be addressed immediately. We do offer emergency service.
Animal/Birds in Chimney
In the cold weather birds and squirrels like to stay warm near the chimney, unfortunately one or two may fall in and not be able to get out. Also when your chimney is not in use birds may nest inside, you might not notice until the next heating season. To eliminate this problem have a stainless steel cap installed, it will keep all birds and squirrels out and prevent any rain from entering in your chimney.
Water Leaks In Basement Near Chimney
If you have a gas burner that was recently installed and are experiencing water leaking from the base of the chimney it may be condensation due to an improperly size chimney liner, which in time will deteriorate the clay lining. If it is your fireplace that has water build up you should have a stainless steel cap installed, and check cement crown
Loose/Missing Bricks
If you see pieces of cement on your roof or on the ground near the chimney, chances are its coming from your chimney. This is a problem that when ignored can cause a very costly rebuild. Most of the time the root of the problem is at the top of the chimney which is the cement crown is.
The cement crown serves two purposes, one is to secure the top course of bricks together the other purpose is to wash rain off the chimney so that it doesn’t penetrate through the chimney. If you have cracks in your crown every time it rains it works its way through the chimney, and in the winter it freezes over and expands. A lot of times your chimney may look in good condition from the ground but when seen up close reveals a lot of problems.