Masonry Repair: What is it?

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• What is Masonry Repair?
• Why You Should Hire a Professional?

 

You can’t repair masonry if you don’t know what masonry is, right? So today we’re going to talk about what it is, and what you need to know about it.

Oftentimes, people ask how they can repair masonry on their own. While there are easy ways to do it, looking for a professional who could do it for you is still recommended. This is to make sure that the repairs are done right, and the structural damage doesn’t get any worse from there.

Masonry refers to the units of material that makeup a concrete building. They are quite literally the building blocks of certain structures. The term can refer to a number of materials such as stone, concrete, limestone, and marble. There are more materials to choose from, of course, and you have to know what it is you are using in your fireplace, or chimney, or any other part of your home.

Remember that even the strongest and most durable materials cannot last forever. Over time, these materials will be weakened by their exposure to harmful elements like the weather. And even if the masonry isn’t exposed, it could still be worn out after some time. These materials deteriorate—and that’s why eventually, we’ll need to have them repaired.

What is Masonry Repair?

Masonry repair is all about the upkeep, replacement, and maintenance of these materials that makeup the building.

As the masonry weakens, so does the structure. If we want to keep it from sustaining major damage, we need to fix the problems as soon as possible. Doing it as early as possible is the key to avoiding major structural damage. Small problems have to be addressed before they balloon into expensive problems. In the long run, you’ll be saving yourself from the headache of having to deal with inconvenient repairs. You’ll be saving a lot of money too.

Make sure you pay attention to these small problems, even if they are only aesthetic issues. And let’s face it, repairs can be potentially invasive. So we want to maintain the structural integrity of the masonry, as much as possible. To do this, we must be proactive.

Other than keeping the building strong and all its inhabitants safe, there’s one other benefit in masonry repair: it keeps the structure looking beautiful. If you have a wood burning fireplace that you use actively, then you know how nice it can be when you are all sitting by the fire and enjoying its warmth during the cold winter months. It adds character to the room.

Masonry repair maintains the structure’s long term beauty and functionality. If you want to make sure that everything is in good working condition, having regular inspections is a great idea. A professional will be able to spot these small issues before they get any worse. It will save you and your family a lot of time, money, and energy.

Why You Should Hire a Professional?

Spotting these issues is one thing—repairing them is another. Of course, there are ways to repair masonry on your own: all you have to do is read a guide online and buy the necessary equipment. But if you hire a professional, you won’t even have to break a sweat. They’ll even have their own tools to do it properly.

There’s no denying that a professional with years of experience will be able to do it quicker and more efficiently, so it could minimize the time they need to complete the repairs.

In the long run, the investment will protect your masonry and your building for many years. It can undo damage done by wind, rain, age, and other harmful elements.

Contact Clean Sweep 317 today and ask us about our masonry repair services!

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How to Repair Masonry Paint

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• First Things First: Repairing Cracks
• Repairing Masonry Paint

 

Most homeowners never think about the masonry or the masonry paint. It’s just kind of there all the time—why should we pay that much attention to it? We only have to care about masonry when it’s in need of repairs: when the cracks are getting more noticeable, and they’re becoming too annoying to ignore.

Most homeowners will immediately consider hiring a professional to repair these damages—and that’s the best way to approach the situation. But if you’re more comfortable doing it on your own, you should at least know the basics.

On this article, we will be focusing on how to repair masonry paint. This is mainly an aesthetic concern, but it still needs to be addressed properly.

First Things First: Repairing Cracks

Oftentimes, paint will be damaged by cracks on the wall. Repairing these cracks should be your number one priority because it threatens the structure (as well as appearance) of your masonry.

If you want to repair cracks in foundations, slabs, walkways, and walls, you’ll need to ensure that the cause of movement that cracked the masonry has been stabilized. If the movement is minimal, you may be able to seal it up by filling it with concrete caulk. It should move with the crack for a permanent seal.

For more severe movement, you need to reinforce the footer or foundation to stop it from causing further damage. If there are multiple cracks, it may indicate a structural problem that should be fixed before anything else. You may want to hire a professional for this.

For thinner cracks, masonry caulk could be used to fill them in. Clear the loose concrete by running a putty knife through the crack once or twice. You can also vacuum out all loose debris to make it easier to fill it up with sealant later on. Once you fill the crack with an overflowing bead of caulk, you should immediately smooth it over with a putty knife. Feather the edges into the surrounding surface.

Use a damp rag to wipe away any excess caulk. Leave it to set. Once it dries, you can paint over it.

Take note that it may take new masonry quite a while to cure and become completely hard. And depending on the kind of paint you are using it may take a longer time before you can apply it to new masonry.

Repairing Masonry Paint

You can paint over the repaired cracks with a roller and some paint. It’s really that simple. However, all masonry surfaces are difficult to paint, especially if you’re trying to get maximum coverage. A concrete surface is tough to paint because it is porous and will absorb every bit of moisture until it becomes completely saturated.

Expect that a full roller of paint won’t get you very far, and you will have to refill it a few times just to cover a few feet.

Of course, you can always hire a professional to do all of this for you. At Clean Sweep 317, we provide masonry repair, and other related services. Contact us today and we’ll see what we can do to help you.

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How Much Does Chimney Sweeping Cost

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• Why is Chimney Sweeping Necessary?
• What Does a Chimney Sweep Involve?
• How Much Does Chimney Sweeping Cost?

 

Ever thought about the cost of having your chimney swept? Probably not. If your family is just like any other family in the US, there’s a decent chance that you’ve never even considered it. There’s just no reason to prioritize it over other expenses.

At least, that’s what many people think.

On this article, we’ll be discussing why chimney sweeping is important, and how much it would cost you if you do get one. You might be surprised how important this simple job is. Whether you’re burning logs or firing up the gas fireplace, chimney maintenance should be one of your highest priorities—at least once a year, that is.

Why is Chimney Sweeping Necessary?

Simply put, unclean chimneys can cause fires. Flare ups occur due to the buildup of creosote, which is a combustible residue that sticks to the chimney walls after burning wood. If this isn’t removed, it could easily ignite your chimney—and the rest of your home.

In fact, the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA reported that in 2016, home heating equipment accounted for 16 percent of home fires. It was also the cause for 19 percent of home fire deaths from 2009 to 2013. Thirty percent of fires occurred due to unclean equipment, primarily chimneys.

You can avoid creosote from quickly building up by using dry wood, which burns up completely and efficiently. But you still need to have a professional chimney cleaning annually to make sure creosote and other flammable obstructions could be removed properly without damaging your chimney.

What Does a Chimney Sweep Involve?

If you hire a professional chimney sweep, you can expect them to conduct a thorough inspection before the actual cleaning. Generally, they should tell you what needs to be done to maintain the safety of your chimney. For example, if they find damaged components, they should tell you about it. They will inspect the liners, smoke chamber, firebox, and the chimney exterior for signs of wear and damage.

Most companies will be able to provide the additional services needed to fix most structural problems and keep your chimney and fireplace operating at optimal levels. A video inspection may mean an additional cost, depending on the company you’re working with.

If there’s nothing else that needs to be done, they will proceed with the sweeping.

Fire safety officials recommend an annual chimney inspection and chimney sweeping to eliminate the threat of creosote and suboptimal chimney structures.

How Much Does Chimney Sweeping Cost?

A standard chimney inspection will cost around $80 to $250, depending on the type of chimney you have. This covers a basic sweep for general safety purposes. Some chimney sweeps will perform inspections for free if you chose to have your chimney cleaned or repaired.

They will also inspect the fireplace and flue to see whether it also needs cleaning. Chimney sweeping usually costs more if your chimney is already in poor condition, or has creosote buildup. Sweeping can also be made more challenging (and therefore a bit more expensive) if there are dead or living animals in your chimney. These may require special equipment or chemicals to properly clean.

Some companies offer a discount for senior citizens, or repeat customers. Talk to them about discounts so you can discuss the exact percentage to be taken off of your bill.

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source https://www.cleansweep317.com/cost-of-chimney-sweeping/

How Much Does Chimney Sweeping Usually Cost?

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• How Much Does A Chimney Sweep Cost?
• What Does a Chimney Sweep Include?

 

At this point, most of us are familiar with the importance of chimney sweeping. An unclean chimney is a fire hazard that accounts for nearly 30 percent of all house fires every year. That’s because an unclean chimney is full of creosote. And this combustible substance builds up inside the chimney every time you light a fire. Long story short, creosote can ignite and burn your chimney if you don’t have it cleaned.

But how much does chimney sweeping actually cost? How much will it set you back and what prices are considered reasonable?

It’s no question that this is a necessary investment, especially for those who use their fireplaces actively. But how much is it supposed to cost? Let’s have a look.

How Much Does A Chimney Sweep Cost?

Chimney sweeping prices will vary from one company to another. So we can’t speak for all of them, but we can give you an idea of how much it usually costs. The typical range is between $120 and $320 for a simple chimney sweep. That means the national average is roughly $220.

If you’re looking for something cheap, you may find low end chimney sweeping companies that offer their services for as low as $85. The opposite end of the spectrum, the high end chimney sweeps may cost up to $800.

The prices may also vary depending on a number of factors. For example, if your chimney is being maintained regularly, you can expect the prices to be lower. But if the chimney is lined with creosote that has built up from years of neglect, it might set you back a little more.

Still, having a wood-burning fireplace has its aesthetic appeal and practical uses. Using it can lower your electric bills, especially in the winter season. Having your chimney cleaned every now and then beats paying large amounts of money for electricity.

What Does a Chimney Sweep Include?

Expect your chimney sweep to perform basic inspection before cleaning the chimney. This will help them spot structural damage and other concerns that may need to be addressed. You’ll want your fireplace and chimney working optimally to make sure it’s operating safely—so sometimes a regular sweep isn’t enough. But if your chimney is regularly cleaned and inspected, the chances of structural damage are slim to none.

If you want them to perform a more thorough inspection of the chimney, it may cost a bit more. Again, it depends on the company you are working with. It may add a few hundred dollars to your bill, depending on the kind of inspection that needs to be done.

On top of that, if there are repairs, rebuilds, and replacements that need to be done, your bill may grow according to the component in question. Needless to say, if you have these parts fixed, your chimney and fireplace will run smoothly again.

Contact Clean Sweep 317 today and ask about our prices and services. We’ll be happy to provide all your chimney- and fireplace-related needs.

The post How Much Does Chimney Sweeping Usually Cost? appeared first on Clean Sweep 317.

source https://www.cleansweep317.com/chimney-sweeping-cost/

Chimney Sweeps and Weddings: Are They Really Lucky?

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• Chimney Sweeps, Weddings, and Good Luck
• Why You Need it?

 

You’ll be surprised by the many superstitions we still have even in this modern day and age. But some of these beliefs are actually based on interesting facts that are historically accurate. Some are based on stories and legends. But whatever the basis for these beliefs, they exist in our society today because of their cultural significance.

For example, in England, it is still considered very lucky to see a chimney sweep on your wedding day. It applies to both the bride and the groom. And those who seek good fortune in their marriage may seek out a chimney sweep for this very purpose.

So where did this belief come from? And why are chimney sweeps considered lucky? Let’s find out.

Chimney Sweeps, Weddings, and Good Luck

The reason why chimney sweeps are associated with good luck, specifically for weddings, is because of several legends about it. One such legend says that King George III was once saved by a chimney sweep from falling off of his horse. The horse was apparently startled by a barking dog, causing it to panic and go wild. Luckily, a chimney sweep saw this and managed to calm the king’s frightened horse.

Extremely grateful, the king announced that all chimney sweepers were to be treated with respect from that day forward. Since that day, chimney sweeps have been a sign of good luck in England.

Another legend, similar to this one, involves King William of Britain 1066. This king was walking peacefully down a road when a runaway carriage started hurtling towards him. Without hesitation, a chimney sweep pushed the king off the road, saving his life.

It is said that chimney sweeps got their lucky reputation from this incident. Interestingly, the king invited the chimney sweep to his daughter’s wedding to make sure it would be a happy day.

These stories are fascinating to learn about, especially because chimney sweeps still hold their lucky reputation up to this day. If you want good luck on your wedding day, you can consider seeing one and shaking their hand.

Of course, there are other reasons why you should see a chimney sweep—and it’s not just for luck. They can keep your home and family safe from house fires too!

Why You Need it?

You need to have your chimney inspected at least once a year. Consider having it twice if your fireplace is really active. But the annual chimney inspection is necessary to make sure that everything is in working order, and your fireplace isn’t a fire hazard.

Every time you use your fireplace, creosote slowly builds up within the chimney. This is a combustible material that can ignite if left unchecked. If your chimney is full of creosote, it can easily start a fire. It is important to have this removed by a professional chimney sweep.

Most chimney sweeps are also trained to repair, replace, or even rebuild damaged components. They can tell you the extent of the damage after the inspection. They will inform you about what needs to be done to maintain the safety and cleanliness of your fireplace.

Your family needs more than just good luck in order to be happy: they also need to be safe and healthy. So after your wedding, when you’ve met with your chimney sweep and received good fortune, maybe you should consider having your chimney inspected—for good measure.

Contact Clean Sweep 317 today and ask about our chimney and fireplace-related services!

The post Chimney Sweeps and Weddings: Are They Really Lucky? appeared first on Clean Sweep 317.

source https://www.cleansweep317.com/chimney-sweeps-and-weddings/

Do it Yourself: How to Repair Masonry Cracks

Navigation:

• How to Repair Masonry Cracks
• Calling a Professional

 

The fireplace is a lovely addition to any home. And during the winter months, it’s more than just a centerpiece in your living room. It can keep you warm as you cuddle up by the fire with your loved ones.

But even when you’re not using your fireplace, your chimney is exposed to all kinds of elements, all throughout the year. Because of this, it can easily be damaged. Heavy rains, strong winds, and even snow, can eventually cause cracks in your masonry.

Depending on your skills and knowledge on chimney repair, you may or may not want to call a professional to fix it. In case you want to try it out and repair the bricks yourself, here’s a handy guide to give you a basic idea on what to do.

How to Repair Masonry Cracks

Some people simply use sealant to fill up cracks, as it is a very easy method of repair. But cracks that are filled with sealant are noticeable, because the bricks are colored differently and the surface of the sealant has sheen. This can be  frustrating to look at, especially if you value the appearance of your chimney or fireplace. This is an effective method of repair, no doubt, but it’s also not the most appealing approach.

Some people add sand on the surface of uncured sealant to make it look a bit like mortar. But the real method you should try depends on the visibility of the cracks, and of course, your budget.

If the cracks are obvious or highly visible, you should try replacing the cracked bricks along the length of the crack instead of patching them up with sealant.

For multi-wythe walls, you may have to repair the crack in some of the backup wythes. This is to prevent cracks from recurring.

If the crack is not that obvious, or is in a relatively concealed area, you can grind out the cracks and seal them with a good quality sealant. This is also an effective repairing technique if you have a limited budget.

Grind the cracks to a width of approximately ¼ to 3/8 inch and a depth of roughly twice the width. Install a backer rod to avoid creating a sealant joint that is bonded along three sides. If your sealant joints are bonded along three sides, it can be prone to additional or recurring damage. You want to improve the quality of your masonry, not worsen it.

And speaking of improvements, you can upgrade the appearance of these sealant joints by applying sand to the surface of the uncured sealant.

Calling a Professional

If your chimney is in need of a major crack repair and a sealant isn’t enough to do the trick satisfactorily, then calling in a professional is the next step. Normally, if you’re having your chimney cleaned, the chimney sweep will inspect the quality of your fireplace and all its components before proceeding. They will inform you if anything is in need of repairs or replacements.

To ensure the safety of your chimney, have a professional chimney sweep do the repairs for you. Contact Clean Sweep 317 today and ask about their services. They won’t just repair and clean your chimney, they will identify the cause of the damage and address those issues as well.

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source https://www.cleansweep317.com/masonry-cracks-repair/

How Do Chimney Sweeping Logs Work?

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What are Chimney Sweeping Logs?
Why Use Chimney Sweeping Logs?
Should You Still Hire a Chimney Sweep?

 

It doesn’t matter which kind of wood you are burning: whether it’s hardwood, softwood, or pressed logs, your fireplace is filling up with creosote. Unfortunately, creosote is a highly flammable material, and it could ignite and cause a house fire if it’s left unchecked. That is why an annual chimney inspection is necessary.

In some cases, you may also want to consider using a chimney sweeping log. But what exactly is it for and how do they work? On this article, we’ll be discussing the purpose of chimney sweeping logs.

What are Chimney Sweeping Logs?

A chimney sweeping log seems like a regular log at first glance, but they actually have active minerals that allow them to dry out creosote buildup. These logs have special chemicals that attach to creosote to make them flakier, and therefore easier to remove.

A chimney sweeping log usually burns for approximately 90 minutes. The smoke released from burning these logs contain additives that rise and latch onto the creosote deposits.

Some people think these logs are dangerous, but they are actually safe to use. What makes them dangerous is the fact that people have misconceptions about them. Chimney sweeping logs are advertised as a suitable substitute for actual, professional chimney sweeps.

Advertisements for chimney sweeping logs will claim that burning these will make creosote less likely to result in a chimney fire. This is dangerous because it doesn’t actually remove the creosote, it only makes them easier to clean.

If you set the right expectations for this product, you will be much safer when using it. In this regard, chimney sweeping logs are very good tools that will help make chimney sweeping easier.

Why Use Chimney Sweeping Logs?

This useful product does have its own set of benefits, despite not being capable of removing creosote on its own. For starters, it can prepare your chimney for a more thorough cleaning service, which a professional chimney sweep should perform.

By drying up the creosote, your chimney sweep should be able to remove them altogether without much effort. This helps lessen the risk of chimney fires, and in turn, also decreases the risk of house fires.

Should You Still Hire a Chimney Sweep?

As we previously established, the chimney sweeping log is a great tool for drying creosote, but it’s not meant to be used on its own. It’s way better if you follow up the treatment with an actual chimney sweeping service.

A chimney sweep does much more than just clean your chimney and fireplace. They can inspect your chimney to make sure no components are damaged. They can search for signs of wear. Most of them are also trained to perform repairs to make sure that the fireplace is working at optimal levels.

Keep your family safe from house fires caused by ignited creosote. An annual chimney inspection is recommended to ensure the safety of your fireplace.

If you want to have your chimney cleaned or repaired, make sure you’re working with the best. Call Clean Sweep 317 today!

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source https://www.cleansweep317.com/chimney-sweeping-logs-work/