Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

3 Ways Water Damages Chimneys

Water is the source of life, but not for chimneys. It can cause deterioration and different kinds of issues. See to it that water doesn’t seep in and cause problems.

If your chimney springs a leak (or 10), it will quickly respond by beginning to deteriorate. That is why those of us at Clean Sweeps & Air Duct Cleaners of Michigan recommend doing your best to prevent chimney leaks and responding as soon as possible if you or your chimney sweep have detected a leak. Why? Chimney leaks can be very costly to repair because they quickly spread to adjacent areas like walls, ceilings, and floors and because they grow exponentially worse over time.

Unfortunately, even well-built chimneys may eventually leak. The key to preventing this is regular maintenance—we recommend annual inspections and sweepings—which will ensure that your chimney receives regular attention from a C.S.I.A. trained professional. Our chimney sweeps actually utilize a 25-Point Leak Inspection process to identify the source of the leak and locate any damage that may have been done.

There are many ways in which water can attack the efficiency, safety, and performance of your chimney, including the three following:

Water destroys chimney masonry.

We have seen moisture have numerous negative effects on chimney brick and order, including gapping, spalling, cracking, staining, and crumbling. Once needed masonry repairs have been made, we recommend applying a waterproofing agent to your chimney to keep it protected and sealed in future years.

Water cracks or rusts important components.

If a chimney component such as a cap, damper, or flashing was improperly installed or if an inferior material was used, it may have rusted or broken, allowing water into the chimney. Often times we can repair faulty components, though we may need to completely replace a part if the quality is not good.

Water creates mold and/or mildew.

The existence of damp, musty odors is a pretty sure sign that your chimney has become the unwitting home to mold or mildew, which notoriously destroys the surfaces where it takes root. Mold can also be harmful to your health, not to mention foul smelling. Mostly, though, mold in or around your chimney indicates the presence of water, which can only mean that damage is already taking place in your chimney and will likely grow worse.

Our technicians at Clean Sweeps & Air Duct Cleaners of Michigan will be able to quickly and correctly detect the source of your leak and repair it for the long haul so that you can get back to using your chimney with confidence. Have a leaky chimney and live in the Jackson or Ann Arbor area? Call us today at 517-783-4560 if you live in Jackson or 734-668-4780 if you live in Ann Arbor.

Chimney Mold 101

The Rundown on Chimney Mold

We all know that homes can be affected by mold growing inside the house; however, most people think of the basement as the prime area for mold growth, although your chimney and fireplace can also create the perfect environment for mold to grow, especially if you have a leaky chimney. Not an uncommon problem, chimney mold can have adverse effects on the health of your family, and it can spread quickly to other parts of your home. If you ever see actual mold growing on the bricks of your fireplace or notice a musty odor in your home, you need to call an experienced chimney company like Clean Sweep & Air Ducts of Michigan to check out your fireplace and chimney for mold growth and have it removed promptly. We would like to tell you more about chimney mold because mold can cause serious health problems and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Mold can cause an allergic reaction that can aggravate breathing problems and cause headaches.

How does mold grow in my chimney?

If you do not use your fireplace all year long, your chimney is at greater risk for mold growth. Unused fireplaces provide the perfect environment for mold growth because they are dark, damp, and poorly ventilated. Since mold spreads quickly, it does not take long for it to invade your entire chimney and even your home.

What are the signs of chimney mold?

Sometimes you can actually see the mold growing on the bricks around your fireplace, but usually the mold is unable to be seen since it is growing inside your chimney. However, you may see mold growing in other parts of the room where the fireplace is, as mold tends to spread quickly. If you see mold in a room with a fireplace, you should immediately call Clean Sweep & Air Ducts of Michigan to inspect your chimney for mold growth. Other signs include a musty odor coming from your fireplace and the development of respiratory problems in you and your family due to breathing in mold spores.

What are the adverse health effects mold can have on myself and my family?

You may notice common-cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, headache, sore throat, and a runny nose. Mold can also lead to serious illnesses like bronchitis, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, chronic sinusitis, and pneumonia

How do I remove mold from my chimney?

You should call a professional Chimney Safety Institute of America-certified chimney company like Clean Sweep & Air Ducts of Michigan to inspect your chimney for mold growth and to remove the mold. If you are suffering from mold-related health problems such as respiratory issues, it is essential that you stay away from the area with mold and do not try to clean the mold yourself. You can remove any mold growing on the exterior of your fireplace with an antifungal cleanser and a stiff brush, but you may want to check with your doctor to be sure it is okay for you to attempt to clean up any mold yourself.

If you have more questions about chimney mold, contact Clean Sweep & Air Ducts of Michigan today to talk to our staff. Our certified and trained technicians are ready to sweep your chimney clean of any mold growth.