Sunday, August 22, 2010

Water and Your Chimney



While some may be praying for water to cool off during these hot summer days, your chimney may be screaming "ENOUGH"! 


This area has had some pretty strong thunderstorms with torrential downpours, and unlike you, your chimney doesn't have the luxury of shelter, it is left to brave these elements on it's own, on the front lines.
Water can cause a lot of problems in chimney systems, and without intervention, water leaks may cause even greater problems for you.  


Water leaks often occur in the following areas of your chimney:


1. Concrete Crowns
Chimney crowns are simply roofs for your chimney. Water will be kept from entering the chimney and causing deterioration of the brick and masonry. Chimney crowns should be inspected for cracks, which allow water to penetrate the chimney. If cracks are present, a new concrete crown should be relayed and should slope away from the chimney.



2. Flashing 
The flashing is the most common source of leaks in chimneys. The flashing, a thin sheet of metal joins the chimney and the roof and creates a water tight seal between the two. The flashing should be regularly inspected for gaps. If the flashing is loose, it should be resealed with high grade sealant, or replaced, if necessary.


3. Chimney Bricks
Bricks are porous and deteriorate quickly when exposed to the freeze/thaw process in which moisture that has penetrated the bricks periodically freezes and expands, causing undue stress. Chimney bricks should be inspected for cracks and loose mortar joints, and repaired as necessary. If not corrected, the problem will only spread and can cause damage to the interior of your home.


Priddy Clean's trained sweeps will carefully inspect your chimney to pinpoint the source of the water leak in your chimney and make repair recommendations accordingly. We offer a wide variety of services to assist you in whatever water problem you may have in your chimney.


So what are you waiting for? Call Priddy Clean now and save the water for your swimming pool, not your chimney!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Preparing for Fall!

The summer is almost over, but there is still time for you to prepare your chimney for the fall and winter seasons.


Most wait until the fall to have their chimneys cleaned and inspected, but did you know that best time to address your chimney's safety is the summer season? Well, if you are wondering why, here are a few reasons:


1. Prices! The summer is considered the off-season for chimney companies; the demand for fireplace cleaning is relatively low, therefore the cost for cleaning is also low. The average cost of fireplace cleaning in the DC, VA and MD metropolitan area during the fall is $189, during the summer however, the average cost is around $139. Customers can also enjoy reduced prices on chimney repairs. Chimney companies will likely offer you a greater discount during their off season, than during the fall.


2. Weather! The [mostly] dry weather of summer, is a great time to address chimney repairs. Most chimney problems are worsened during the cold weather, so tending to your chimney's damage during the summer will prevent further deterioration over the fall and winter season. And of course, it's cheaper!


3. Don't wait until the 11th hour! Fall is the busiest season, and while many companies offer same or next day service, every chimney company's fall schedule is fraught with customers in need of chimney service, so it's first come, first serve... and there's a lot of people coming.  Oh, and did I mention, it's cheaper?


So call Priddy Clean now and have your chimney cleaned and inspected early, if there are repairs needed, take care of them before the fall season rush! 


And remember: If we didn't clean it, it's not Priddy Clean!

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Priddy Clean Chimney Sweeps & Air Duct Cleaning has been servicing the Maryland, D.C. and Virginia Metropolitan area for over 28 years, with great reviews! We are fully licensed, bonded, insured and CSIA certified. 

Check out our website for a complete description of our services and current specials. For your convenience, we now offer online scheduling!

The purpose of this blog is to update you on our seasonal specials, ongoing projects, chimney and non-chimney included, as well relevant articles on chimney safety and home improvement.

So stay tuned!