How to Choose The Right Chimney Cover
A chimney cover –– also known as a chimney cap –– is a small metal attachment that fits on the top of a chimney flue. Chimney covers serve multiple purposes. For one, they help prevent fires by containing sparks, debris, and flames that may rise out of a chimney. In addition, many improve a chimney’s ventilation and prevent downdrafts. They also keep out pests and birds and stop them from creating nests in your chimney, which can obstruct airflow. Lastly, chimney covers help mitigate against snow, ice, and rain entering your chimney and affecting the brick structure within.
Clearly, chimney covers are important. But how can you find the right chimney cover for your home? Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about purchasing chimney caps and help you make a smart decision without any hassle:
Flue Shape & Size
Most chimney caps resemble a small metal box, but they do come in different shapes and sizes. The reason for this is that chimney flues can be round, ovular, squared off, or rectangular. And different chimney caps are designed to fit into different flues. Before you purchase a chimney cap, it’s important to first inspect your flue and determine its shape and size. Take a precise measurement of the flue –– otherwise you could end up buying a chimney cap that doesn’t fit at all!
Types of Chimney Covers
All chimney covers are made of some form of metal –– typically steel, aluminum, or copper. In broad terms, copper chimney caps tend to be the most durable, (but the most expensive); aluminum caps are cheap, but can be prone to bending; and stainless steel caps are generally the most balanced option of the three.
Chimney Cap Installation
Chimney cap installation may be extremely straightforward or rather tricky, depending on the cap and the flue. Some caps require screws or bolts to be placed into either the flue or the crown (the small area around the flue at the top of the chimney). Conversely, other chimney caps simply “slip on” within a chimney flue. Often, the size, quality, and specifications of a chimney cap will determine how complicated installation proves.
Chimney Cover Prices
As we’ve explained above, chimney covers come in all shapes and sizes, are made of various materials, and require different levels of installation. Perhaps unsurprisingly, chimney cover prices vary wildly as a result. For instance, you can get some very inexpensive chimney caps for as low as $120. On the other end of the spectrum, specialized chimney caps can go for as high as $2,000. What type of chimney cover you eventually decide to buy should reflect what you want from it. Do you want one that’s extremely durable or are you comfortable replacing it in a few years? Do you want one that matches your home’s exterior design or is that not a priority? It’s important to answer these questions first before you break out your checkbook.
A Word from The Pros
Researching, buying, and installing a chimney cover all on your own can be a daunting task. Thankfully, when you contact the professionals at Brickworks, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect chimney cap for your home. We have years of experience working with homeowners to find brick and masonry solutions, and we handle all varieties of chimney repair, maintenance, and service. Contact our team here at (586) 330-4843 to learn more!
How Long Does Tuckpointing Last?
Lasting value is the key to any home-repair service. After all, no homeowner wants to constantly dip into their savings to cover home-maintenance costs. And that’s not to mention the hassle of dealing with crumbling bricks or damaged facades year in and year out. That’s why it’s important to determine how long certain services will last. Thankfully, tuckpointing –– the process of replacing damaged or eroded mortar in between bricks –– is a highly effective way to ensure the structural integrity of a home. To address today’s titular question: how long does tuckpointing last? In general, tuckpointing on a new brick building will last for about 25 years. There are a number of factors that can affect this estimate one way or another, and we’ll explore them here:
Climate
Moisture is the enemy of all brick buildings. Bricks are very solid, but they’re also porous, which means water can enter through their surface and eventually cause damage. Naturally, areas that receive a lot of rainfall are more susceptible to brick damage. Furthermore, an improper drainage system (including pipes underneath your home) could work to undermine your home’s brick exterior.
Tuckpointing vs Repointing
There are two distinct types of tuckpointing. The first, known as “repointing” or “spot” tuckpointing involves replacing the mortar only on a specific area of a brick wall. A full tuckpointing project, conversely, covers the entire brick wall. Repointing is perfect, then, for fixing small areas in your exterior that have been affected by the weather or other external force. By repointing strategically every now and again, homeowners can avoid potentially costly repairs.
Quality of Installation
Tuckpointing is a relatively straightforward process and you can do it yourself if so inclined. (To learn the basics of tuckpointing, click here.) However, it’s important to realize that the quality of installation will affect the value of the repairs. Amateurs who have little-to-no experience tuckpointing may be unable to do little more than supply a “band-aid” for a crumbling exterior. What’s more, homeowners should beware cut-rate contractors who use cheap mortar or shoddy tools. Slapdash brickwork will likely need to be corrected soon to prevent further deterioration.
What Happens if I Wait Too Long?
While tuckpointing is an inexpensive and efficient way to prolong the integrity of your brick home, other brick repair methods can be much more substantial. Indeed, bricks can last up to a hundred years if well-maintained, but if you notice bricks in your wall coming loose from their mortar joints, then it may be too late to tuckpoint. Instead, you could be facing a much more arduous task such as a total rebuild or brick replacement.
Final Thoughts
Brick homes –– like any other investment –– require upkeep to retain their value and appearance. The good news is that tuckpointing is a simple fix to many potential problems. Remember, don’t take your chances with just any brick repair service, though. Rather, contact the pros at Brickworks for all your tuckpointing needs. Our team has years of real-world experience, and we only use the highest quality products and tools. If you want the job done right, then call us today at (586) 330-4843.
