tuckpointing services

Do You Need Tuckpointing Services? Look For These Red Flags

Tuckpointing is the process of replacing the mortar between bricks with two separate colors to give the impression that the joints are thin and straight. In contrast to repointing, which is used when deteriorated or missing mortar needs to be replaced to ensure a wall’s structural integrity, tuckpointing is largely (although not always only) dictated by the aesthetic preference of the homeowner(s). Here are some red flags that could indicate your home could benefit from tuckpointing services:

Loose, Crumbling, or Missing Mortar

Mortar decays over time. While bricks themselves are particularly hardy and can last for one hundred years or more, mortar is susceptible to water damage, extreme changes in temperature and pressure from the weight of surrounding bricks. If you notice loose, crumbling, or missing mortar in the joints between the bricks of your home, you likely need to consider either repointing or tuckpointing services.

Mold on Interior Walls

Even a hole the size of a pinpoint can allow water to leak into your home and cause mold to grow on interior walls. Visible puddles, water stains, a musty odor and/or rising humidity within your home might indicate that you have a problem with your masonry. Tuckpointing services might help resolve them.

Issues with Windows, Doors, and Walls

Other issues inside the home could signal it’s time for masonry repair, as well. For instance, doors and windows that become harder to open or close and cracks or shifts in walls could all be symptoms of faulty masonry joints. Similar to mold, these types of problems often mean excess moisture is getting into the home through defective mortar joints. Over time, the extra water and drastically changing temperatures can weaken your home’s walls so that they sag or bow and warp its windows and doors so that they no longer operate as intended. At this time, repointing or tuckpointing services should be contemplated.

Lackluster Curb Appeal

Of course, many people choose tuckpointing services to fix a problem of aesthetics, not structure. If you feel your home’s facade is tired or worn, tuckpointing services can often improve its general appearance. Replacing rough and uneven mortar with clean, straight lines can instantly brighten your home’s visual appeal.

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about tuckpointing services and when you need to make use of them, please contact our team of professionals at Brickworks Property Restoration. We can help you determine whether or not your home would benefit from masonry construction or repair.


prevent brick deterioration

5 Ways To Prevent Brick Deterioration

Brick exteriors provide a myriad of benefits to homeowners. Brick homes are structurally sound, their exteriors are fireproof, and brick facades boast a classic look that never goes out of style. Plus, brick homes are typically low maintenance. However, unchecked brick deterioration can ruin the look of a brick wall, corrupt its structural integrity, and cost homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs! The good news is, there are a few simple ways you can prevent brick deterioration from occurring to your home. Check them out here:

What Causes Brick Deterioration?

First, it’s important to determine what causes brick deterioration, or “spalling.” In general, water damage is the biggest threat to brick exteriors. More specifically, the freeze-thaw effect should be a particular concern for homeowners in colder climates. While bricks are very durable, they’re porous. This means that water can enter through small holes in brick surfaces. Over time, the water inside the brick will freeze and thaw as temperatures fluctuate –– thus expanding and creating cracks, flakes, and spalling. 

Worse, homeowners can’t afford to ignore this issue because water damage can become very costly over time. 

Identify Problem Areas

One of the best ways to prevent brick deterioration is to keep your brick exteriors dry. Since you can’t wrap your home in a giant poncho every time it rains, it’s important to identify certain problem areas that are most susceptible to water damage. This includes chimneys, exterior walls with minimal coverage or no overhang, brick porches, and the base of brick walls. In addition, any areas covered by greenery –– like trees and bushes –– are particularly at risk for water damage. That’s because water clings to greenery and the sun is not able to effectively dry brick exteriors obscured by trees, bushes, or vines. 

Treat Your Bricks with a Quality Sealant

Once you’ve determined the areas of your property that are susceptible to water damage, the next step is to treat your brick exteriors with a quality sealant. The best sealants work like wax on a car; they can close up porous holes in the brick and prevent water from penetrating exteriors. Note, though, that some low-quality sealants can have the opposite effect and trap water within your brick exteriors. 

Tuckpoint and Replace Crumbling Bricks

If you’ve recently purchased a brick home that’s over 25 years old, it’s prudent to tuckpoint your exteriors and replace any crumbling bricks in the facade. You may also decide to tuckpoint if you notice any spalling occurring on your brick exteriors. Tuckpointing on an as-needed basis can help close gaps or cracks in the mortar between bricks and make it harder for water penetration to occur. 

Prevent Excess Water Damage

While you may not be able to control the weather, you can take steps to ensure that excess water doesn’t affect your home. Checking your drainage system is crucial since proper drainage will prevent pooling water and potential damage to your brick exterior bases. Also, minimize or avoid power washing your brick exteriors. 

Contact a Professional

Inspections are vital to protecting your home. Annual inspections of your chimneys, porches, exteriors, or any other masonry structures can alert you to potential problems and let you stop brick deterioration before it gets out of control. By staying on top of small issues now, you can avoid expensive measures like foundation repair in the future. At Brickworks, we specialize in brick and masonry solutions and can help you fix, restore, or maintain the home of your dreams. Our team has years of in-field experience, and we consistently deliver high-quality service to achieve high-quality results. Call us today at (586) 330-4920 to protect the appearance and integrity of your brick home!


masonry chimney repair

How to Know When You Need Chimney Masonry Repair

It’s important for all homeowners to understand the basics of chimney safety. Chimney fires can be seriously damaging and dangerous, and they can happen with seemingly little warning. Indeed, chimney damage can be subtle in part because internal issues inside the flue may not be easy to spot from the outside. Thankfully, by partnering with the right masonry company at the right time, you can prevent chimney issues from affecting your home or your family. Here’s how to know when you need chimney masonry repair: 

White Stains & Rust

An early indication of chimney trouble are white stains known as efflorescence that appear on the outside of brick structures. If you notice white stains on your chimney, or along the exterior of your home, then it’s likely that some level of moisture is affecting your brick exteriors. And moisture can lead to a whole host of problems for brick buildings and chimneys. 

Similarly, rusted dampers, fireboxes, or other metal appendages to your chimney are signs that too much moisture is entering your chimney. 

Cracked or Spalling Bricks

Damaged bricks can upset the structural integrity of a chimney. Even small cracks in bricks could be a sign of serious deterioration. So keep an eye out for loose bricks and spalling bricks around your chimney. 

Worn Mortar Joints

Mortar joints hold bricks together. When mortar joints become damaged, though, brick structures may become compromised as a result. The bad news is that many homeowners overlook wear and tear on mortar joints. After all, unless you’re willing to climb up on your roof to get a good look at your chimney from the outside, you may be able to see when mortar joints are cracking or degrading. Cracked, worn, or faded mortar joints require masonry work known as tuckpointing to restore. Tuckpointing can last a long time when performed properly, but bad weather and other factors could affect your chimney more than other parts of your home. (This is one of the reasons why chimney inspections are so crucial.)

Broken Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are crucial because they ensure proper ventilation for your chimney, and they also prevent animals from nesting within your chimney. Always replace a broken chimney cap ASAP, and install one if your house doesn’t have one yet. Chimney caps are also both relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install. Considering how beneficial they are, they’re one of the best investments you can make to protect your chimney and your home. 

Excessive or Black Smoke

Excessive, black, or billowing smoke is often the sign of a chimney fire. If you see heavy black smoke coming from your chimney, exit the house, call the fire department, and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself. Some chimney fires are self-contained –– meaning they remain within the chimney. But on other occasions, chimney fires can spread to the rest of your home or even nearby buildings. 

Time

If it’s been more than a year since your last chimney inspection, then you could very well need chimney masonry repair assistance and not know it yet. As we’ve established above, chimney issues can be very serious. However, by being proactive and scheduling regular maintenance and inspections, you can prevent most of these problems from occurring. Best of all, inspections are much cheaper than the massive costs associated with repairing a structurally-compromised chimney. Keep in mind also that just because you don’t need any chimney masonry repairs, it doesn’t mean your chimney is in 100% working order. Over time, substances like creosote can build up within the walls of your chimney. Excess creosote can then, in turn, cause or exacerbate flames and fires within a chimney. During a regular inspection, though, professionals can keep your chimney clear of creosote with products like Poultice Creosote Remover. 

One final note. While you should certainly follow chimney safety best practices –– like burning dried wood, watching active fires closely, and cleaning your chimney area after use –– it’s smart to leave major repairs or projects to the pros. In rare cases, improper chimney care can expose individuals to carbon monoxide. So rather than trying to address chimney problems on your own, consider speaking to a masonry contractor instead. They’ll be able to inform you if you need chimney cleaning, sweeping, or more substantial repairs. 

Contact Us

Chimney masonry repair is a serious issue that homeowners should prioritize. Even if you don’t notice any problems with your chimney, it’s important to schedule regular inspections to ensure your chimney is in working order and is safe to operate. Whether you’re concerned about a set of caved-in bricks, or you’re just overdue for an inspection you can contact the professionals at Brickworks today for help. We provide masonry services as well as chimney maintenance assistance like sweeping, cleaning, and removing creosote. Don’t wait another minute –– call today at (586) 330-4843.


How To Choose The Right Company for Masonry Repair Services

How To Choose The Right Company for Masonry Repair Services

At some point or another, many homeowners will find themselves in need of masonry repair services. While materials like brick and stone are very durable, they are susceptible to the elements like anything else. As such, homeowners with chimneys, brick walls, brick or stone porches, or brick or stone steps should have a plan in place for hiring a masonry contractor in their area. However, not all masonry companies are created equal. If you’re in need of masonry repair services, but don’t know how to find a reputable contractor, then this blog is for you. Check out our top tips on the subject here:

Customer Service Matters

The unfortunate truth is that some masonry “experts” create problems for their clientele. That is, they may act to exaggerate problems and sell homeowners on solutions they don’t really need. Or, worse, they may not adequately address a serious problem if they encounter it.

It’s crucial to find a masonry company that employs honest and professional employees. A quality masonry contractor won’t be afraid to turn down work if it’s really not necessary. The best home repair companies stick to their word and follow through for their clients. Which leads us to our next point . . .

Trustworthiness

Trustworthy masonry contractors get the small details correct. They show up on time. They return phone calls promptly. They accurately diagnose masonry problems and offer cost-effective solutions. They hire professional employees with years of experience and they go out of their way to make sure your needs as a customer are met. Beware contractors who are ready to aggressively upsell you at every turn or who fail to adhere to basic standards of professionalism. 

Research Reputation

Unless you have a personal relationship with a masonry expert, the best way to get to know a brick repair business is to study their reputation closely. Look up reviews of their previous work and see how previous customers responded to their efforts. 

What’s more, look out for companies that have only a small number of reviews or a very brief history. Brick and masonry repair is an industry that changes all the time. So seek out a company or a contractor who has years of experience and dozens of reviews to back up their claims. Otherwise, you could end up partnering with a fly-by-night operation. 

The Brickworks Difference

The appearance and structural integrity of a home is –– obviously –– crucial to its long-term value. Whether you need minor mortar repairs or you’re looking to install a new porch, finding the right masonry partner can affect your home for years to come.

At Brickworks, we understand just how important masonry work is, which is why we treat each project like it was our own house. We only hire the most capable professionals, and we only use the most effective techniques and building materials. We never make misrepresentations to our clients and we have years of experience and hundreds of positive reviews to prove it. \

For 16 years, we’ve worked hard to win over our customers, and we’re confident we can help you with your next masonry project. Contact us here for more information or to get started today!


brick sealant

What is a Brick Sealant and How Does it Work?

If you own property with brick structures, you’ll need to know how to properly maintain your bricks. While bricks are one of the most durable and reliable materials for homes, porches, chimneys, and other structures, they are not invincible. Both time and the elements will eventually chip away at the brick, requiring you to look into regular brick maintenance. This will inevitably lead you to encounter the benefits of a brick sealant.

So, what is a brick sealant? How does it work? Moreover, do you need a professional brick worker to use it? We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s see exactly what a brick sealant does:

What is a Brick Sealant?

Since bricks are a relatively porous material, they are left vulnerable to water penetration. Over time, this can cause untold damage to the structural integrity of your bricks. Brick sealants work to prevent long-term water damage in brick walls and structures. In essence, a brick sealant is your brick structure’s first line of defense against moisture.

How Does a Brick Sealant Work?

There are different kinds of brick sealants that provide different levels of protection. The best brick sealants allow bricks to “breathe” and release moisture rather than absorbing it. Brick sealants like Weather Guard work in this way. Weather Guard uses a silane–siloxane sealer that reacts chemically with silica- and alumina-based materials below the surface of the brick. This ensures that both the interior and the exterior of the brick are protected from rain, snow, and humidity. 

Alternatively, some brick sealants involve a slightly different chemical process. For example, ChimneySaver is a concentration of modified polysiloxane that is specifically designed to protect chimneys from weather and excessive moisture. The solution keeps the surface vapor permeable. After application, the surface is exposed to ultraviolet light, allowing the electrostatic charge of the surface to match the water. This has the effect of repelling water in the same way that two identical poles of a magnet repel one another.

Finally, there are alternative methods for protecting bricks from moisture, but they often don’t provide the same level of protection as siloxane-based sealants. Many brick sealants trap water inside the chimney or other brick structures, which only accelerates freeze/thaw damage during seasonal weather changes. Additionally, some people use paint as a “quick fix” to seal bricks, but this has virtually no ability to seal out moisture.

The Bottom Line

A brick sealant is one of the best ways to keep brick safe from the elements and moisture in general. If you want to ensure that your chimney or brick structure can stand the test of time, you should make use of brick sealant on a regular basis. However, to ensure that your bricks stay in the best possible condition, you should turn to the experts. Fortunately, Brickworks Property Restoration has the experience and best brick sealants to keep your bricks protected for years to come!

For more information on brick sealant and how it works, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!


tuckpointing and repointing

Tuckpointing and Repointing: What's the Difference?

People often use the terms “tuckpointing” and “repointing” interchangeably because they are both associated with brick mortar. However, they do have different meanings. Nonetheless, this has led to a fair amount of confusion for consumers who think they might need one or the other for their brick home, chimney, or edifice. So, what is the difference between tuckpointing and repointing? Read on to find out!

What is Tuckpointing? 

Tuckpointing is a relatively simple process of using two different colors of mortar for the mortar joints between bricks. Generally, one of the colors matches the color of the bricks, giving the impression that the joints are very thin. Brickwork experts and masons use special tools known as “jointers” to apply to the two different shades of mortar. Though tuckpointing can be applied when there is brick damage to be repaired, it is largely an aesthetic choice, though not completely so.

What is Repointing? 

If you hire a brickwork expert because you have damaged bricks, you’ll almost certainly need repointing. In essence, repointing is simply removing damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar. Thus, repointing is the actual process of repairing damaged brick and mortar. The joints are extremely important, as they support the entire brick structure. So, if you have brick damage, repairing the mortar joints should be a top property.

Repointing is often utilized when water damage has occurred. Over time, water seeps into the crevices and causes some of the brick and mortar to erode. Repointing reseals any damaged joints and helps ensure that the damage does not become worse.

Tuckpointing and Repointing

It’s important to note that tuckpointing and repointing can be used together to repair damaged bricks. Repointing ensures that the brick remains structurally sound, while tuckpointing gives the impression that more expensive bricks have been used. This is the primary function of tuckpointing, which has been used to improve the visual appeal of bricks for centuries. In any case, the two used together can help repair and improve the quality of a brick structure without needing to completely replace the brick itself.

When to Call a Brickworks Expert

Bricks are a solid material that can stand the test of time. That said, bricks are not perfect. They can become damaged due to weather, water, or even foreign objects. Thus, you must invest in regular brick maintenance and ensure that you’re doing everything to keep your bricks in peak condition. A brick chimney or wall can last for literally hundreds of years, but the mortar between the bricks typically lasts for just a few decades. As a result, you will almost certainly need to get an expert to do some tuckpointing and/or repointing to sustain your brick for the long-term. If your mortar joints are showing signs of damage, they will need to be repaired immediately to ensure the strength of your structure.

For more information on tuckpointing or repointing your brick mortar joints, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!


Brick Porch Steps

How to Maintain and Repair Brick Porch Steps

Brick porches can offer a beautiful and welcoming entrance to any home. However, like any material, bricks require regular maintenance and upkeep. Over time, even well-maintained bricks may need significant repairs. So, how can you maintain your brick porch steps for the long-term? Moreover, how can you repair brick porch steps that have been damaged by time or foreign objects? 

In this guide, we will give you all the information you need to keep your brick porch steps in peak condition!

How to Maintain Brick Porch Steps

Fortunately, brick porch steps that have been properly installed are pretty durable. Regular foot traffic and even inclement weather are unlikely to cause extensive damage. However, you can reduce the risk of unnecessary wear-and-tear even further with the following tips:

  • Wash your bricks regularly - Brick porch steps can easily accumulate mud and grime. While these are unlikely to cause any long-term damage, they will make your home appear dingy. So, it’s always best to break out the hose or pressure washer and give them a good cleaning. However, if you choose to clean your bricks with a pressure washer, be sure that the pressure is not too high, as it could cause your bricks to flake and become damaged after numerous cleanings.
  • Check your footwear - You’d be surprised, but the kind of shoes you, your family, and any visitors wear can have a major impact on your brick steps. For example, athletic cleats and stilettos put a great deal of pressure on specific points of the brick. This can lead to cracks and blemishes. So, try to wear tennis shoes and other similar shoes when walking on bricks to avoid excessive damage!
  • Repoint if necessary - Though you may need to call in the experts for this one, repointing is one of the best ways to maintain the durability of your brick porch steps for the long-term. Repointing is the process of replacing the outer mortar joints, which can help reduce the risk of cracks or even broken bricks.

How to Repair Damaged Brick Porch Steps

Even if you maintain your brick porch steps well, there’s always the chance that a heavy tree branch or another foreign object could cause unexpected damage. So, if your brick porch steps have already been damaged and require repair, you’ll need to evaluate the extent of the damage before taking any action. While you may be able to do minor mortar or brick restoration on your own, moderate to severe damage will need to be handled by a professional. Fortunately, the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration can get your brick porch steps back to their former glory in no time!

Conclusion

Brick is one of the best materials to use for front or back porch steps. However, like any material, brick is not invincible. You will need to maintain your brick porch steps and address damage as soon as possible to ensure the vitality and durability of your steps. 

If you’d like to learn more about maintaining or repairing brick porch steps, consult the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!


tuckpointing company

5 Questions to Ask a Tuckpointing Company Before Hiring

Tuckpointing is a very common technique in the world of brick installation, but it’s not as common for people who work outside of the industry. Nonetheless, tuckpointing helps make brick buildings look more modern, varied, and stylish. Fortunately, for experts like Brickworks Property Restoration, tuckpointing is a piece of cake. 

In today’s article, we will answer the 5 most common questions to ask a tuckpointing company before hiring them and provide useful information about the technique.

What is tuckpointing?

As previously mentioned, tuckpointing is not very well-known for those who don’t work with bricks on a daily basis. So, what is tuckpointing? In essence, tuckpointing is simply the technique of using two alternating colors of mortar between each layer of bricks. One of the colors generally matches the color of the brick, giving the impression that there are two thin mortar joints between each brick, even though there’s only one. Tuckpointing has been around for centuries, but it remains one of the most popular brickwork techniques to this day.

How much does tuckpointing cost?

The exact cost will vary by provider and project. However, consumers can expect to pay anywhere between $10-$20 per square foot for tuckpointing. For larger projects, the rate per foot may be reduced. For example, if you want to get tuckpointing done for your chimney, you’ll likely pay between $150-$300. Alternatively, if you want it done for a larger structure, you’ll likely pay several thousand dollars (but less per square foot).

Is tuckpointing purely visual?

No, tuckpointing is not just a visual feature. In fact, tuckpointing serves a specific purpose with chimneys. If you don’t tuckpoint the mortar joints on your chimney, you risk having more water enter your chimney system. Over time, this can cause damage to your chimney and result in higher long-term repair costs.

How long does tuckpointing take to finish? 

Much like price, the amount of time will depend on the specifics of your renovation project. That said, a typical chimney tuckpointing project can be finished in an afternoon. One mason can usually finish the job in 4-6 hours. Needless to say, more than one mason can significantly reduce the time, but increase the labor costs.

What’s the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?

As mentioned above, tuckpointing is the practice of implementing multiple colors on mortar joints. However, it is frequently confused with pointing or repointing. However, repointing is the act of repairing or replacing mortar joints in general. Thus, tuckpointing and repointing can be done at the same time, but they refer to two distinct services.

Conclusion

Tuckpointing is a very important element of brickwork repair and construction. While it may be a new term for the uninitiated, it is a common practice that can help brick structures look more appealing. Moreover, tuckpointing can help increase the value of brick structures and reduce water damage to chimneys. So, if you’re in need of new brickwork for your home or business, consider getting tuckpointing done at the same time!

If you’d like to learn more about tuckpointing, consult the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!


black stains on brick

Why Are There Black Stains On Your Brick Walls?

Brick is one of the most popular materials with which to build schools, houses, hospitals, government buildings, and many other common building types. Brick is durable and, compared to many other materials, relatively inexpensive. However, brick does come with a few drawbacks. If you have lived or worked in a brick building for more than a few years, you might have noticed black stains growing on the walls.

So, why are there black stains on your brick walls? Do they pose a risk to your health? Most importantly, what can you do to get rid of these black stains? We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s take a closer look at brick and why it can accumulate black stains over time:

Black or Dark Stains On Brick Wall Exteriors

Though you probably won’t see black stains if you have brick interiors, you will almost certainly see black stains on brick wall exteriors at some point. If you do see dark, black, or even green stains on the exterior of your brick home, there are a couple of possible culprits:

  • Accumulated moisture.
  • Dirt.
  • Lichen.
  • Moss.
  • Algae.

Needless to say, the cause of your stain will determine how you can deal with it. It will also tell you if the problem could cause you any health concerns. Therefore, it is vital that you identify the underlying cause of a black stain before taking action.

How to Identify and Fix the Stain

The easiest way to see what’s causing the stain is to simply brush the area in question with a broom or even a (gloved) hand. If nothing falls off of the black stain, it’s likely accumulated moisture. While accumulated moisture is generally not a major issue, it can lead to a phenomenon known as spalling, in which moisture causes thermal expansion. Over time, this expansion can cause cracks, peeling, or other damage to your brickwork. So, if you believe that moisture has accumulated in your bricks, you should call a brick expert before any damage sets in.

Fortunately, if you find that the stain is merely an accumulation of dirt, this is an easy fix. You can usually brush away loose dirt in a matter of minutes. However, if you find that the dirt has hardened to the brick surface, you may need to pressure wash your walls to completely remove the dirt stain.

When black stains are caused by lichen, moss, or algae, you can generally use the same methods as you would with dirt. However, there’s always the chance that the lichen, moss, or algae could return with time. Moreover, lichen and algae can produce issues for people with asthma or allergy problems. So, it’s best to remove them from your brick wall as soon as possible.

Conclusion

In most cases, a black stain on your brick wall is not a cause for alarm. However, if you worry about the possible health effects of lichen or algae, you’ll want to fix the problem immediately. Additionally, allowing moisture to accumulate can eventually lead to expensive damage to the structure of your home. So, it’s best to call the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration before a black stain on your brick wall turns into a nightmare!

If you’d like to learn more about repairing or replacing your brick exterior, consult the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!


chimney cap repair

3 Reasons to Prioritize a Chimney Cap Repair

When most people think about roof repairs, they think about roof replacements or damaged shingles. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about their chimney. Even fewer people think about their chimney caps. However, the chimney cap is a vital device that, with proper maintenance, can provide years of lasting protection for your chimney and fireplace. So, let’s take a look at 3 reasons to prioritize a chimney cap repair.

Chimney Caps Are Inexpensive

Chimney caps are not very complicated. They are just coverings that are fixed on the top of your chimney. Most chimney caps are made of a steel or copper mesh. They vary in style and design based on your tastes and the dimensions of your chimney.

On average, brand new chimney caps cost about $60, plus the labor to install them. In short, they are one of the least expensive parts of your roof to repair or replace. This is especially important when you consider the function of a chimney cap.

Chimney Caps Serve a Vital Purpose

Chimney caps are designed to protect your fireplace, flue, and the inside of your chimney from water, debris, and even animals. This may sound relatively unimportant, but when you consider the potential consequences of having a damaged chimney cap, replacing or repairing it will seem much more tempting.

Rainwater and other debris can cause untold damage to your chimney over time. Moreover, if a raccoon or similar animal is able to get into your home through your chimney, they will cause even more damage to the rest of your house. An inexpensive chimney cap can end up saving you thousands of dollars in home repairs by keeping water, debris, and animals out.

Chimney Caps Prevent Devaluation

For many people, a house is not just a place to rest their heads at night. A house is also a long-term investment that can appreciate or depreciate in value. If you don’t keep up the maintenance on your house, it could fall into disrepair. Unfortunately, houses can be very expensive to maintain. However, a chimney cap is one inexpensive way to add value and prevent future devaluation.

Though a chimney cap does not add a lot of value on its own, it does stop devaluation by preventing damage to your chimney and fireplace. While this may not seem like a huge concern now, it could be when it comes time to sell your house. A damaged chimney or fireplace will cost thousands of dollars to repair. The burden will either fall on you or the person who buys your home. In any case, you will either have to pay for the repairs or drop your selling price to account for the damage.

So, rather than go through this headache and lose out on thousands of dollars, simply maintain your chimney cap. It usually takes less than an hour for a professional to install a brand new one. This makes chimney cap replacement a quick and easy way to keep up the value of your home.

If you’d like to learn more about repairing or replacing your chimney cap, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!