Chimney Sweeping(Chimney Cleaning):

Preparation:

   From the moment we arrive in your home we take precautions to protect your property.  Our sweeps wear protective shoe coverings to protect carpet and floors.  We put down drop cloths and tarps in front of your fireplace to help protect your carpet or floors from our equipment.  Even thought dust is at a minimum  we use a vacuum to control any dust that may come from the fireplace.

Process:

   After preparations are done we begin the sweeping process.  We choose a brush depending on the type of flue tile your system has.  Most masonry chimneys have a ceramic clay flue tile, while other systems have a stainless steel liner.  We push brushes through the flues numerous times to help remove harmful creosote along with soot and ash that stick to the sides of the flue.  We then begin to sweep the smoke chamber, the smoke shelf, the lentil, the damper frame and the firebox.  After this is done we remove all debris from the firebox.

Inspection:

   Every sweep that our company performs is accompanied with a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) level one inspection.  If construction allows we then use a state of the art video camera to see the smoke chamber and all flue tiles.  The camera allows us to see 360 degrees in the smoke chamber and the flue tiles.  If construction allows we also do a visual inspection of the exterior of the chimney.

Documentation:

   After every sweep we issue and inspection report stating any potential problems with the system.  An estimate will follow within 48 hours if any repairs are needed.

Chimney Rebuiding:

Rebuilding from the roofline up.

Chimneys are highly exposed to the elements.  Some chimneys have bricks or stone that are cracked or spalling only above the roofline.  These bricks are deteriorated and need replaced.  We simply remove the chimney above the roofline and rebuild the chimney using new brick.  The brick match as close as possible in color and texture and are approved by the owner.  All rebuilds include replacing the existing flue tile if they are damaged from the rebuild point upward.  Rebuilds also include a new sloping concrete crown to allow for proper water drainage. We install new counter flashing if necessary.  We clean up and remove all debris.  It is also recommended that all rebuilds be waterproofed using chimney saver. 

Rebuilds from the ground up:

   Some chimneys that have been neglected for years have deteriorated bricks from the base all the way to the top of the chimney.  These bricks usually have extensive water damage and are not able to be repaired.

   We tear the chimney down to the ground and rebuild to the original height using new brick approved by owner.  We install new flue tiles from the smoke chamber to the top of the chimney.  We install new sloping concrete crown to allow for proper water drainage.  We install new counter flashing.  We clean up and remove all debris.  It is also recommended that all rebuilds be waterproofed using chimney saver. 

Note:

We do not replace or repair the smoke chamber or firebox when rebuiding from the ground up due to the fact that they are protected by the exterior of the chimney and are usually in good shape.  If repairs are needed the homeowner will be given an estimate.

Crown Repair

The crown of your chimney, typically comprised of concrete or cement is the top or lid of your chimney.  The function of your crown is to be your chimney's first line of defense against water damage.  Unfortunately, masonry crowns do not expand and contract with temperature changes and naturally crack or fracture.  Cracks in the crown allow water to penetrate through the crown into the underlying brick and mortar joints.  With freeze thaw cycles the water can damage the bricks and mortar joints and lead to costly repairs.

   At. D.M. Thompson Masonry we can repair or replace the concrete crown if needed.  Sometimes the crown has been neglected and simply needs replaced where other times it can be repaired. When installing a new concrete crown we remove the existing concrete being carefull not to damage the underlying bricks and install a new crown.  The new crown will have a slight slope so water does not sit on top of the crown, but the water simply drains off.

   If the cracks are minor and the majority of the crown is in good condition, then we use CrownGuard to go over the existing concrete crown.  CrownGuard is a permanent, waterproof membrane that maintains flexible properties and will not crack.  Once applied CrownGuard repels water immediately and flexes with the crown as the chimney expands and contracts with temperature changes.

Chimney Caps

A chimney cap is simply a device which fits over the flue tile or concrete crown that prevents rain water, animals and debris from entering the chimney flue. 

Rain water can come directly down the flue if no chimney cap is present.  This water speeds the rusting of your damper, deteriorates mortar joints between the flue tiles and the mortar joints on the back wall of the firebox.  The rain water puddles on the smoke shlf, mixes with creosote and turns into a highly corrosive acid which seeps down and attacks the mortar joints.  When the rain mixes with the creosote and sometimes animal droppings it can also put off a terrible smell.

We've seen birds, squirrels and even raccoons down inside of chimneys.  Not only do these animals live inside your chimney but often can get inside the house and cause major damage.  The droppings of these animals cause a bad smell and is a breeding ground for mites, and bacteria.  Leaves and other debris can get inside the chimney and clog up a flue.  Protect Your Family and Your Chimney, Have D.M. Thompson Masonry Install A Chimney Cap Today!

 Fireplace liners:

The most common material used for a fireplace liner is terra-cotta clay flue tile.  These tiles generally come in two foot sections and are mortared together.  The tiles extend from the smoke chamber to the very top of the chimey.  Some times these clay flue tile crack or the mortar erodes between the tiles.  If the problematic tile is not the very top tile it can be very difficult to repair that particular tile.  If that is the case we install a stainless steel fireplace lining system.

Stainless steel liners are gernerally one continuous piece of stainless steel that takes place of the exising clay liner.  The stainless steel liners are specifically designed for residential chimney and fireplace use.  All stainless steel liners are backed by a lifetime manufacturers warranty.

Furnace Liners:

Because todays gas appliances are so efficient, combustion is so complete and very little heat is lost into the flues from these new appliances.  Flue gases are cool and are saturated with water.  Water condensing inside the flue combines with soot to form acids which can seriously damage the entire chimney structure.  These gases can destroy terra cotta clay flue tile and the mortar joints in between the tiles.  If this is the case we install furnace liners or hot water heater liners.  The liner is made of 2 ply aluminum and comes with a 10 year warranty.

If the furnace uses fuel oil, we then install a stainless steel lining sytem.

Waterproofing:  (See Products)