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Black Goose

Black Goose

Chimney Sweep | Williamsburg, Yorktown, Newport News, & Hampton

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Chimney Repairs

 

Top 5 Common Chimney Repairs

Chimneys are great for producing warmth and enhancing ambiance in a room. They are a good way to heat your home and reduce utility costs if taken care of through regular maintenance and repairs. Chimneys can be very dangerous, if neglected. There are more than 25,000 chimney fires every year resulting in $125 million in property damage. The good news is that you can reduce the possibility of having a chimney fire. The challenge is that with maintenance and chimney repairs most people have no idea where to start.

Below is a list of common chimney repairs and what each entails. This “crash course” in chimneys will help you determine what you can do to get yours in shape. These tips will ensure that your chimney is functioning as it should and that you and your family are safe.

Chimney Basics

19th Century Repair
Even though a chimney may seem like a simple design that dates back centuries, there are several different types.

The majority of chimneys are brick, which in general is the safest kind. While formed by masonry on the outside, they often (though not always) have a terra cotta flue liner installed that helps with venting.

There are also factory-built or prefabricated (prefab) chimneys. These consist of a double-wall metal flue pipe and are usually inside a chimney covered with siding.

Chimney Repairs

Here are five of the most common types of chimney repairs. The list proceeds from least to most complex and challenging to carry out.

  1. Sweeping

One of the main things you can do to keep it working like new is to have your chimney swept regularly. It is an opportunity to remove soot and any obstructions, like bird nests, that have built up over the spring and summer months.

How often you clean a chimney will depend on how much you use it, but a good rule-of-thumb would be about once a year. Another way to do periodical checks for buildup is to scratch the inside of your chimney wall. If there is more than ⅛ of an inch buildup of soot, it needs professional sweeping.

Sweeping is one of the best things you can do to prevent chimney fires since one of the main culprits is the buildup of creosote. This substance is a byproduct of smoke, vapor, and wood remnants that condense and accumulate inside chimney walls. If left unattended inside the chimney flue, the buildup can ignite.

Since creosote accumulates faster in cooler flues, one thing you can do to prevent it is to burn seasoned hardwood that has seasoned or dried. If you have a wood moisture meter, you want the moisture content to be between 15 and 20 percent.

  1. Basic Updates

If you don’t already have a chimney cap installed, or if yours has become damaged, this is worth addressing. It is a minor update or repair that can help keep leaves, debris, and animals out of your chimney.

Caps also help keep out the rain that can corrode the inside of the chimney. They protect the outside of the chimney as well, slowing decay and brick spalling (which we will discuss later). Chimney caps have a wide range in prices. Basic galvanized metal ones can cost as little as $50, but will rust and eventually fail. More decorative ones in stainless steel or copper can cost several hundred dollars or more.

Dampers are metal doors that allow you to close off the chimney when it is not in use. They keep outside air from entering your home through the chimney. It is not uncommon to find older homes that lack a damper. If your chimney does not have one, or if yours has rusted or will not close completely, you should reach out to a chimney repair service. Having a functioning damper can save you a lot in energy costs and help you better regulate the temperature of the room.

There are many different types of dampers including top-sealing and “throat” dampers which close off the flue at different places. Our trained technicians will be able to explain the different options and how each might benefit your home.

Most prefab chimneys have a chase cover or top flashing. This is a metal pan that covers the entire chimney top and comes down over the sides a few inches. It was installed when the house was built using builders-grade galvanized sheet metal. The metal tends to rust over the years and eventually will need to be replaced. A good rule of thumb is to replace the chase cover when replacing your roof. Most roofers do not offer this service, but it is a common repair for a chimney professional. You can even upgrade to stainless steel that should last a lifetime.

  1. Repointing

The mortar joints in a chimney can begin to decay over time and create spaces between the bricks. These issues become worse in harsher climates or ones where there are frequent dramatic shifts in temperature. Chimney repointing is the process of patching up these areas. It is useful in chimneys where the bricks are still in good shape, but the mortar holding them together is not.

The process involves grinding out the existing mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar. The procedure is important to preserve the structural integrity of the chimney. It also can help stave off things like mold and mildew that can occupy cracks and crevices and lead to a faulty chimney.

  1. Brick Repair

Brick chimneys can stand for decades or even centuries, but nothing lasts forever, including the bricks themselves. A “spalling” brick is one where the face has become worn or dilapidated. In advanced stages, bricks begin to flake, crack or crumble.

This condition can be due to poor construction, improper brick choice, or water intrusion. It most often results from moisture getting trapped in bricks’ pores, then freezing. Water expands when it freezes and will push against the surfaces constricting it, causing damage to the brick.

Problems like these are most common near the crown or the top of the chimney but can happen anywhere. The speed with which spalling happens depends on the climate where you live. Addressing this early on is the best course of action since the issue will not correct itself. It is possible to treat bricks having minor damage with water repellent. Also, applying a masonry water repellent can prevent further erosion and decay.

  1. Chimney Relining

Most chimneys have some type of lining, which is often made from metal or clay tile. Older chimneys may not have liners. Building codes today require chimneys to have a liner.

Chimney liners help create a direct path for smoke, heat, and gases to escape. This includes carbon monoxide, which releases from wood and gas logs and can be dangerous (even fatal) to pets and humans that breathe it in. A chimney liner also helps protect the inside of your chimney. It shields the main structure from heat, soot, and other buildup produced by burning wood.

Another condition known as “shaling” or “flaking” is where pieces of the interior of the chimney have broken off. It can be a minor problem but could also be a sign of bigger issues below the surface.

If you have flue shaling or flaking, you might notice slices or segments piling up in the hearth or thimble. Otherwise, since the damage is on the inside of the chimney, these problems can be difficult to detect. Many repair companies use special cameras to determine the condition of the flue during routine inspections.

Chimney relining and flue resurfacing are complex processes. How involved depends on the condition and the layout of your chimney. One big plus to performing this procedure is that it is an opportunity to re-insulate your chimney and improve performance.

Chimney Rebuilding


When chimney restoration using the procedures described above, is insufficient for addressing the problems, a rebuild may be necessary. This is true for compromised flues, severely spalling bricks, other structural issues.

The good news is that many different options do not entail completely rebuilding the entire chimney. Our technicians may be able to do a partial chimney rebuild that focuses on problematic areas.

For instance, often, chimneys experience wear and tear on the exterior section on top of the roof, while the rest of the chimney within your home’s structure is intact. In these cases, a “roofline up” rebuild may be enough. It is more involved than a repointing but still only focuses on the area of the chimney that needs attention.

A Note on Maintenance

Chimney Safety

Maintenance is the best thing you can do to avoid, or at least minimize, the need for repairs. An annual chimney inspection is a good way to stay on top of things and it can be combined with yearly cleaning. It allows us to look at all aspects of the chimney, including its structural integrity.

Inspections can cost between $100 and $350, depending on where you live and the complexity of your chimney. It is an inexpensive way to do preventative maintenance on your chimney and catch minor issues before they become major ones.

Line Up Chimney Repair Service Today

Now that you have an idea about some of the most common chimney repairs, you know what it takes to get yours in shape. Doing so will give you the peace of mind that your chimney is working well and that you have minimized the possibility of fire in your home.

Black Goose is a premier chimney service that provides everything from annual inspections and sweepings to chimney restoration. We can handle everything from routine maintenance to complete chimney rebuilds. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.

This was the chimney as we found it.
Many bricks were removed due to spalling.
They had to be removed immediately…
new brick spalling chimney repair
And replaced with new brick rated for outdoor use.

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Google Rating
4.2
Based on 54 reviews
Black Goose Chimney
Black Goose Chimney
4.2
Bill McCoy
If I could give negative stars I would! These guys jerked my 80 year old mother around during Christmas when it was freezing. Someone told Mom to call these guys because the furnace was venting into the basement. A dude looking like Bob Marley shows up and says he can't fix it or even look at it because we have slate roof and they need special equipment to get up there. Ok. I get it. When can you come back? Someone will call you. No. No one called me. I called the next week. By this time mom had to sleep downstairs in front of fireplace to stay warm. I called. Dude on phone said he didn't know anything about it but would get back to me day after New Years. He didn't. I called again on Wednesday. No one answered. I left a message. Nothing.
Dorethea Johnson
They attempted to charge me an absorbent amount for money a fireplace chain cover. They qouted a me the price for it. They didn't have it in stock. When It came in. They had changed the price by more than double.
Kyle Russell
I seen a employee hit another vehicle on 64 and keep driving. Wouldn't want that integrity working at my house.
William Chandler
Very professional and thorough.
Jory Morrison
Frances McCoy-Brown
From the person answering the phone and scheduling my appointment. To the two men who came out and did a chimney check were very courteous and professional. I was provided with information that would help me make an informed decision. There was no hard sell ! I would recommend them.
Yvonne Richardson
Had my chimney and firebox repaired. they did the work in very reasonable time and did a very good job. Were on time and were respectful, courteous and professional. Cleaned up nicely also. The lady in the office was very friendly and helpful.
Fran Spady
The gentlemen were professional and left my home clean. They were thorough in their inspection and answered our questions. They took pictures so we could see repairs. He wrote up more than one bid so we could take care of the necessities first. There was no hard sell or pushing to purchase.Thank you Black Goose. I have a new chimney sweep!
Bridget Sims
Brian Lucas
I paid them to perform a diagnostic on my gas logs that were not lighting. The Tech determined I have a faulty valve and told me the office would look up the part and send me a quote to replace it. That was nearly three months ago. I called the office twice during that time to remind them and got the run-around. Don’t waste your time on this company.
Amanda Wroten
Ken Nelson
Pauretta Banks
Love my fire place! They did a great job and made sure I was satisfied before they left.
Wayne Sears
Tom Jowers
High prices but as the old saying goes "you get what you pay for." In this case, quality service.
John Sims
This company helped fix our chimney after a very scary fire we had. Great quality work and very professional crew
Pamela Mason
Black Goose Chimney did a superb job for us. Their technician Joe is a pleasure to work with and is not only professional and polite, but does fantastic work! On time, great workmanship and a pleasure to work with - what more can you ask for. I would recommend BlacK Goose Chimney to anyone.
Deborah Hill
Michael Chase
What a great team. Highly professional, knowledgable and no nonsense tell it like it is workers. Sergey is a master brick layer and technician. I will not use anyone else when it comes to brick and chimney work.The owner, Jim and Kathy, front office, are absolutely great to work with. I highly reccommend this company.
William Marx
The terracota liner to the oil boiler had broken after 50 years. Jim came out and gave an estimate and managed to promptly get a crew here on a Saturday to replace it with a steel liner. The crew, Sergei and Michael, arrived on time and were quite polite, efficient and neat. The left the house in better shape than when they arrived. They took care that the 5 month old puppy was kept away from the repair materials. Michael went so far as to clear the entire roof of pine needles, not just the area he was working. Greatly appreciated. They truly went the extra mile!
Selina Tyler
James Simone
Wanted to charge a $99.00 service call for an estimate. Other companies came for free
Sean B
Don Lovis
They came out to do a dryer vent sweep. They quoted me 800.00 labor for 2 hours to fix one dryer pipe 10 ft long. Hired another company and charged 75.00. I will never use them again
Anthony Cronin
Very ProfessionalShared Concern To Apply Money To Return Maximum Value With Highest Quality!
Wayne Booth
Called today to schedule cleaning two chimneys. The price they quoted was more than double other places I called. And they were booked out three weeks. The company I scheduled with was six weeks out. It was worth the wait.
Peter Henrie
Very disappointed with my experience with this company. I called to get a quote for a gas stove installed. They sent their employee who charged me $100 to quote me, this wasn't told to me on the initial call, only at the end of the onsite visit to quote. I was told it would be removed from cost of the installation however they were unresponsive to calls and emails multiple times afterwards that I gave up moving forward with them. Would sadly not recommend.
billd354
Used this company about 6 or 7 years ago for a new crown and mortar joint work. Felt they did a good job. Tried to get them to do more work, however after sending me a confirmation phone call that they would be there, they cancelled at the last minute. They did call me and tell me that a person called in sick, so I asked if the next time I schedule that they guarantee no matter what, they meet their appointment obligations. The person would not and so other person called me back, who also would not. They obviously gave preferential treatment to some customers, because they didn't get cancelled. This person told me a different story, that the person was in a car accident the previous day. Then why didn't they call me first thing in the morning? This person also would not guarantee that they would definitely be there on the reschedule. If you live on the southside, you can expect to be the first to be cancelled. Which was it? Sick, car accident, or just didn't want to drive through the tunnel because both people I talked to wanted to give me to their competitors.
Chris Burrell
The guys that came to the house were great!! Highly recommend!!!
Nikki Edgerton
Tim Pratt
Jerry Fortner
Enjoying another early season fire watching football thanks to Blue Goose Chimney. Great system been years we have been able to enjoy our fireplace!Jerry FortnerPoquoson, VA
I C
Barry Hughes
Very frustrated in dealing with the office of this business. My chimney inspection was completed on the 18th of October and I called last week and then sent an email and kristin responded on the 11th of November and said she would have something by the 13th. It's now the 15th and nothing. Not right at all.if you can't
kathryn howard
I have used Black Goose for over 15 years. I needed serious work to our fireplace and chimney which they took care of and they have been out to inspect and or sweep every year since. They are always timely and fair. They only sweep about every other year so I'm not charged a sweep, it's based on how much we have used the fireplace. We have had no problems at all since the repair and I only have them to thank.
Rhonda Saunders
These guys are very professional and they know there stuff. Very honest and trustworthy
Wesley Stilson
Great service. Sergey and his helper showed up during the allotted time. They did a full inspection of my wood stove to ensure it was installed correctly to code. they did a full borescope inspection of the stove pipe and chimney pipe and found one sheet metal screw that was installed incorrectly. they fixed it and did a full sweep. They cleaned up their mess and provided me input on when to have them back for another sweep. Top notch service. They will not disappoint.
Eric Marsalis
Marilyn Keener
I highly recommend Black Goose Chimney. They arrived on time and did an excellent cleaning job. I found them to be very knowledgeable and professional. I would not hesitate to use them again.
Jeffrey Sheffield
Trustworthy, prompt, and professional. Couldn't ask for a better experience.
Adam Russell
Expert technicians, receptionists needs some work though. Completely satisfied all the same.
Ellen Charles
We had a knowledgeable chimney sweep come and inspect our fireplace and chimney. We knew that our fireplace had a bad back wall and knew there maybe some problems with the chimney. He explained what needed to be done and the cost. They had two very nice guys come and do the repairs. They worked well together and cleaned up afterwards. They showed my husband pictures of what they did to the chimney. From the time I called setup an appointment and the work being completed was about 8 days.
Jeff Prunier
The team at Black Goose Chimney took care of my fireplace and my wood stove with courtesy and professionalism! I highly recommend them. Not only did they put a new chimney cap on and replace the mortar, they answered all my questions and made sure I was confident in preparing a fire. Don't delay, call today!
Mike Levering (Throls)
I had an appointment window of 1:30 to 3:30. At 3:40 I called them asking for an ETA . The receptionist stated that a technician had installed the cap first thing in the morning. I explained to receptionist that was impossible since no one from Black Goose had been to my home. After some back and forth the receptionist stated she would have to see the pictures of the job and would get back to me the following day. I received a phone call the following day and was informed the chimney sweep installed the cap on the wrong house.This review would not have been necessary if Black Goose had been more proactive in addressing my concerns since there was still time in the day to put on the cap or at least offered to compensate me for my lost time. Perhaps they were just having a bad day and my experience with their service was just a fluke. Unfortunately their bad day cost me my afternoon. I strongly recommend you look elsewhere for your chimney needs.TL;DR: They put the cap on the wrong house.
Skyler Yugo
Nice crew, honest about condition of our chimney, quick work and reasonably priced.
Cody Stickle
Patty from Black Goose is the best!
Heather Westmoreland
The fellows at Black Goose are very friendly and professional. They give you their honest opinion even if means that they won't get any work from it. I've had them come out for two years in a row and I feel confident with their services.
Kim Enroughty
I know nothing about chimneys so I was reluctant to call someone for an inspection. I couldn't be more pleased with the service I received from Black Goose Chimney Sweep. John was very professional and answered all my questions. I feel confident that I will call them again for one of their many other services.
Christopher Costa
I have been organizing the annual dryer vent cleaning for my 13 unit Condo Association for the past 3 years! I have not been satisfied with the service from the past two companies so I contacted Black Goose Chimney. I am so happy that I did. The service was complete and professional in every way. Patty and Ike drove out to Virginia Beach to look at the job ahead of time. We split it into two days so that they would have enough time to service each unit properly. We chose a weekday and a Saturday. The crew who came on Tuesday were Ryan, Jesse and Sergey. They were very courteous and thorough. They recorded air flow readings before and after service and provided a receipt with all of the info. They cleaned each vent from inside and outside, protected floors and cleaned up after themselves. I'm not sure who the crew was on Saturday but I have not heard any complaints so I am confident that all went well!I will definately call Black Goose again next year!
John Pierce
Ryan M. and Jessie came out to inspect 9 fireplaces for a local Girl Scout camp. I asked a lot of questions and Ryan was more than willing to take his time and explain everything to me that I wanted to know. He is very knowledgeable, friendly and thorough. Thanks Black Goose!
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