Chimney Services
Chase repair details that keep water out
After a free look at the top, walls and roof line, our family-owned team repairs chimney chases in Lake Monroe.
Signs of rot inside the chase
Rot inside a chase shows up outside in small ways first. Paint bubbles or peels on one face, siding swells at the edges, nail heads rust through, and a panel flexes when pressed. Inside the house, a stain can appear on the ceiling or wall near the fireplace.
Sheathing that stays wet for long periods softens and loses its hold on fasteners. We probe suspect areas, check for moisture where we can and tell you how much of the chase we expect to open before any work is priced.
Replacing rotted framing
Rotted studs, plates and blocking lose their strength and their grip on nails and screws. Where the rot is limited, new framing can be sistered alongside or pieces replaced. Where the base plate or corners have gone, the chase may need to be reframed from the bottom up.
We use fasteners and connectors suited to the lumber and the location, keep the chimney's clearances and make sure the chase is plumb and tied back to the house before the sheathing goes on.
Every part of the chase priced in writing
A chase repair can include framing, sheathing, barrier, finish, flashing and the chase top. We list each one separately on the estimate, with what it covers and why it is needed. Where some damage can only be confirmed once the chase is open, the estimate says so and explains how any added work would be priced.
That makes it easy to see what has to be done now and what could wait. The total holds no hidden fees, and whatever you book within 72 hours of the inspection is 10% off.
Animals getting into the chase
Gaps at the top of a chase, rotted corners and open joints at the soffit give birds, squirrels and rodents a way into the enclosure. Nesting material in a chase holds moisture and can crowd the air space around the chimney pipe.
If we find signs of animals, we check whether any are still inside before sealing anything, and removal follows the wildlife rules that apply. The repair then closes the openings so the chase stays empty. Screens at the chase top are fitted only where the chimney maker allows them.
