Pelham, AL Chimney Sweep: Trust Birmingham Chimney for Fireplace Services You Can Count On

What Are the Most Common Chimney Repairs Homeowners Need?

Chimneys are exposed to heat, weather, and time, so repairs are a normal part of maintaining a fireplace system. Some repairs are simple and straightforward, but others can involve more complex structural work or specialized components.

For example, a small crack in a mortar joint might require an uncomplicated tuckpointing job, while a deteriorating flue liner or a leaning chimney could require extensive rebuilding or relining. Moisture damage, hidden creosote buildup, and shifting foundations can also complicate the process, making it important to have a certified chimney professional evaluate the scope of the problem before work begins.

What is most often required when we see damage?

• Crown repair or replacement. The crown is the slab of concrete or mortar at the top of the chimney that slopes to allow water to run off (and away from the masonry sides) easily. Cracks allow water to seep in, leading to leaks and deterioration, so swift repairs (or a crown rebuild) is imperative.
• Chimney cap installation or replacement. A missing or damaged chimney cap will let in rain, leaves, and animals, all of which can clog up your flue and lead to decay. Installing a new cap made from reliable materials will keep the system drier and cleaner.
• Flashing repair or replacement. Flashing is the metal area that seals the gap between the chimney and roof. Rust, shifting, or poor installation of flashing can cause leaks, so the sooner it’s repaired or replaced, the better.
• Tuckpointing (mortar repair). Over time, weather erodes the mortar between bricks, but replacing missing mortar keeps the chimney stable and watertight. Trust a professional to get the job done right and with mortar that’s compatible in color and composition.
• Relining or liner repair. Cracked clay tiles or corroded metal liners won’t safely vent heat and gases, potentially leading to leaks or mortar damage. We can install a new stainless steel liner to ensure everything is working well and up to code.
• Damper repair or replacement. Dampers that don’t close properly let conditioned air escape and make fires harder to control. You may want to consider having a top-sealing damper installed, which seals tighter than the classic throat dampers.

We’re Pelham, AL’s Trusted Chimney Company

Pelham, AL offers the best of both worlds – close proximity to Birmingham’s vibrant city life while keeping a comfortable suburban charm. Located about 15-20 miles south of downtown Birmingham, residents enjoy easy access to the metro area’s jobs, shopping opportunities, and bigger attractions without being caught up in the hustle of the urban core.

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts find Pelham especially appealing. The crown jewel is Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park at nearly 10,000 acres. Visitors can spend the day hiking miles of scenic trails, mountain biking through challenging terrain, fishing or boating on peaceful lakes, or cooling off at Peavine Falls, a breathtaking waterfall tucked within the park’s wooded hills.

Inside the park, the Alabama Wildlife Center provides an up-close look at the rehabilitation of native birds, offering education and inspiration to kids and adults alike.

Other options for entertainment? Music fans can catch big-name concerts at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, while locals enjoy year-round skating and hockey at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. With golf courses, small neighborhood parks, and plenty of community events, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active and entertained.

This balance of outdoor adventure, family-friendly entertainment, and suburban comfort is why Pelham continues to attract newcomers and keep long-time residents happy.  Over the years, Pelham has experienced steady growth, but it still maintains a relaxed, small-city atmosphere that makes it a welcoming place to call home.

And when it comes to keeping local homes safer and cozier, Birmingham Chimney Services is the name homeowners trust. Whether you live in Pelham, nearby Alabaster, Maylene, Lake Purdy, one of the Oak Mountain State Park communities, Hoover, or Chelsea, our team delivers expert chimney sweeping, repairs, and fireplace care.

How Do Small Cracks in Chimney Mortar Turn Into Bigger Problems?

At first glance, a hairline crack in chimney mortar may not look like much. But over time, these small gaps often worsen, creating larger and more expensive issues if not addressed. Moral of the story – even small (and seemingly insignificant) problem areas should be addressed right away.

How can small cracks in your masonry trigger more issues?

• Moisture intrusion. Rainwater seeps into even the tiniest gaps, and in colder weather, water freezes and expands, widening the damage even more.
• Erosion. Once water gets in, it slowly erodes mortar and can loosen surrounding bricks.
• Interior damage. Moisture can travel behind the masonry, affecting the chimney liner or nearby home framing.

• Spalling bricks. This is when the surface of the brick flakes off, leaving the chimney weaker and less weather-resistant.
• Structural instability. Missing or crumbling mortar makes the chimney stack less stable.
• Home water leaks. Moisture may show up as staining on walls, rotted woodwork, mold growth, etc.
• Increased repair costs. A small tuckpointing job today could prevent a full rebuild later.

All too often, we hear stories of homeowners who noticed a thin crack in their chimney and ignored it thinking it wasn’t a big deal, only to later realize that water had penetrated their home and several bricks were spalling. And what would have originally been a small tuckpointing repair would now be a partial rebuild.

Do Chimney & Fireplace Repairs Need to Be Done Immediately? Or Can They Wait?

Homeowners often wonder if chimney repairs can be put off until later, especially if the fireplace seems to be working fine.

Quick answer: Putting off chimney and fireplace repairs is not recommended, as waiting almost always increases the risk of bigger issues.

Small problems can snowball quickly, turning what would have been a fairly quick and low-cost repair into a more expensive restoration or rebuild. In addition, possible insurance coverage may be harder to claim if neglect is noted.

And, most importantly, continued use of a damaged chimney could expose the home to increased risks and fire hazards.

Schedule With Us Today

Whether you need a thorough chimney sweep, a new fireplace installation, or quick masonry repairs, Pelham homeowners know they can count on Birmingham Chimney Services for expert care. We take pride in delivering clear communication, reliable workmanship, and results that last.

Call today and let us help you enjoy your fireplace with confidence, season after season and year after year.