Services
Inspection
- LEVEL ONE INSPECTION
Based on a visual inspection, a chimney professional gives you a written condition report. They inspect the readily accessible areas of the chimney in the living area and at the exterior of your home including the firebox, damper, and smoke chamber. Outside, they check to make sure the chimney cap meets code and does not restrict the draft. They also check for structural soundness and evidence of deterioration.
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I strongly encourage all homeowners to contact Lords Chimney for all of their chimney needs. Not only are they Certified Chimney Sweeps, their professionalism, timeliness, and personal touch result in a wonderful experience and outcome - a chimney company one can use with confidence! Highly recommended!!! Jason E.
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- LEVEL TWO INSPECTION
It is recommended that this inspection be done before beginning modifications to your chimney or stove heating system, during a change in property ownership, or after a chimney fire or natural disaster. We use a special camera system to look inside your chimney and complete a comprehensive visual inspection. A detailed written report then outlines any areas of concern.
- LEVEL THREE INSPECTION
A Level Three inspection includes all of the Level One and Two inspections, as well as removing portions of the chimney. A chimney has several concealed areas. Whether it is the internal metal flue pipe, or the unexposed brick of a masonry structure, sometimes it may be necessary to remove parts of chimney to inspect the area in question. This inspection is only needed if something is found in a Level One or Two Inspection. Less than one percent of the chimneys we encounter require a Level Three Inspection.
Cleaning
Chimney cleaning removes creosote in order to ensure safe operation and prevent deterioration. Lords Chimney uses a guaranteed "no mess" cleaning method. First, we place tarps on the floor in front of the fireplace and in high traffic areas. The chimney is then cleaned from the bottom. We use specialized tools to clean the firebox, smoke chamber, damper, smoke shelf (behind the damper), and flue liner. This process can take anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour. The recommended yearly inspection will let you know if a cleaning is necessary.
Water Leak Resolution
We are experts at finding and fixing leaks. This service is perfect if a roofer has told you the leak is the chimney and not the roof. We have never encountered a leak that we could not solve.
Waterproofing
Lords uses ChimneySaver, a breathable waterproofing substance which is sprayed on the exterior of the chimney to stop leaks. Chimneys are highly exposed to the elements and, if left unprotected, are susceptible to structural deterioration and discoloration. ChimneySaver is a water repellent that penetrates masonry to protect it from destructive water penetration. ChimneySaver contains patented siloxanes small enough to penetrate most masonry pores, forming strong bonds with the silica in masonry and concrete. Because of this bonding process, one application of ChimneySaver provides up to ten times the water repellent protection of typical sealers. ChimneySaver is 100% breathable and vapor permeable.
It's a non film-forming water repellent that penetrates and lines masonry pores. Unlike simple sealers, it releases otherwise trapped water vapors and effectively reduces water absorption. This means water vapors escape from the masonry, preventing deterioration, freeze-thaw damage, spalling, scaling and the need for expensive masonry reconstruction.
Fireplace and Chimney Repair
Lords offers a full range of repair services for both masonry and prefabricated fireplaces and chimneys.
We are experts in finding Underwriters Laboratory tested parts so that your Prefab fireplace will retain its UL safety listing. We do masonry repairs on brick and stone including:
- Tuck Pointing (mortar replacement)
- Crown Rebuilding and Repair
We repair cracks in your crown that can cause water leaks that destroy other parts of your fireplace and chimney. If necessary, we can completely rebuild or replace the crown.
- Firebox Rebuilding and Repair
Loose bricks and holes in the mortar or brick are tell-tale signs that this is needed. If you want a specialty firebox or one just like your previous one, call Lords Chimney.
Animal and Nest Removal
Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals sometimes nest in chimneys and cause problems such as noise, smell and disease. These problems are exacerbated if one tries to "smoke the animal out", and the animal dies in the chimney. The intruders can be coaxed out, the nest removed, and a cap placed to prevent the animal from returning. The exception is the chimney swift, a small dark mosquito-eating bird protected by law. Nests of chimney swifts cannot be removed until after the eggs and birds are gone: there is up to a $15,000 fine and 6 month jail penalty for removing active nests. For more information about chimney swifts, click here.
Replace Chase Tops
Prefabricated metal fireplaces should have metal tops. If yours is rusty, it needs to be replaced before it starts to leak. If you have a prefabricated fireplace with a masonry (cement) top, then the exterior of your flue pipe may rust and create an unsafe situation.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Lint clogged dryer vents reduce the effectiveness of your dryer and sometimes cause fires. Dryer vent cleaning can prevent this. The angle and length of the vent as well as the amount of curves it has can create an accumulation of lent. This is particularly likely in newer homes. If your dryer has worked fine for years, but recently must run more than one cycle to dry your clothes, it may be a sign that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned.
Resolution of Ventilation (Drafting) Problems
Problems with ventilation can result in smoke or carbon monoxide entering your home-causing damage to your home or health-sometimes even being deadly. We have many ways of diagnosing and curing your ventilation problems. We always begin with the easiest (most inexpensive) cure and use more extensive solutions only as necessary.
Pressure Washing
This service can be used before tuck pointing or just to improve the exterior appearance of your chimney.
Fireplace and Chimney Installation
Whether you want a new fireplace or an upgraded one, we are the company to meet and exceed all of your needs.
Fireplace and Chimney Rebuilding
Mother Nature bring your chimney down? Let us rebuild it better than ever.
Gas Log Tune-ups
We can add additional sand and embers to make your old gas logs look like new.
Stove Installation
Need extra heat? A wood or gas stove could be the right choice. Efficient and decorative stoves are a great heat source-and Lords can find and install one for you.
Roof Flashing Installation and Repair
The way your chimney and roof are connected (the roof flashing) needs to create a waterproof barrier. We can make sure this transition between your chimney and roof doesn't leak - and if necessary install new flashing or repair your old flashing.
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