Site Inspection Required for Pricing
Many older Chimneys require relining, especially when having a new stove or fireplace insert installed. It may be that you can smell smoke in other areas of the house, or the flue is full of tar and soot. Even though every flue is different, we can supply and fit the lining which best suits your chimney.
We also provide complete restoration, repair, and removal of old and/or unsafe chimneys.
Contact us today and schedule your pricing evaluation.
Chimney Crown/Top Wash Repairs
On Site Inspection Required
The chimney crown (also referred to as the chimney wash or Top Wash) is the top element of a masonry chimney. It covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liner(s) to the chimney edge. It seals the chimney top opening around the flue and sheds rainwater which prevents moisture from deteriorating the chimney. For the chimney crown to fulfill its purpose, it must be properly shaped and installed.
Most masonry chimneys are built with a crown constructed from common mortar mix, the same mixture used to lay the bricks of the chimney. This mortar is not designed for, and will not withstand years of weather abuse without cracking, chipping or deteriorating – situations that allow water to penetrate the chimney. In fact, most sand and mortar crowns crack almost immediately after installation because of shrinkage.
A proper chimney crown should be constructed of a Portland cement-based mixture and cast or formed so it provides an overhang, or drip edge, projecting beyond all sides of the chimney by a minimum of two inches.
The flue liner tile(s) should project above the crown a minimum of two inches. The crown should provide a downward slope that will direct the water from the flue to the edge of the crown.
The 2″ over-hanging drip edge, by directing the run-off from the crown away from the sides of the chimney, helps prevent erosion of the brick and mortar in the chimney’s vertical surfaces.
This can be poured in place on top of the chimney or precast on the ground and lifted into place. They are heavy and expensive hence the lazy mans reason for the bad method pictured top left. See the proper method in the drawing below the improper crown.
Contact us today to schedule a chimney inspection which includes viewing the top wash and a proposal for repairs if necessary.
Chimney Caps
Chimney Caps are critical to the care of your chimney. They keep out birds and animals, but most importantly they protect your chimney from the ravages of weather: rain leaks into the flue, rain absorbtion by the bricks and mortar at the top and from freeze/thaw cycles.
Single Flue caps cover a single flue. They attach to the flue tile with pressure screws. We offer copper or stainless steel in a variety of sizes. Size is determined by the INSIDE dimensions of the clay tile flue liner.
Multi Flue caps cover a 2 or more flues. They attach to the chimney crown (surrounding the flue tiles) with tapcon screws and adhesive (provided) and are also available in stainless steel or copper in a variety of sizes.
We feature GELCO and HOMESAVER brand chimney caps, available in copper and stainless steel, in both custom and stock sizes.
Contact us today for current pricing. 540-338-2723
Stove / Insert Installation
Site Inspection Required for Pricing
Per NFPA211, the Virginia Building Code and most Manufacturers’ Installation Instructions, we install all fireplace wood burning inserts, and free standing woodstoves installed into fireplaces, with a properly sized, insulated stainless steel chimney lining system, from the “vent” of the appliance, to the top of the chimney, terminating with a stainless steel chimney cover. Not only is this installation required by Virginia Building Code, it it the best and safest way to insure that your new stove or insert operates up to the specifications that it was designed, tested and listed for.
We use a single, cut to length, section of spiral wound, welded seam, corrigated stainless steel liner material. Our materials carry a conditional “Lifetime Warranty.” This installation, Increases draft and reduces cooling and condensation in the flue thus reducing creosote buildup. In the event of a “Chimney fire” the lining system contains the excessive heat from your terra-cotta clay flue tiles, which are not designed to handle the heat.
Contact us today to schedule your pricing inspection. 540-338-2723
