Chimney Tuckpointing, Reline, & Repair
Priddy Chimney Solutions knows chimney systems and their ventilation requirements, and after working with us, we promise you’ll understand yours as well.
Whether supporting via design, diagnosis, or repair services, our certified sweeps will work with you to ensure a full understanding of structural and functional requirements.
Chimney Relining
Most chimneys are lined with terra cotta clay tiles, each stacked one on top of the other from the foundation to the chimney top.
Over time, these tiles weaken due to the acidic nature of the vented gases, extreme heat, absorption of moisture from rain and snow, and the shifting and settling of the house and foundation.
These compromised tiles will spall, crack and split, at which point they can no longer contain the gases and the flammable byproducts of combustion they are designed to vent.
Reasons why you might need a new chimney liner
- Your chimney is currently unlined.
- You are installing a new gas or oil furnace.
- You are installing a new hearth stove.
- You had a chimney fire.
Benefits of relining your chimney
- Durable stainless steel UL-listed lining system avoids cracks and shifts common to clay tiles.
- Prevents overheating of the chimney and lengthens its lifespan.
- Improves energy efficiency.
- Prevent toxic gases from leaking indoors.
- Reduces soot and creosote build-up.
Customer Reviews of our Chimney Sweep Services
Chase Cover Replacements
These are commonly installed on factory prefabricated exterior chimneys called “chases” which are seen on more contemporary homes. A chase cover seals the top of your chimney to prevent water, debris, and animals from entering the structure.
Most chase covers installed at the time of your home’s construction are thin and made from inexpensive galvanized metal or aluminum. These unfortunately rust and corrode over time, compromising their sealing function.
Why you might need a new chase cover
- If the chase cover itself is rusted or split.
- If there is water pooling on the cover.
- If there are rust stains on the chimney chase.
If you have noticed any of these signs, are seeing water leaking into your fireplace, or seeing rust inside your fireplace, contact us to schedule a chimney inspection.
If the chase cover is found to be defective, Priddy Chimney Solutions can replace it with a stainless steel unit custom-tailored for your chimney.
Chimney Fans
- Powered Chimney Fans (for wood-burning or gas applications) Flue Extensions
- Smoke Guards
- Wind-Resistant Chimney Caps
- Chimney Extensions
Why you might need a chimney fan
- You are experiencing draft problems.
- Your chimney flue is improperly sized.
- Poor chimney/fireplace design.
Factory-Built Fireplaces
Chimney's Built Since 1980 in the Washington Area
In the Washington area, most homes with chimneys built from 1980 onwards have a factory-built fireplace that is often enclosed with a “chase”, i.e. a wood or siding-covered exterior chimney structure.
Compared to hand-laid masonry fireplaces, factory-built fireplaces only have a life expectancy of 25 years, less if the fireplace is heavily used. Water intrusion from a defective chase cover or damaged flashing can also impact lifespan.
Most defects in these fireplaces can be detected during an annual inspection. Depending on age and replacement part availability, the only practical solution may be to replace the entire unit.
Our certified chimney sweeps are trained in the standards of care for factory-built fireplaces, including full unit replacement to ensure that your fireplace is safe to enjoy.
Factory-Built Fireplace Panels
What You Should Know
Your factory-built (also sometimes known as “pre-fabricated” or simply “pre-fab”) fireplace is a metal firebox lined with refractory cement panels that resemble masonry walls. The purpose of these panels is to protect the metal firebox by acting as a barrier against the intense heat of a fire.
Refractory panels are a common repair. After years of usage and heat, these panels wear and start to crack. This reduces their effectiveness in containing the heat and shielding the metal firebox.
Because factory-built fireplaces only have one-half to one-inch clearance between the fireplace and surrounding structure, compromised components of these systems should be inspected regularly. Defective panels are relatively obvious, so if you notice cracks in your fireplace panels, contact us to have your fireplace inspected. Our certified chimney sweep can then determine whether there is an immediate safety issue and make the appropriate recommendations.