Browsing Tag

home repair

HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

DIY Chimney Crown Repair: Complete Guide for Homeowners

diy-chimney-crown-repair-complete-guide-for-homeowners

Chimneys are an important part of any home. They provide ventilation and help to keep your fireplace running efficiently. However, like any other area of your home, chimneys require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure they function properly.

One common issue that homeowners face with their chimneys is chimney crown damage. The chimney crown is the top part of the chimney that helps to keep water and debris out. Over time, due to exposure to weather elements, the chimney crown can become cracked, chipped, or damaged in other ways. In this guide, we will discuss DIY chimney crown repair for homeowners.

Signs of Chimney Crown Issues

Before we dive into how to repair a chimney crown, it is important to be able to identify potential issues with your chimney crown. Some common signs that indicate your chimney crown may need repair include:

  1. Visible cracks or breaks in the chimney crown
  2. Water leaking into the fireplace or attic
  3. Loose bricks or stones on the chimney’s exterior
  4. Mold growth on the interior walls near the fireplace

DIY Chimney Crown Repair

While chimney crown repair may seem like a daunting task, it can be done by homeowners with the right tools and materials. Here are the steps to follow for a successful DIY chimney crown repair:

Step 1: Gather Materials

Before starting any repair work, gather all the necessary materials. This includes:

  • Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses)
  • Hammer and chisel
  • Concrete mix or crown sealer
  • Water repellent

Step 2: Clean the Chimney Crown

Using a brush, remove any debris or loose material from the chimney crown. This will ensure that the repair material adheres properly.

Step 3: Prepare the Concrete Mix or Crown Sealer

If you are using a concrete mix, follow the instructions on the package to prepare it. For crown sealer, make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Step 4: Repair Visible Cracks or Holes

Using a hammer and chisel, widen any visible cracks or holes in the chimney crown. This will create a better surface for the repair material to adhere to.

Step 5: Apply the Repair Material

Using a trowel, carefully apply the prepared concrete mix or crown sealer onto the damaged areas of the chimney crown. Smooth out the material and make sure it is evenly spread.

Step 6: Apply Water Repellent

Once the repair material has dried, apply a water repellent to further protect the chimney crown from future damage. You can check superiorroofingalabama.com to better understand how to fix your chimney. This website can help provide advice and tips.

Preventative Measures for Chimney Crown Maintenance

In addition to regular inspections and prompt repairs, there are some preventative measures that homeowners can take to maintain their chimney crowns. These include:

  • Regularly cleaning debris 
  • Keeping tree branches trimmed 
  • Installing a chimney cap 

Common Chimney Repairs

While repairing a damaged chimney crown may be one of the more common issues, there are several other repairs that homeowners may encounter with their chimneys. These include:

  • Chimney liner repair or replacement
  • Masonry repairs 
  • Waterproofing the chimney 

Know How to Do Chimney Crown Repair Today

In conclusion, maintaining a chimney crown is crucial for the safety and longevity of your chimney. With the DIY chimney crown repair guide, homeowners now have the knowledge and tools to take on this task themselves, saving time and money.

Don’t wait for further damage; start repairing your chimney crown today and ensure a sturdy and secure chimney for years to come. Take charge of your home maintenance and follow these simple steps for a successful repair.

If you want to read more articles, visit our blog.

0 comment
Share:
home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

Important Repairs to Complete Before You Sell Your Home

important-repairs-to-complete-before-you-sell-your-home

When you’re busy, it’s easy for time to slip away. Before you realize it, it’s been months since you’ve done any repairs in your home. Whether it’s antique clock repair you need, or the tiles on your roof need replacing, it seems that there is always something that needs to be sorted out. It can be difficult trying to stay on top of it everything you have to do in your home!

You might be happy living with a few broken items in your home until you find time to replace them or call a professional in to fix them. However, if you’re looking to put your property on the market in the near future, it’s a good idea to get any major issues fixed before you sell.

Research shows that around a quarter of all house sales fall through due to problems found during a home inspection or environmental issues. To avoid your property sale being one of the quarter that falls through, you want to get as many things fixed as possible!

To make the selling process a little less overwhelming, here is a list of the important repairs you need to complete within your home before you sell.

Fixing the Faulty Wiring

You will not be able to sell your home if there are problems with any electrical wiring. Usually, electrical problems can be fixed quickly and easily by a qualified electrician. If your home requires a circuit breaker, you may need a replacement to comply with the local rules and regulations. Most homes are advised a maximum of 100 amps, but some larger homes may require a 200 amp circuit breaker.

Sorting Out the Walls

If there are any holes in your walls from previously hung photo frames or mirrors, fill them in using some filler. Once this has dried, don’t forget to apply a layer of paint to the wall to ensure it’s all the same color. Even if your walls are hole-free, giving them a fresh coat of paint can immediately make your home look more modern and inviting to potential buyers. If possible, stick to a more neutral palette for your walls as opposed to bright and bold colors, as this will appeal to a wider range of buyers and will increase your chances of selling.

Fixing the Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Therefore, before you sell, get your kitchen in tip-top shape to impress any potential buyers. Replace or repair any chipped cabinet doors, make sure all of your handles are matching, and fix any issues with the plumbing system to the room.

Organizing the Bathroom

There are a number of repairs that your bathroom might need. Firstly, you need to check that none of your equipment is broken or damaged. Make sure the tiles aren’t chipped, the bathtub isn’t dented, and the cabinets aren’t scratched. Remember to take a look at the handles too, and check for any built-up dirt or rust.

From here, you’re going to want to make sure the sinks and faucets aren’t leaking and that all drains are clear. Turn on your taps and ensure there is hot and cold water flow. If you identify a major issue, it’s probably best to call in a plumber to take a look and fix any plumbing problems.

Next, take a look in the shower. Due to the moisture-prone environment of the bathroom, mold can start to build up in the corners of your shower before you even notice. If this is the case, grab some bleach and give your shower a good scrub. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to reseal the shower edges.

Fixing Heating Issues

Sorting out your heating system might seem like a non-essential task when you’re selling your home. However, if it’s the middle of winter and your home reaches extremely cold temperatures due to a lack of sufficient heating, nobody is going to want to buy it! If your current system is not working correctly, you may not need a full replacement. It may just need a few repairs by a qualified technician, and this shouldn’t cost you too much money.

Fixing the Lawn

If you’ve decided to sell your property, don’t forget about the outside as well as the inside! If you’ve managed to maintain your garden all year round, you might have very few things to do outside. Spend some time removing any weeds, trimming the bushes, and repairing any damaged fencing. You may also wish to apply a quick coat of paint to your fencing to give it a new lease of life.

0 comment
Share: