Chimney & Fireplace Near Manchester, VT: Count On Rutland for All of Your Fireplace Services

For chimney and fireplace services near you, trust our experts. We serve Manchester, VT and surrounding areas, providing fireplace repairs, chimney masonry repairs, chimney cap installations, and more. Book your next fireplace or chimney repair with us today – we’re here to help.

Fireplace Repair Near Me: What Are the Signs of Chimney Water Damage?

Water damage is one of the most common and serious issues for chimneys. It’s something that, if not addressed promptly, can cause significant deterioration, not just to your fireplace system, but to other areas of your home, as well. Signs to look out for include:

  • White, powdery stains (efflorescence), which indicates moisture is seeping through the bricks.
  • Cracked or deteriorating mortar joints.
  • Spalling bricks, which is when bricks are flaking or breaking apart due to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Rusty or damaged damper, chimney cap, flashing, and/or firebox.
  • Water stains on ceilings or walls near the chimney.
  • Any signs of mold or mildew growth throughout the fireplace.
  • A damp smell coming from inside the fireplace.

If you’re reading to book your next inspection or repair services, don’t hesitate to reach out – the team at Rutland Chimney is here for folks throughout Manchester and all areas surrounding.

original infographic featuring close-up photo of a stone fireplace with a lit fire inside. Two white, rounded rectangle text boxes are superimposed on the image. The top box, labeled "QUESTION:", asks "What are signs of chimney water damage?" The bottom box, labeled "ANSWER:", lists signs of chimney water damage in bullet points, including efflorescence, cracked mortar, spalling bricks, rusty metal, water stains, and mold.  The photo shows the textures of the stone surround and the flames through the fireplace opening.<br />

How Do I Fix a Smoky Fireplace?

If smoke is entering your home instead of going up the chimney, there are multiple reasons that this could be happening:

  • You could have a flue blockage. Check for debris, nests, or creosote buildup and have the chimney cleaned by a professional.
  • The damper could be closed or malfunctioning. Ensure the damper is fully open before lighting a fire – and if it isn’t opening, ask a chimney tech to talk a look.
  • You’re experiencing negative air pressure. If your home is too airtight, try cracking a window to improve airflow, then consider more permanent makeup air solutions down the line.
  • You have chimney height issues. A chimney that is too short may not draft properly and may need an extension.
  • Your flue isn’t sized correctly. A flue that’s too large or too small for your fireplace can cause smoke to back up into your home.
  • You’re experiencing cold chimney syndrome. If the chimney is cold, that heavy wall of air could push smoke back inside, so warm it up by holding a lit newspaper in there for a while.

And, of course, if problems persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts. We’d be happy to complete a thorough chimney inspection to try and discover the issue – and how to best resolve it.

Chimney Repair Near Me: What Is Chimney Flashing? Why Is It Important?

original infographic featuring close-up photo of a stone fireplace with a burning fire inside. Two white, rounded rectangle text boxes are superimposed on the image. The top box, labeled "QUESTION:", asks "What is chimney flashing? Why is it important?" The bottom box, labeled "ANSWER:", explains that chimney flashing is a metal barrier preventing water leaks where the roof meets the chimney, and that damage can cause leaks, wood rot, and structural damage. The photo shows the textures of the stone surround and the flames through the fireplace opening.

Chimney flashing is the metal barrier that seals the vulnerable area where your roof meets your chimney. It prevents water from seeping into your home at the joint, since these materials tend to contract and expand at different rates.

Flashing usually consists of step flashing, which is interwoven with roof shingles for a secure seal, and counter flashing, which is embedded into the chimney to cover the step flashing and direct water away.

If flashing is damaged or improperly installed, it can lead to leaks, wood rot, and structural damage to your home and chimney. Common signs of failing flashing include water stains on walls, ceiling leaks, and rusted metal material. If your flashing needs repair or replacement, we can help.

Book Your Next Manchester, VT Chimney or Fireplace Repair Service With Us

Don’t wait until minor chimney issues turn into costly repairs – protect your home with expert chimney and fireplace repair services in Manchester, VT. Whether you’re dealing with water damage, smoke problems, or structural concerns, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your fireplace safer and more efficient all year long.