Back to school, harvest time, football games and the first frost tell us that autumn is here. The winter woodpile is well seasoned and you're probably looking forward to cozy fires and hibernation. We don't think so! Here's a fresh list of outdoor, home maintenance chores that will keep you warm and upright.
What about the chimney?
Our first wind-driven rains have come and much more are on the way. Did you see any moisture in the house? Check the ceiling around the chimney. If so, you may be one of the unfortunates with earthquake damage and in immediate need of a complete chimney inspection.
While a dry day on the roof would be best, viewing your chimney from the relative safety of a ladder leaning on the roof may reveal some very important clues.
What you will be looking for are loose, cracked or missing brick and mortar at the joints; a cracked or broken chimney cap and signs of shifting or twisting. Is the chimney as straight as it used to be? Now look at the metal flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Is it solidly embedded in the mortar joint? Is there any sign of broken-off material behind the chimney, in the gutter or on the ground below? If so, you need to get an expert's advice before firing up your first load of winter wood.
Call one of our local chimney sweeps and chimney masons for inspections and repair estimates. Ask for references, license, bond and insurance documents and call Labor and Industries to verify everything.
If there are no obvious signs of physical damage you're ready to look inside the chimney with your best flashlight. You want to see no more than a thin layer of combustion glazing on the interior flue and no cracks or damage to the flue. If you see a heavy layer of black, sooty tar-like stuff, a good cleaning is imperative.
The safety-minded do-it-yourselfer residing in Hoquiam, can get great instructions and a cleaning kit from the Fire Department. Elsewhere, they can be rented locally.
Every do-it-yourselfer should get thorough instructions and a whole house fire safety inspection from their friendly fire department when the chore is done.
This year, especially, we are suggesting you call in a professional chimney sweep. We have seen some very proper looking chimneys that rocked when they were subjected to the grab and shake test.
A proper cleaning combined with a trained eye and thorough inspection could reveal damage that you might miss, a baby crack that could burn you down or result in your whole stack falling to the ground.
Your inspector will not only look inside the chimney but also in the attic, around it. They will look for burnable materials that are too close to the bricks, any cracks or signs of smoke or heat damage and any water leakage.
Your professional should give you clear advice when your chimney is in need of repairs. It may need re-pointing of the mortar between the bricks or complete removal and replacement. Do not burn anything until the damage is fixed.
For everyone's benefit, your local fire deparrtment is the very best place to get a final, fire safety inspection of your whole house. Your safety is their highest priority. Call them on their (non-emergency) business line for an appointment.
Chimney Sealers in the Can
Last winter was so wet and windy that anything that could leak probably did. Your chimney is like a sponge on a stick and will soak up enough rainwater to by-pass the flashing and ruin your ceiling and more.
To help prevent that, seal your chimney with a liquid made especially for chimneys. Follow the directions carefully, especially regarding coverage of plants, windows, composition type roofs, and expensive things, like cars, downwind. It's simply a liquid raincoat that's sprayed, rolled or brushed on and, similar to waxing your car or the floor, the rain is repelled.
Next week, we'll keep you on the ground with the last of your chores before the leaves really fall.
Dave Murnen is the construction department manager and Pat Beaty is a construction specialist at Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services. Do you have questions about home repair, remodeling, becoming a homeowner or a member of our contractor pool? Call 533-7828 or visit us at 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.
