Can Old or Historical Chimney’s Be Repaired?

How old is your home? Perhaps more importantly, even if your home is older, your chimney system may be relatively newer. Does that mean you can simply repair it and start using it once again? Or is it a better option to replace it with a newer construction? Let’s take a few moments to answer the question, “Can old chimneys be repaired” and what your options are.

How do we define an “old” chimney?

Rewinding before the age of HVAC systems, most homes used wood to heat their home. As forced air furnaces became more common, chimneys fell out of use, seeing a resurgence in recent decades. Does this mean that anything before then is an “old” chimney?

Not necessarily. If a chimney has been adequately maintained, cleaned, and swept each year then functionally it may be just as good as one built more recently. Generally speaking, we’re going to classify an old chimney as one that has significant structural problems.

Even a home built in the 80s or 90s may have an old chimney that is no longer functional. This is especially true if Mother Nature has wreaked havoc on your chimney.

How does weathering affect your chimney?

Looking at that last statement a bit closer, wear and tear from the elements can cause damage to the structural integrity of your chimney system. From the freeze-and-thaw cycle to rust to the deterioration of a clay flue, rain, snow, and wind can severely affect the longevity of your chimney.

If you haven’t used your chimney in many years, yet want to start using your fireplace once again, you should contact Chimney Solutions Indiana before starting your first fire. This inspection will allow us to give you the all-clear or make recommendations.

Why would you want to repair an old chimney?

One of those would be repairs such as repointing, tuckpointing, fixing a damaged crown, replacing your cap, repairing a rusted damper, and removing creosote from the interior of your flue. But is this a better option than a new build?

In some cases, possibly. First, there is a certain aesthetic with an older-style chimney. It may match your neighborhood or the look of your home specifically. It’s also cheaper to repair and restore your current chimney than rebuild. Second, do you have the time for a complete teardown and rebuild? If not, a repair may be the more prudent option for you.

Finally, your chimney may act as a support structure for your home. Repairing it may be the more practical alternative.

Reasons to consider a new construction

However, not all chimneys play such a vital role in your home. If a non-centralized chimney is leaning, for example, it may be beyond the possibility of repair.

Furthermore, as building techniques and materials have improved, so have efficiency standards. Newer chimneys are more efficient than their older counterparts, even ones from just a few decades ago.

Proactive maintenance once your chimney is operational

Whichever option you decide on, our team can help you maintain your chimney once it’s fully operational. This includes an annual sweep and inspection, waterproofing to prevent additional weather-based wear and tear, general maintenance, and more.

Would you like to learn more? Then give the team at Chimney Solutions Indiana a call at 317-757-6979 or send us a message through our short online contact form.