Do I Need A New Liner For My Oil-Fired Appliance?
When you have your appliance is serviced and cleaned, the technician will remove the pipe connected to the chimney. If they find any of the following you should consider relining your chimney.
When relining the chimney it is best to use a stainless steel liner sized for the appliance. This will boost safety, increase performance, prolong your chimney life and increase efficiency.
The end result means you use less oil on heating your home, spend less on repairs and maintenance and spend less time worrying about carbon monoxide leaking in to the home.
When's The Best Time Of Year For Masonry Work?
Masonry without additive use requires stable weather conditions typically above 5c or 40f for best results, and in many places, the longest stretches of clear weather are during the summer. However, in Prince Edward Island, summers can be brutally hot to the point that even walking outside at the height of the day can be uncomfortable, let alone working on a masonry project mortar can dry very fast resulting in a weak bond. Because of this, late spring and early summer and fall are the most ideal times to do masonry work in PEI especially chimneys. During the height of summer extra equipment and set up may be required to ensure suitable working conditions.
How To Clean My Masonry?
Answer: Masonry can fade in colour over time and become dirty, the fading and dirt will look less pronounced if you are able to keep the masonry clean. To begin the cleaning process, spray the area down with a garden hose. Alternatively a pressure washer would be more effective and faster if you have access to one. Sometimes there is an unfortunate amount of staining from mineral buildup on the masonry which won’t be removed with water alone. There are acid washes formulated to remove this buildup, however they are dangerous to use for those who are untrained. Chemical cleaning should always be performed by a trained professional with full personal protective equipment including a respirator with organic cartridges.
Can Brick & Stone Be Repaired, Or Should It Be Rebuilt?
This depends on the maintenance and care that has been given to the brick and stone. If the area has been kept free of vegetation and was installed correctly when built, it may just require repointing, which is when mortar is removed and reapplied to the joints of the brick or stone. If the area has not been regularly maintained, was poorly installed, or was built with a less durable materials, it will likely need to be rebuilt.
Should Sealant Or Water Repellant Be Applied To Masonry?
You should not use a sealant on your masonry surfaces. While it is understandable to protect your masonry surface from weather with a sealant, it will trap moisture inside the masonry surface and begin to break down from the inside especially during freeze thaw cycles, leading to spalling. The only application recommended is a water repellent treatment that will allow the masonry surface to breathe and transfer moisture resulting in some protection from water without trapping moisture in the masonry. There are a few select products that we use for this application. If you have a masonry project coming up and want it done correctly, please reach out and we would be happy to help you achieve the best results with masonry treatment.
Do Small Cracks Need Repairing?
Yes, absolutely. When cracks appear in mortar it breaks the bond that holds your masonry together allowing movement. It also allows water in and when water freezes it expands and suddenly your small crack becomes a very large crack resulting in added expense to you for repair and possible resulting in rebuilding of the area. Small crack repair is relatively inexpensive and is always the cheaper choice than ignoring it.
Can We Just Patch It?
While understanding financial variances and complexities it is worth noting that investing in quality repairs and maintenance early will save considerable sums of money compared to future replacement. We will always tell you the true and honest answer and never try to up sell you on anything as we have no need to. There are many ways to approach and fix masonry and we will give you all the options available for you to decide which is best for your budget and future property maintenance.
What Happens If I Leave It Unrepaired?
It will almost certainly get worse resulting in further damage. If you've noticed damage, it is always better to professionally repair when first noticed as it is the less expensive option compared to replacement. But if we find on closer inspection it is perfectly fine, we will tell you just that. All problems have a root cause, we look to see what has caused the need for repair so it can be fixed at source even if it turns out not to be masonry related.
What If It Happens Again?
As with everything nothing is for certain, sometimes there is another underlying problem requiring correction that may have been overlooked based on budget or hidden from sight not displaying symptoms. Naturally we will come and repair any of our work that fails within a reasonable time frame. We want you to feel confident that the work we complete will last for years to come. We pride ourselves in providing the best masonry services on the island, using the best materials and the meticulous attention to detail were proud to have a call back rate of less than 1%. We work hard to maintain extreamely high standards so you can be confident that you will receive the best quality of service for your money.
How Tall Should A Chimney Be?
The chimney must be a minimum of three feet above the roofline but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet. The portion of the code stating the chimney needs to be two feet above anything within ten feet is where most people get confused. The chimney will be a minimum for 3' above the uphill side of the roof and 2' higher than anything within 10' feet. This clearance is designed to help prevent any embers from landing on the roof. This height requirement is extremely important for the safety of the chimney system.
Why Are Bricks Falling Off My Chimney?
Living in a cold environment like Prince Edward Island, moisture becomes trapped inside the bricks where is freezes (expands) and then thaws (decreases in mass) over and over. This puts a lot of pressure on brickwork and mortar, eventually leading to cracks and spalling bricks. Water damage is normally the common culprit. The water may enter from leaking flashing, driving rain or broken mortar on the top of the chimney allowing water in through the top. Once the water is in jack frost does the rest. Ensuring you have a well sealed cap with a drip edge installed will drastically reduce the chance of water entering the top of the chimney.
Why Is My Chimney Leaking?
This is a broad question and has a few answers and possible solution's. The water may come in from broken mortar on the top of the chimney allowing water in through the cracks. This can be rectified by repairing broken mortar but is best fixed by installing a rain cap with a drip edge, leaking is typically noticed during heavy rain. The water may come in from loose, damaged or poorly fitted flashing. Over time weather can wear flashing material leading to water penetration, as we live in a salt air climate, we prefer to use lead flashing providing the best weather corrosion resistance available in this region. Less common is a leak caused by water and ice building up behind the chimney. Implementing the use of a chimney cricket to direct the water flow corrects this type of leak. A cricket is an additional structure and special kind of flashing method that diverts the water and ice to prevent it from pooling on your roof. It sits at the back of your chimney, forming a pointed ridge for water and ice to run down. DinoMac Masonry has a full line of chimney services in Pei.
Does My Chimney Need A Liner?
Yes, preferably stainless-steel. An oil-fired furnace or water heater for example benefit greatly from a stainless-steel chimney liner. The purpose of any chimney liner, or flue, is to keep the smoke, fumes and toxic gases from penetrating the chimney mortar between the bricks and entering the living space.
Do I Need A Stainless-Steel Chimney Liner?
Highly likely, traditional clay flue liners are 2' sections stacked inside the chimney using mortar to seal the joint between two clay tile flue liners. This mortar between the flues will endure many years of traditional wood burning fires. However, this is not the case with oil fired appliance gases, over the years oil fired appliances have become more efficient and with that the gases break down the mortar between the clay liners faster. The vapor condensates to the inside of the brick and slowly breaks down the mortar from the inside out resulting in the chimney needing extensive repairs. Typically, the top portion of the chimney above the roofline will deteriorate the fastest due to gases rising and condensing against the colder exposed chimney section above the roofline. It is highly recommended to install a stainless-steel liner to an oil fired appliance using a traditional masonry chimney.
Will Stone Add Value To My Home?
Absolutely it does! Not only does stone give your home a sophisticated look, but it also adds value to your home. According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, you can recoup up to 93 percent of the value of natural stone veneer. This makes stone veneer a natural choice when considering options to boost your home’s curb appeal. Additional stone design and patterns can further enhance the look of the home increasing and maximizing return on investment.
Are Outdoor Kitchens Worth The Investment?
Yes, outdoor kitchens continue to grow in popularity, and experts in the space believe that an outdoor kitchen significantly increases the value of a home. A study from Absolute Outdoor Kitchens found homes with an outdoor kitchen see an ROI of between 100% and 200% than homes without. Providing a luxurious outdoor living space is an art itself and an outdoor kitchen will go a long way to achieving your outdoor oasis. Location is key however to achieve the best results.
When you have your appliance is serviced and cleaned, the technician will remove the pipe connected to the chimney. If they find any of the following you should consider relining your chimney.
- No existing chimney liner
- Small pieces of chimney liner or mortar
- Broken or cracked flue liner tiles
- A wet or damp chimney
When relining the chimney it is best to use a stainless steel liner sized for the appliance. This will boost safety, increase performance, prolong your chimney life and increase efficiency.
The end result means you use less oil on heating your home, spend less on repairs and maintenance and spend less time worrying about carbon monoxide leaking in to the home.
When's The Best Time Of Year For Masonry Work?
Masonry without additive use requires stable weather conditions typically above 5c or 40f for best results, and in many places, the longest stretches of clear weather are during the summer. However, in Prince Edward Island, summers can be brutally hot to the point that even walking outside at the height of the day can be uncomfortable, let alone working on a masonry project mortar can dry very fast resulting in a weak bond. Because of this, late spring and early summer and fall are the most ideal times to do masonry work in PEI especially chimneys. During the height of summer extra equipment and set up may be required to ensure suitable working conditions.
How To Clean My Masonry?
Answer: Masonry can fade in colour over time and become dirty, the fading and dirt will look less pronounced if you are able to keep the masonry clean. To begin the cleaning process, spray the area down with a garden hose. Alternatively a pressure washer would be more effective and faster if you have access to one. Sometimes there is an unfortunate amount of staining from mineral buildup on the masonry which won’t be removed with water alone. There are acid washes formulated to remove this buildup, however they are dangerous to use for those who are untrained. Chemical cleaning should always be performed by a trained professional with full personal protective equipment including a respirator with organic cartridges.
Can Brick & Stone Be Repaired, Or Should It Be Rebuilt?
This depends on the maintenance and care that has been given to the brick and stone. If the area has been kept free of vegetation and was installed correctly when built, it may just require repointing, which is when mortar is removed and reapplied to the joints of the brick or stone. If the area has not been regularly maintained, was poorly installed, or was built with a less durable materials, it will likely need to be rebuilt.
Should Sealant Or Water Repellant Be Applied To Masonry?
You should not use a sealant on your masonry surfaces. While it is understandable to protect your masonry surface from weather with a sealant, it will trap moisture inside the masonry surface and begin to break down from the inside especially during freeze thaw cycles, leading to spalling. The only application recommended is a water repellent treatment that will allow the masonry surface to breathe and transfer moisture resulting in some protection from water without trapping moisture in the masonry. There are a few select products that we use for this application. If you have a masonry project coming up and want it done correctly, please reach out and we would be happy to help you achieve the best results with masonry treatment.
Do Small Cracks Need Repairing?
Yes, absolutely. When cracks appear in mortar it breaks the bond that holds your masonry together allowing movement. It also allows water in and when water freezes it expands and suddenly your small crack becomes a very large crack resulting in added expense to you for repair and possible resulting in rebuilding of the area. Small crack repair is relatively inexpensive and is always the cheaper choice than ignoring it.
Can We Just Patch It?
While understanding financial variances and complexities it is worth noting that investing in quality repairs and maintenance early will save considerable sums of money compared to future replacement. We will always tell you the true and honest answer and never try to up sell you on anything as we have no need to. There are many ways to approach and fix masonry and we will give you all the options available for you to decide which is best for your budget and future property maintenance.
What Happens If I Leave It Unrepaired?
It will almost certainly get worse resulting in further damage. If you've noticed damage, it is always better to professionally repair when first noticed as it is the less expensive option compared to replacement. But if we find on closer inspection it is perfectly fine, we will tell you just that. All problems have a root cause, we look to see what has caused the need for repair so it can be fixed at source even if it turns out not to be masonry related.
What If It Happens Again?
As with everything nothing is for certain, sometimes there is another underlying problem requiring correction that may have been overlooked based on budget or hidden from sight not displaying symptoms. Naturally we will come and repair any of our work that fails within a reasonable time frame. We want you to feel confident that the work we complete will last for years to come. We pride ourselves in providing the best masonry services on the island, using the best materials and the meticulous attention to detail were proud to have a call back rate of less than 1%. We work hard to maintain extreamely high standards so you can be confident that you will receive the best quality of service for your money.
How Tall Should A Chimney Be?
The chimney must be a minimum of three feet above the roofline but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet. The portion of the code stating the chimney needs to be two feet above anything within ten feet is where most people get confused. The chimney will be a minimum for 3' above the uphill side of the roof and 2' higher than anything within 10' feet. This clearance is designed to help prevent any embers from landing on the roof. This height requirement is extremely important for the safety of the chimney system.
Why Are Bricks Falling Off My Chimney?
Living in a cold environment like Prince Edward Island, moisture becomes trapped inside the bricks where is freezes (expands) and then thaws (decreases in mass) over and over. This puts a lot of pressure on brickwork and mortar, eventually leading to cracks and spalling bricks. Water damage is normally the common culprit. The water may enter from leaking flashing, driving rain or broken mortar on the top of the chimney allowing water in through the top. Once the water is in jack frost does the rest. Ensuring you have a well sealed cap with a drip edge installed will drastically reduce the chance of water entering the top of the chimney.
Why Is My Chimney Leaking?
This is a broad question and has a few answers and possible solution's. The water may come in from broken mortar on the top of the chimney allowing water in through the cracks. This can be rectified by repairing broken mortar but is best fixed by installing a rain cap with a drip edge, leaking is typically noticed during heavy rain. The water may come in from loose, damaged or poorly fitted flashing. Over time weather can wear flashing material leading to water penetration, as we live in a salt air climate, we prefer to use lead flashing providing the best weather corrosion resistance available in this region. Less common is a leak caused by water and ice building up behind the chimney. Implementing the use of a chimney cricket to direct the water flow corrects this type of leak. A cricket is an additional structure and special kind of flashing method that diverts the water and ice to prevent it from pooling on your roof. It sits at the back of your chimney, forming a pointed ridge for water and ice to run down. DinoMac Masonry has a full line of chimney services in Pei.
Does My Chimney Need A Liner?
Yes, preferably stainless-steel. An oil-fired furnace or water heater for example benefit greatly from a stainless-steel chimney liner. The purpose of any chimney liner, or flue, is to keep the smoke, fumes and toxic gases from penetrating the chimney mortar between the bricks and entering the living space.
Do I Need A Stainless-Steel Chimney Liner?
Highly likely, traditional clay flue liners are 2' sections stacked inside the chimney using mortar to seal the joint between two clay tile flue liners. This mortar between the flues will endure many years of traditional wood burning fires. However, this is not the case with oil fired appliance gases, over the years oil fired appliances have become more efficient and with that the gases break down the mortar between the clay liners faster. The vapor condensates to the inside of the brick and slowly breaks down the mortar from the inside out resulting in the chimney needing extensive repairs. Typically, the top portion of the chimney above the roofline will deteriorate the fastest due to gases rising and condensing against the colder exposed chimney section above the roofline. It is highly recommended to install a stainless-steel liner to an oil fired appliance using a traditional masonry chimney.
Will Stone Add Value To My Home?
Absolutely it does! Not only does stone give your home a sophisticated look, but it also adds value to your home. According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, you can recoup up to 93 percent of the value of natural stone veneer. This makes stone veneer a natural choice when considering options to boost your home’s curb appeal. Additional stone design and patterns can further enhance the look of the home increasing and maximizing return on investment.
Are Outdoor Kitchens Worth The Investment?
Yes, outdoor kitchens continue to grow in popularity, and experts in the space believe that an outdoor kitchen significantly increases the value of a home. A study from Absolute Outdoor Kitchens found homes with an outdoor kitchen see an ROI of between 100% and 200% than homes without. Providing a luxurious outdoor living space is an art itself and an outdoor kitchen will go a long way to achieving your outdoor oasis. Location is key however to achieve the best results.
What's The Effect Of Climbing Plants On Masonry?
While it can look beautiful to have plants climbing your masonry, it is extremely destructive to your masonry. The little tendrils which allow the plant to climb dig into the stone, bricks and mortar holding your masonry together. As a result of this, when climbing plants are removed, you will discover that the face of the masonry and much of the mortar will have been destroyed. Most nonclimbing plants are perfectly fine to place near your masonry. The only exception being trees as the root system in a mature tree can push up the ground and crack masonry.
While it can look beautiful to have plants climbing your masonry, it is extremely destructive to your masonry. The little tendrils which allow the plant to climb dig into the stone, bricks and mortar holding your masonry together. As a result of this, when climbing plants are removed, you will discover that the face of the masonry and much of the mortar will have been destroyed. Most nonclimbing plants are perfectly fine to place near your masonry. The only exception being trees as the root system in a mature tree can push up the ground and crack masonry.
