Chimney & Fireplace Repair Services: Homeowners in Falls Church Rely on Winston’s Chimney Service
Part of making your Falls Church home the peaceful oasis you want it to be is keeping your fireplace or stove and chimney system in working order – which then keeps you and your family free of frustrating headaches.
From installing new systems to providing regular maintenance services to offering thorough and lasting repairs, Winston’s Chimney Service helps homeowners in our service area achieve peace of mind and comfort season after season.
Can We Travel to You Soon?
Are you running to the post office, exploring one of the city’s many parks, or enjoying the area’s beauty and history? Look for our signature brick company vans on Route 29, VA-7, Lincoln Ave, West Street, or Roosevelt Blvd – no matter the weather, we’re always out and about in Falls Church.
We also travel to nearby Arlington, Merrifield, Idylwood, Pimmit Hills, McLean, and more. If you need quality chimney and fireplace care, there’s no better team to rely on than us.
Why Trust Us?
Our technicians are great at what they do because, as a company, we’re highly focused on continuing education. We engage in regular, ongoing hands-on training to acquire and maintain the chimney industry’s top certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service (F.I.R.E.).
We always make sure we’re armed with the latest advancements in tools and procedures, while keeping a strong focus on providing truly excellent service. In addition, you won’t find a team that puts your needs on a pedestal like we do – your safety, needs, and satisfaction will always come first and foremost.
Our Services Are Unmatched
Now, here at Winston’s, we pride ourselves on being a full-service chimney company. This means that we don’t just offer the basics – like a quick inspection and sweep. Rather, we do it all, from installations to maintenance to repairs. We can even rebuild your chimney, if needed.
So, while you can absolutely book your annual inspections, chimney sweepings, oil flue cleanings, and the like with us before every burn season, we want you to turn to us if you need any repair services too.
Don’t hesitate to count on us for the following:
- Chimney & Fireplace Restoration
- Chimney & Fireplace Masonry Repairs
- Chimney Relining
- Damper Repairs & Installation
- Chimney Odor Troubleshooting
Ready to get on our schedule books? Give us a call at 703-379-5006 or book an appointment online now.
We Offer Chimney Leak Repair Services You Can Count On
While we can’t promote the need for regular servicing and repair work enough, when it comes to your chimney, there’s one major issue that almost every chimney faces at least once in its lifetime – water-related damages. If you find yourself in need of chimney leak repair services, we want to be the only team you rely on for the job.
Chimney leaks can be a serious problem for your home and chimney. That said, they remain an overlooked issue by homeowners that, when left unchecked, can cause damage all throughout the home – like the roof, interior ceilings, woodwork, and more.
We’re here to tell you – don’t put off necessary chimney leak repairs! Most of the time, water-related damages are relatively easy to repair, like small gaps caused by failed caulking or masonry cracks. That said, if they go unaddressed, what could be an easy fix will quickly turn into a more time-consuming (and expensive) problem.
In the end, the sooner we can tackle these, the better off your system will be – and the more manageable and affordable the repair services will be too.
Have repairs gone unaddressed for too long? No worries – we can still help. Many complex issues require the help of an experienced chimney technician, and they won’t be a match for our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified techs. We can help tend to and resolve any water-related problems as soon as possible, so that your household avoids serious complications down the road.
What Are the Signs That I Have a Chimney Leak?
Having a leaky chimney can make a home unsafe by creating fire hazards, gas leaks, buildup, respiratory irritants (like mold), and more. In addition, if left untreated, chimney leaks can damage the structure or components of the home and chimney over time. Knowing what to look for provides critical knowledge for determining whether or not some professional services are in order.
While there are times you won’t see any signs that would lead you to think your chimney is leaking, most of the time there are some obvious indicators. These include:
Dripping Noises in the Fireplace
Dripping water or standing puddles of water in the firebox is a pretty clear indicator of a chimney leak. In fact, droplets of moisture in any of the areas around the fireplace are a sure and clear sign that water is entering places it shouldn’t be. Take necessary steps to investigate further, and then alert a sweep, so they can make any appropriate repairs.
Water Stains
Spotting water stains on the ceilings and walls near your chimney? This can be a tell-tale sign of chimney leaks, and it usually means that you have some damaged or cracked masonry or that your flashing is faulty. In these cases, taking early action can prevent further damage to your chimney – and can stop damage from reaching other parts of your home too.
Damp, Musty Odors
If you’re getting wafts of something musty coming from your fireplace opening, this can be the result of rain soaking into the mortar between your fire bricks. It might also mean you have a worn out chimney crown.
Note: In some cases, animals may have found their way into your home and created a nest in your chimney. In these cases, the smells might be more than just musty… they might be downright nasty.
Crumbling Mortar or Bricks
Crumbling brick or mortar on your chimney is aesthetically unpleasing, and it’s also a sign that water is getting into areas it isn’t welcome. If you are experiencing a broken or crumbling chimney, it should be addressed promptly to prevent further problems from occurring down the line – things like crumbling walls, weakened supports around the fireplace, wood rot, and water leaks in the home.
Rusted Damper or Firebox
Water can filter down and sit on the damper and firebox – which eventually leads to rust over time. Furthermore, water can cause your chimney liner, flashing, chase cover, and chimney cap to rust and break down as well. This is why it’s important that you check for any rust or dampness in your home’s firebox, then have it addressed quickly.
Visible Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew love dark, damp areas – which means that a leaky chimney is an ideal place for it to grow and spread. Signs of dampness can also occur alongside visible mold and mildew, meaning that, even if you do not directly spot it, it could still be there. Have mold issues addressed promptly to avoid further damage and to keep anyone in the home from inhaling mold spores and getting sick.
Efflorescence on the Exterior Brick
When water seeps into the exterior stone or brick of your chimney, it can create efflorescence. What is this? It’s essentially a white chalky stain that forms when absorbed water in the chimney pushes out salts and minerals onto the surface of the masonry. If you spot it, water is creating an issue – and it should be addressed as soon as possible.
Are Chimney Leaks Dangerous?
Chimney leaks can easily – and quickly – become a major issue. Water seeping into the chimney walls can cause permanent damage, resulting in costly repairs that take a toll on your schedule, stress levels, and budget.
And if any issues are left unchecked, it can even lead to structural weaknesses and wood rot – both of which can threaten the safety and stability of your home. Additionally, water in your flue can invite clogs, which trigger airflow issues, and it can lead to masonry decay, which ups your risk of fire hazards and gas leaks. For these reasons and more, yes – chimney leaks are dangerous. And it is absolutely essential to take care of any chimney leaks as soon as possible to create a safer and healthier living environment for you and your family.
What Leak Repair Services Does Winston’s Offer?
If your chimney is leaking, count on us to restore your masonry to its former glory with tuckpointing, crown repairs, and brick replacement services. Then, be sure to invest in the following preventive measures to keep everything in tip-top shape for the long haul:
- Chimney Water Repellent: When we apply our chimney water repellent products to your masonry, this guarantees your bricks don’t soak in all that harmful moisture. Rather, the water will just bead up and roll off. Our products are also vapor-permeable, so your brickwork can still breathe.
- Chimney Waterproofing: Waterproofing involves sealing the upper areas of the chimney with a specialized solution. This is usually only done near the crown. If your chimney crown is already showing signs of deterioration, this is something to invest in as soon as possible.
- Chimney Cap Installation: Chimney caps are what keep water, animals, and debris out of your chimneys opening. They cover and protect the top, while still leaving room for your system to breathe and vent. And a chimney without one in place or properly fitted is sure to suffer.
- Flashing Repair & Installation: Did you know that the spot where your roof meets up with your chimney is especially prone to water infiltration? Because of this, flashing should be installed to properly seal the area and keep water out of your home for good.
- Chimney Crown Repair: A damaged chimney crown isn’t doing anyone any good. If yours is cracked or crumbling, we can perform needed repair services – or rebuild it if damages have gotten too bad.
We’re here to assist with it all. Call now or book online, so we can get you where you need to be.
Ask Us About Our Financing Options
If your chimney is facing damage, getting repairs addressed in a timely manner is imperative for avoiding bigger issues or hazards later on. That said, these expenses are usually unexpected and not in the budget. If you’re concerned about the affordability of these services, we have financing options available to assist you. Ask us about the following:
12-Month Same-as-Cash Offer: This allows you to make payments over a 12-month period without incurring any interest charges throughout the process. You’ll get repairs done promptly, while getting to spread the cost over a year without additional financial burden.
5-Year Low-Interest Loan: If you prefer a longer repayment term, we offer a 5-year loan option with low interest rates. This enables you to make affordable monthly payments over a more extended period – while still taking care of your chimney and fireplace needs.
In the end, we always aim to work with our customers to find a solution that fits their budget, so their home doesn’t remain at risk. Taking advantage of these options can help prevent further damage without stressing you out or straining your budget in the process.
Feel free to reach out to us to discuss these financing options further and find the best solution for your specific needs.
Ready to Book Your Chimney Services With Winston’s?
Homeowners in Northern VA continue calling us in for care with every passing year because we excel when it comes to putting the customers’ needs and safety first and foremost. We take education and training seriously, continuously investing in more year after year to be our very best. And we are always open to working with your needs and budget.
If you have any questions, or if you’d like to book your next repair or service, don’t wait to get in touch. Reach out online or dial 703-379-5006 today.
Living in Alexandria? That’s good news! It means we’ll be in your part of our service area delivering the best in chimney care to you and your family, year after year.
