Trust Hansen & Sons for the Best Chimney Rebuild Services in the Madison Area
Chimneys are known for being strong and sturdy structures. And while they are durable and built to last, they’re also not indestructible. Proper care and system maintenance can keep your chimney looking nice and performing well, but over time you’re bound to see signs of degradation. That’s where we come in. Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace has been providing the Madison area and surrounding communities with exceptional and reliable fireplace and chimney services since 1953. From repair jobs like chimney rebuilds to preventative maintenance, our team is the one to trust for it all.
Whether your chimney has suffered from extensive damage or you’re simply tired of its old and worn appearance, our highly skilled masons can rebuild your chimney and restore it to its former glory – or better – in no time. Call 608-466-4185 or fill out this appointment request form for more details or to book your appointment.
Why Would I Need To Schedule a Chimney Rebuild?
There are many different reasons why you might need to schedule a chimney rebuild, but they’ll fall into one of two categories: damage/system performance or aesthetics. While it’s obvious that a damaged chimney might require a bit of rebuilding, turning to such a service as a way to enhance your home’s curb appeal doesn’t always cross the mind. Here’s a bit more information:
Chimney Damage or Performance Issues
Whether your chimney has suffered damage as a result of neglected maintenance services or a something like a natural disaster, repairs are needed to restore the safety and integrity of your heating system. Broken or missing bricks and crumbling mortar joints not only compromise the structural integrity of the outside of your chimney structure, but they signal safety concerns as well. Here are some of the biggest:
- Fire Hazards: A damaged chimney can increase the risk of house fires. Cracks and gaps in the chimney can allow hot gases and embers to escape into the surrounding structure, potentially igniting combustible materials. A chimney rebuild ensures that the flue and masonry are intact, effectively containing these hot gases and preventing fires.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A compromised chimney liner or damaged flue tiles can allow carbon monoxide to leak back into your house. Odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is incredibly difficult to detect – especially without a properly functioning chimney.
- Structural Integrity Concerns: Over time, exposure to weather, extreme temperatures, and moisture can cause the bricks and mortar in your chimney to deteriorate. This can manifest as crumbling mortar, loose or cracked bricks, and spalling (flaking or breaking away) of brick surfaces. A rebuild addresses these structural issues to prevent further damage and potential collapse.
- Water Damage: Water leaks from a damaged chimney crown, flashing, or flue can cause significant structural problems. Left unaddressed, water damage can weaken the mortar, rust metal components, and contribute to spalling. A rebuild ensures proper waterproofing and prevents future water infiltration.
- Reduced Heating Efficiency: A poorly maintained chimney with cracks or leaks can hinder proper airflow and drafting. This can make it harder for your fireplace to heat efficiently, wasting fuel and increasing heating costs.
Enhancing Aesthetics and Curb Appeal
Perhaps you’ve had enough of your current chimney’s appearance and are ready for a change. A chimney rebuild can not only dramatically improve the aesthetics of the outside of your home, but will also increase your appliance’s performance, too. Here are some of the benefits:
- Revitalize Your Home’s Appearance: A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing chimney can significantly enhance the overall look of your home. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary design, a chimney rebuild allows you to choose materials and styles that complement your home’s architecture. The transformation can be striking, turning an old, deteriorated chimney into a beautiful focal point.
- Customization Options: During a rebuild, you have the opportunity to customize your chimney’s appearance. This can include selecting different types of brick or stone, incorporating decorative elements, and choosing a design that aligns with your vision for your home. These choices can dramatically improve the exterior look and create a cohesive and attractive design.
- Investment in Property Value: A chimney rebuild is a valuable investment that can increase the market value of your home. Prospective buyers often prioritize homes that require minimal immediate repairs and maintenance. A recently rebuilt chimney signals that the home has been well cared for and is structurally sound, making it more appealing to buyers.
- Long-Term Savings: Addressing chimney issues proactively through a rebuild can save you money in the long run. Repairing or rebuilding a chimney before it becomes a major safety hazard can prevent costly damage to your home’s interior and structure. Additionally, a well-functioning chimney contributes to better energy efficiency, reducing heating costs during the colder months.
- Enhanced Functionality: A chimney rebuild can improve the functionality of your fireplace or heating system. A properly rebuilt chimney ensures optimal draft and ventilation, enhancing the efficiency of your heating system and providing better overall performance.
Want to learn more about the benefits a chimney rebuild could bring to your home? Someone from the Hansen & Sons team would be happy to discuss details and provide you with as much information as you need. Get started today by calling 608-466-4185 or get in touch with us by filling out our online contact form.
What’s the Difference Between a Chimney Repair & Chimney Rebuilding?
Chimney repairs and chimney rebuilds are largely different in the semantics; both services help restore a structure depending on the issue and what needs to be done. A chimney rebuild is like an extensive repair service – a reconstruction of either part of or the full chimney structure as a way to re-establish functionality. However, while a chimney rebuild might be commonly interchanged with and referred to as a chimney repair, it’s not exclusively reserved for fixing damaged or problematic areas; a chimney rebuild is also a great way to revitalize an old and weathered structure.
On a more nuanced level, chimney repairs address specific issues within the system without altering its overall structure. Common repair-focused tasks include:
- Tuckpointing/Repointing: Replacing the old, crumbly mortar with a new mixture that closely resembles the original.
- Replacing Damaged Bricks: Removing a few cracked or crumbling bricks to replace them with new ones and reinforce structural integrity.
- Fixing Flue Liners: Repairing or replacing damaged flue liners to ensure proper ventilation and prevent hazardous gases from entering your home.
- Waterproofing: Applying a waterproof sealant to the exterior of the chimney to protect against moisture damage.
Alternatively, a chimney rebuild is usually a more extensive process that involves dismantling and reconstructing significant portions of the chimney or the entire structure.
Not sure which service is best for your chimney? We can help. Once we know more about the issues you’re experiencing and your ultimate end goals when it comes to your home heating, we’ll be able to point you in the right direction of which service(s) might benefit you. For more information, get in touch with someone from the Hansen & Sons team. Fill out our contact form or call 608-466-4185 to get started.
How Can You Rebuild a Chimney?
How we approach a rebuild depends entirely on the type of reconstruction you need: a partial rebuild or a complete one.
A partial rebuild is suitable when only certain sections of the chimney are affected by damage, such as crumbling, spalling, cracking, or missing bricks. These repairs are typically confined to areas above the roofline and do not require scaffolding. Depending on the extent of the damage, a partial rebuild might involve replacing only the top few rows or layers of brick in larger chimneys, or it could mean a complete replacement if the chimney is small.
A complete rebuild is often necessary to effectively handle major structural concerns. If your chimney is leaning, features extensive spalling and flaking, or shows significant deterioration in mortar and brickwork. During a complete rebuild, our technician will remove the damaged sections in much larger chunks and replace them with new materials. This process may also involve replacing all compromised metal components within the chimney, which may have suffered from rust and corrosion due to water damage.
Call Our Pros & Book Your Chimney Rebuild Today
If your masonry chimney has seen better days and you’re curious about your rebuilding options, the Hansen & Sons team is the best place to call. By investing in a chimney rebuild, you not only safeguard your home and family but also enhance its beauty and marketability.
Trust Hansen & Sons to provide expert chimney rebuild services near Madison and beyond that meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, ensuring your home remains a safe, attractive, and valuable asset for years to come.
Call 608-466-4185 or click here to book your chimney rebuild today.
Our chimney repair services are backed by decades of experience and that means you can trust us to install your new top-sealing damper. Give us a call to set things up.