Notes from the roof, by Ryan Reda.
Galvanized chase covers from the 1980s building boom rust and leak for years before anyone notices. What a chase cover is, what a replacement costs, and why ours last.
Read more: Stop Leaks in Their Tracks: How Our Chimney Chase Cover Replacements Can HelpDo I need to have my chimney cleaned every year? Yes. Why chimney fires happen, what creosote is, and when to schedule your cleaning and inspection.
Read more: The Hidden Dangers of Your FireplaceMismatched mortar repairs stick out and fail early. A short history of lime putty and Portland cement mortars, and why knowing the difference matters for a lasting repair.
Read more: The Art of Matching MortarBrick pieces on the roof mean moisture is eating your chimney from the inside, usually because a furnace or water heater vents into an unlined flue. What to do before it becomes a rebuild.
Read more: Should I Be Concerned About Brick Debris Laying On My Roof?
