The last thing a homeowner wants to find is mold in a home as it is difficult to tell which is harmful and which are typically found in damp places. There are also fallacies online that mold only grows in attics, basements, or crawl spaces. While true, damaged fireplaces or chimneys allow water to flow inside a home, which requires repairs. Keep reading to learn when to call for mold remediation.
What Causes Mold in A Fireplace or Chimney?
There are a few reasons for mold in a fireplace or chimney. After a thorough inspection, our experts will be able to diagnose the problem based on where we find the mold. For example, if mold is found in the chimney, it could be a simple chimney cap malfunction. If it is at the base of the chimney in the basement, it could be a foundation problem. Here are a few areas you’ll also find mold.
- Chimney Cap Malfunction or Missing
- A chimney cap sits on the top of a chimney crown. It is a vital part of chimney protection since it covers the chimney and keeps out rain and snow. When a chimney cap breaks or is blown away, a chimney is left unprotected, so rain and snow will travel freely from the roof to the basement where the foundation connects the fireplace to the home’s structural components.
- Brick and Mortar Leaks
- Water infiltration can break down the mortar between the bricks. Moisture seeping inside can also cause brick and mortar leaks. This occurs when the chimney is outdated or not waterproofed.
- Ventilation System Condensation
- If your home is older or has a poor ventilation system, condensation becomes entrapped and will build up. An abundance of moisture will cause mold to grow and expand.
- Chimney Crown Cracks or Breaks
- The chimney crown is usually made of cement and connects to the bricks on the roof to stop rain and snow from entering and damaging the flue liner. A working chimney crown is vital in preventing any type of weather conditions from affecting the interior parts of a fireplace or chimney. A crack or break will allow water to enter and mold to grow along the foundation.
- Roof to Chimney Flashing
- The flashing connects the chimney to the roof. If someone walks across it or installs equipment on top of it, it can puncture flashing and cause moisture to seep inside the chimney and attic.
How Does Mold Remediation Get Rid of Mold In A Chimney?
The fastest and most reputable way to get rid of mold in a fireplace or chimney is to call a certified mold remediation company like Restore Pro. Not only is mold dangerous, but with it comes a likelihood that there is unseen water damage causing it. Restore Pro is a one-stop type of shop as it provides expert-level repair options as well as commercial-grade mold remediation services.
Mold mediation is the only recourse once it has begun to grow and spread to other parts of your home. To learn more about how Restore Pro can provide this service, give our office a call at 1-800-847-0114 or visit us at https://www.facebook.com/RestorePro911/ where you can ask questions, comment on our posts, or send us a direct message requesting information about any of our services.