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About Greenbrier, TN
Greenbrier is a small city in Robertson County, in the northern part of the state. Major county employers are Hinkle Chair Company and Electrolux Home Products. Students attend Robertson County Public Schools. Greenbrier attractions include two golf courses. The industrious students of the local high school band sponsor the Turning of the Pig BBQ festival in the summer. A famous past resident was the Bell Witch, a supernatural menace publicized on a spooky website. For those who dare, a short drive out of Greenbrier reveals the Bell Witch cave and other scary landmarks.
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Updates & tips
Water and my masonry chimney
Nashville Fireplace&Chimney;1(615)906-3043Water and my Masonry ChimneyFebruary 12, 2016The chimney is one of the most overlooked parts of a home today. Typically it does not receive the required attention versus other household appliances. One of the main reasons for this is that until the chimney or fireplace do not function properly, most people make the false assumption that it is doing just fine or does not require maintenance. However these assumptions could not be further from the truth. The chimney is actually at risk for deterioration every day because it is constantly exposed to moisture, the harshness of weather and climate changes.A chimney that is suffering from deterioration from constant exposure to the weather can be a potential safety hazard. The weather alone can damage chimney lining systems, cause flue obstructions, cause masonry materials to deteriorate such as in spalling bricks or missing mortar joints. The chimney will require regular maintenance to prevent such damage, deterioration and and neglecting the chimney could potentially lead to costly repairs.Masonry ChimneysThe typical Masonry chimney is constructed of a variety of materials. These materials may include a combination of mortar, bricks, concrete, concrete block, stone, flue tiles, steel and cast-iron. The majority of these materials are directly affected by contact with water, water penetration, and also the freeze/thaw cycle of winter.Water penetrationAll masonry components of the chimney will suffer deterioration as a direct result of coming into contact with water. To add to that deterioration, the natural freeze/thaw cycle of winter allows moisture to penetrate these masonry materials and potentially cause extensive damage because when it freezes it also expands. Then rising temperatures cause the frozen material to thaw back out. Water penetration and exposure to the weather can also cause metal materials of the chimney to rust. It is also noteworthy to mention that while most stone is not affected, the mortar that holds the stone in place is still at risk from water and other weather related elements. This means that the area should also be protected against water and water penetration.Water penetration can cause damage to the interior as well as the exterior. Water penetration can lead to damage to the structure, to your damper, to the flu, masonry, and in extreme cases water can penetrate into your crawlspace or attic which leads to water damage to the roof, ceilings, and other drywall material. On occasion water penetration can seep into the flue mixing with creosote causing a foul odor to come from your fireplace. This mixture may also cause unwanted stains in your home.PreventionNow that we have discussed the corrosive effects of water penetration and the freeze/thaw cycle of winter, let's discuss prevention. One way to take preventative measure is with chimney caps and chase covers.Chimney caps come in various sizes, materials and styles to suite your individual taste and your chimney needs.Caps and Chase covers can prevent some water from entering through the flue opening at the top of the chimney. Most chimney caps also have spark arresters which prevent flying sparks from a flue fire to fly out onto the roof and thus spreading the fire. Chimney caps are a great, small investment for multiple reasons including the aforementioned spark arrestor, preventing water penetration, and also to keep critters from building nests inside your chimney.Another part of the chimney that plays an important role of the chimney and assists with prevention of water penetrating the chimney, is called the chimney crown or crown wash. The chimney crown typically resembles a small concrete slab located at the top of the chimney itself. The chimney crown like the chimney cap, also has several functions. The chimney crown covers and acts as a seal to the top of the chimney from the flue liner to the chimney edge. It also provides a downward slope that will direct water from the flue to the edge of the crown. By redirecting the water runoff from the crown and away from the chimney, the chimney crown essentially helps prevent erosion of the brick-and-mortar. In some cases some chimney crowns are built from common mortar mix which is not designed for this and will not be able to withstand the elements of weather conditions causing it to crack, chip or deteriorate.A cracked or damaged chimney crown can allow water to penetrate the chimney and should not be neglected. This will need to be repaired immediately to prevent deterioration and damage to the structure as well as other portions of your home.The good news is that the chimney industry has created products specifically designed for the chimney and crown wash. In severe cases, the chimney crown will simply need to be repoured completely. However in some cases, the chimney sweep technician may recommend using a product designed for the crown wash, to resurface and seal the crown wash.If you have deteriorated mortar joints or mortar is missing in between the brick, it is very likely that water will use these spots as a point of entry. If mortar joints are properly installed and struck or shaped, the water will be directed out of the joint. Deteriorated mortar will become absorbent like a sponge retaining the water during the freeze/thaw cycle of winter. If you have deteriorated mortar joints or missing mortar, your chimney sweep technician will be able to cut away the old deteriorating mortar and replace it by tuck pointing. After replacing the mortar the technician will strike the mortar to repel water out of the joint as mentioned above. After repairing deteriorated, cracked mortar, replacing missing mortar and filling voids, your chimney sweep technician may recommend treating the masonry with a waterproofing solution.The flashing is the seal between the roof material and the chimney. Proper flashing prevents water from running down the chimney into your home. For this reason proper care and maintenance of the flashing is very important. Damage to flashing or improper installation should be addressed to prevent water penetration. Much like the chimney crown, the flashing may either require a complete redo or your chimney technician may recommend repairing the flashing by sealing it with a chimney product that is designed specifically for flashing repairs. Today's flashing repair products offer choices in color.In addition to the flashing, some homes will have what is called a cricket. A cricket is a small structure that is located against the chimney and connected to the roof to redirect the water runoff away from the chimney providing additional protection against water penetration into the home and into the chimney. The chimney sweep technician will determine whether a cricket is needed at your home.WaterproofingAnother great investment for protecting your masonry chimney from water penetration, deterioration and from the freeze/thaw cycle of winter is to have the masonry portion the brick and mortar joints waterproofed. The chimney industry has created great products to seal and waterproof the chimney while still allowing the brick to breathe. This waterproofing treatment will repel water and while keeping the integrity of your masonry chimney intact. When considering waterproofing a chimney or masonry repairs, please keep in mind that paint is not a suitable waterproofing solution and will trap moisture inside the chimney. A chimney sweep technician can offer you a waterproofing solution that is specifically designed to repel water and protect your chimney. Please note that any damage such as deterioration, spalling brick, missing masonry joints, voids and cracks should be repaired prior to applying the waterproofing solution. If you have any dirt buildup or vegetation growth, this will require a thorough cleaning to ensure proper application of the waterproofing solution.Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year to ensure proper functionality, structure stability and soundness by a licensed chimney professional. It is estimated that more than $200 million in property loss, significant death and injury is caused by unsafe, neglected chimneys every year. You can reduce your risk by calling a licensed chimney sweep to perform your annual cleaning and safety inspection.This information has been brought to you by N.F.C. (Nashville Fireplace&Chimney)For additional information, please call your local N.F.C. office at the number listed below.Nashville Fireplace&ChimneyOffice: 1(615)906-3043Email: Nashvillechimneysweep@gmail.comN.F.C. P.O. Box 631 Whitehouse, Tn 37188Several sites and published pamphlets were referenced during the writing of this material by N.F.C. to educate the public about masonry chimneys, water penetration and weather corrosion to masonry chimneys and prevention of such. This is intended as an informative publication only. This publication may not be copied, sold or distributed without consent of N.F.C.Information gathered from : C.S.I.A. (Chimney Safety Institute of America) website and publications, N.F.P.A. (National Fire Protection Association) and discussion with a C.C.S. certified veteran chimney sweep technician.
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