For Chimney Sweep & Fireplace Repair Services in Bryn Mawr, Trust D.J. Cross

Another great city along the Main Line, Bryn Mawr boasts a welcoming community and has some beautiful and charming neighborhoods to enjoy.

Something Bryn Mawr is well known for is Bryn Mawr College – a women’s liberal arts college that is home to a beautiful campus and some fascinating historic architecture. And speaking of history, be sure to check out Harriton House, a restored house from 1704, and Bryn Mawr Institute, which often has classic films showing and offers film education programs.

Shopping on the day’s agenda? You’ll want to visit Lancaster Avenue, the main commercial street in Bryn Mawr, or you can stop by the Bryn Mawr Farmers Market when it’s open.

Is the weather right for some outdoor activities? Ashbridge Park and Rolling Hill Park (in nearby Gladwyne) are both great options for some family fun. Or, if the weather is on the cooler or rainier side, take a visit to Ludington Library to check out a few books or attend an event.

And if storms or snow are making even a library or post office trip impossible, you can always rest easy knowing your local chimney experts – that’s us, D.J. Cross – have inspected your fireplace and deemed it safe and ready for use. Light a fire, sit back, and soak up the warmth.

Still need to get something scheduled with us? Give us a call, send us a text, or book online with our experts today.

Does My Chimney Need To Be Rebuilt?

A chimney is an important feature in many homes, but it needs regular maintenance and care in order to function properly – and if these recommended maintenance activities are not done in time, a chimney may eventually need to be rebuilt.

The most common reasons a chimney needs to be rebuilt are:

• significant sloping or sagging of the chimney stack
• extreme water intrusion (such as dark patches on your siding and walls near the chimney)
• cracked bricks or mortar around the chimney
• a natural disaster has taken place

If any of these has occurred, then it is likely time to rebuild your chimney. Get a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified technician from D.J. Cross to help determine the extent of your damage to determine if a repair is sufficient or if you need a complete reconstruction.

How Do I Know My Chimney Is Unsafe?

Evaluating the safety of your chimney is an important part of fireplace maintenance – and it’s why those recommended annual inspections are such an important investment. Without proper inspections, homeowners don’t know what underlying issues may exist, many of which remain out of sight.

A few common dangers of having an unsafe chimney are: an increased risk for chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, water or mold damage, and home invasion from wild animals (such as birds and squirrels).

If we take a look and find something that’s making your chimney unsafe – like a damaged or missing chimney cap, a crumbling chimney crown, a faulty chimney liner, or something else – we can swiftly take appropriate measures to remedy the issue. Rest assured, our techs have got you covered.

Can the Climate Affect the Lifespan of My Chimney?

It certainly can! The surrounding climate might affect the lifespan of a chimney in multiple ways:

• During freezing winters, moisture can freeze and expand, causing damage to the masonry.
• If intense heat occurs over prolonged periods, it might lead to cracking and crumbling.
• Heavy rainfall can cause metal components to rust and weaken.
• Natural disasters or big storms can trigger significant damage.

Should I Hire a Professional Chimney Company or a Masonry Company to Rebuild My Chimney?

If you’re considering rebuilding your chimney, you have two distinct options to choose from: a professional chimney company or a masonry company. While either option may be appropriate for your situation, you should weigh the merits of each before making a decision.

A professional chimney company, like us here at D.J. Cross, specializes in all aspects of chimney maintenance and repair, whereas a masonry company focuses solely on rebuilding with stonework and mortar.

Moreover, a masonry contractor may not have the specialized knowledge needed to make sure your rebuilt chimney meets safety regulations – most reputable chimney companies are accredited and certified by organizations like the CSIA and will know how to best approach needed restorations.

D.J. Cross has CSIA-certified technicians on staff, so rest assured, we’re equipped to handle whatever you throw our way.

Ultimately, only you can decide which option is best for your needs. However, when evaluating potential contractors, it’s important to verify credentials, as well as check references to ensure that you’re getting quality work done at an appropriate cost. We are always open to providing you with whatever you need to make the best decision possible for you and your family.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of a Chimney Rebuild?

While we cannot tell you for sure if your homeowner’s insurance will cover the rebuilding or repair of your chimney, we can give you a general idea of what to expect.

Whether your insurance provider will cover the cost of a chimney rebuild typically depends a lot on two main things: the specific terms of your homeowner’s insurance policy and the cause of the damage.

• Generally, homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage caused by events like fire, storms, or other natural disasters. If your chimney is damaged due to one of these covered perils, your insurance may cover the cost of the rebuild, minus your deductible.
• However, if the damage is due to wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or gradual deterioration, it is unlikely that your insurance will cover the costs.

What we can tell you is that the more documentation you have that your chimney was, in fact, in good condition before a storm or accident, the more likely you will get coverage. Which means, booking the annual inspections is more important than ever.

We’re Here to Assist You

Whatever the situation is with your fireplace and chimney system, D.J. Cross is here to assist you in getting it back to good working order – all at the best price possible. Call or text to schedule an appointment today. You can also book with us online. We look forward to working with you!

Ardmore homeowners enjoy the convenience of being included in our service area for top-tier chimney services.