Get matched with top chimney inspectors in Maybee, MI

There are a few things you should look out for that suggest your chimney needs repair. The most obvious of which is leaking around the bricks or stone, which should be addressed by a professional immediately. If you’re unsure of its repair status, consider conducting a chimney inspection. Some other repair signs include:

• Smoky smell in your home when you’re using your chimney

• Visible damage to the bricks or mortar between them

• Chimney is pulling away from your home

• Portions of the brick are flaking away or crumbling

• Visible cracks that travel through the mortar in a stair-step formation

Structural problems with the foundation or roof, water damage, and significant plumbing or electrical issues are all considered major red flags in a home inspection. Of these, a structural problem related to the foundation is often the most severe. Foundation repairs are typically the most expensive and intrusive to carry out, averaging around $5,000 but sometimes reaching up to $16,000. Because these problems can pose safety risks and be costly to fix, you should ask your inspector detailed questions about any identified issues. You will need to carefully consider how major problems affect what you’re willing to pay for the home, or if you want to proceed with the sale at all.

If your roof is 20 years old or more and repairs continually pop up, consider replacing the entire roof. Additionally, if an inspection finds that more than 20% of your roof is damaged, no matter the age, consider replacing the roof. In most cases, you should call a professional roofing company to replace the roof, unless you have extensive experience with roofing. Replacing a roof costs around $9,250 on average, but can range anywhere from $5,900 to $12,900, depending on the type of roof, the size of the roof, and your geographic location.

Tile roofs, including clay, concrete, and slate, are considered low-maintenance materials that require fewer repairs and less care than many other roofing options.

• Clay tiles require minimal maintenance. They stand up well to the elements and UV radiation, repel water, and do not easily stain, discolor, or fade in direct sunlight. Clay tiles do not need sealing. Maintenance is typically only required to replace cracked tiles, which can be caused by foot traffic, extreme weather, or fallen tree limbs.

• Concrete tiles are also low-maintenance but require more upkeep than clay. They need to be sealed every few years to maintain water resistance, and their color tends to fade more quickly than clay.

Aside from these material-specific needs, general maintenance for tile roofs includes annual inspections, routine gutter cleaning, and addressing repairs as they arise. A well-maintained tile roof can provide 50 to 100 years or more of protection for your home.