By Paul F. P. Pogue
From Ask Angi
Your chimney and fireplace work together to create an eye-catching home centerpiece and a source of warmth and comfort. (Plus, without them, how does Santa Claus slide down or Mary Poppins’ chimney-sweeping friends pop up?) Chimneys often appear to be the essence of durability — literally rock-solid home features that don’t need much attention. But despite their stalwart appearance, chimneys require regular cleaning and care inside and out to maintain.
Masonry chimneys are the most common, built from brick or stone and mortar and integrated into the home’s structural design. They’re highly durable; when properly maintained, they’ll last more than 100 years. “If you use your chimney regularly, you should have it cleaned once per year,” says Rupa Mehta, Angi Outdoor & Everyday Services Home Expert. “You should address cracks and leaks as soon as they appear.” The most common repairs include filling brick and mortar cracks and installing new caps or crowns….