Chimneys are beautiful addition in Long Island roofing. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of houses both inside and outside. They are not, however, low-maintenance addition to homes because homeowners will assume a new set of responsibilities.

Chimney problems could have direct consequences on the interior of the house and its occupants. An annual chimney checkup is highly recommended even if you do not notice any problems while regularly using the chimney. Hiring a professional to conduct the inspection is best rather than doing it yourself because the risks posed by defective chimneys are just too dangerous.

Some of the most common chimney problems in a Long Island Roofing are:

1. Obstruction

If you see smoke blowing inside your house instead of going up the chimney, an obstruction is the most probable cause of the problem. The first area to inspect is the flue. Most chimney problems are caused by a blocked flue. Some causes of flue blockage are bird nests, soot and debris that may have accidentally fallen from above.

Engage the services of a professional to assess the cause of the problem. If a straightforward blockage is confirmed as the cause of the smoke, you can remove it by using specialized tools such as chimney brush, rods and adaptors. Always observe caution when working on elevated places.

Just be aware that there are causes for smoke to get inside your house other than obstruction. An updraft can prevent smoke from going up the chimney that does not have sufficient height. The negative air pressure caused by an airtight house could draw smoke inside instead of going up the chimney.

2. Flue Cracks

The lining inside the chimney is subjected to extreme elements such as heat and deposit of flammable substances. Through time and neglect, the lining will deteriorate and cracks start to form on the flue. Since the lining protects other parts from combusting, refrain from using the fireplace until the damaged parts are replaced.

3. Damaged Masonry

A chimney that has been neglected could crack, crumble and even collapse. A cracked mortar will allow water to penetrate, which ultimately find its way inside the house. To remedy, simply remove the damaged mortar and replace it with a new one to improve the stability and enhance protection.

4. Critters

Some animals are attracted by chimneys because they are relatively isolated areas where they feel safe from predators. Bats, in particular, roost in chimneys and present inconveniences to homeowners. They carry diseases, and their droppings are smelly and could transmit these diseases to humans. An easy solution for the problem is the installation of an inexpensive and easy-to-install chimney cap.

Roofs are vital part of a building. People ordinarily think of the roof as that component of a house keeping the elements away from the interior and protect its occupants from the weather. Roofs, however, serve more than this basic purpose.

They contribute a major part in defining the overall style and look of a house. The style of most structures can easily be identified by the type of roofs that they have. Roofs also play a significant role in making a building “green” or environmentally-friendly. Some roofs even provide additional spaces in the attic area.

One such roof that gives homeowners extra space is the Mansard roof. Its design—almost vertical slopes on the lower part of the roof that could serve as walls for an additional room—makes it ideal for people looking for an expanded space on top of their homes.

While Mansard roof offers many advantages that other roof styles do not have including flexibility that it affords the owners for additional space in the future, it does have its disadvantages.

Here are the top three reasons why you should not choose Mansard style for your Long Island roofing:

1. High Construction Cost

One feature that makes Mansard roof a favorite among owners is its visual appeal. It exudes a classical elegance reminiscent of the French Renaissance era. However, this desirable quality of the Mansard also contributes to its negative appeal. Simply put, Mansard roof costs more than conventional roofs. The extra details and embellishments that go into the construction of the roof to give it that distinct period look make Mansard roof expensive.

2. Weak Weather Resistance

A Mansard has two slopes on each of the four sides of the roof, the lower part has a much steeper angle compared to the upper slope, which is almost flat. The upper slope is nearly similar to a flat roof with a very slight pitch to allow water to run off. Because of its design, Mansard roof is not ideal for places that experience high volumes of rainfall and snow. The upper slope does not allow for a rapid drainage of water and snow because of its shallow angle. Water ponding is a frequent occurrence, which could ultimately damage the roof and cause leaks into the interior of the building.

3. High Maintenance Cost

Maintaining a Mansard roof costs more than typical roofs because of the almost-flat angle of the upper slope, which makes it more susceptible to damage and other shortcomings inherent in a flat roof. While the cost of maintenance may not necessarily be expensive, the roof requires frequent upkeep that could increase the long-term maintenance cost of the house.