How to Maintain Your Chimney to Address Common Issues and Repairs
Due to the popularity of fireplaces, people prefer to buy chimneys, and as a result, this industry has grown to $518 million worth of industry, according to IBIS data. Despite that, many of us are unaware of its components and also how to maintain them.
As a result, chimneys are often a neglected item of the household, and often, we may look for a repair professional for our chimney. We use it mostly during the winter season, and moisture is one of the reasons why it may malfunction often.
Disciple Masonry is one of the most trusted local masonry contractors, who has the necessary expertise to take care of all kinds of issues that you may face with your chimney.
What are the most common chimney issues that need repair?
Like all other home accessories, a masonry chimney has been one of the preferred items of every homeowner for years. Therefore, like all other household items, they also need proper maintenance and upkeep to remain safe and functional.
A few of the common masonry chimney repairs are the following:
- Fixing cracks developed in your bricks or mortar
- Replacing damaged/missing mortar joints
Chimney crown replacement or repair. (The crown, a mortar or concrete slab that sits atop the chimney, aids in keeping water out of the structure and preventing damage).
It is imperative that these issues are resolved very away in order to stop more harm and other safety hazard.
To guarantee the longevity of your chimney and the security of your house, professional masonry repair contractors may carry out routine inspections and perform any necessary repair.
Let us discuss a few of the most common problems here.
Damaged Masonry
Protecting chimney masonry from water is crucial to prevent damage. Moisture causes bricks to crack and spall during freeze-thaw cycles. Once deterioration starts, brick replacement becomes necessary to avoid structural issues.
Mortar, lasting about 25 years, often deteriorates first. Regular inspection and tuck-pointing can save on costly repairs by addressing mortar damage before water intrusion occurs, preserving the integrity of the chimney.
Damaged or Faulty Chimney Flashing
Proper chimney flashing, situated at the chimney-roof junction, is vital for preventing water intrusion.
Faulty installation or rust can lead to leaks, damaging the roof and potentially causing wood rot in the structure. Due to the complexity of the task, inexperienced a brick and stone mason may inadvertently install flawed flashing.
Engaging certified chimney sweeps for such tasks ensures expert workmanship, minimizing the risk of leaks and subsequent damage to the roof and surrounding structure.
A Cracked Chimney Crown
The main objective of all the elements of outside chimneys is to keep moisture out of the chimney system, and one of those aspects is the chimney crown.
Water cannot enter the space between the chimney outside and the chimney liner thanks to the chimney crown.
Chimney crowns frequently break and decay with time. While small cracks can occasionally be fixed, it is more frequent to require to remove a damaged chimney crown and replace it with a new one.
If a broken chimney crown is overlooked, water stains on the interior walls and ceilings near the chimney may eventually show signs of a leaky chimney.
