How to Properly Repair a Chimney

The chimney is one of the most important structures in your home, yet it’s also often the most neglected. A poorly functioning chimney can lead to major structural problems, not to mention serious (and dangerous) fires.

As winter approaches keep an eye out for these signs that your chimney needs repair! Contact Chimney Repair Baltimore now!

Mortar joints are what holds bricks together and can become damaged, allowing water to penetrate and damage the structure. The best way to protect a brick wall or chimney is by repairing damaged mortar joints with a high-quality masonry repair product. If the existing mortar is loose or crumbling, a specialized tool called a tuck-pointing trowel should be used to fill in the gaps and create a strong, water-resistant bond.

Performing the repair yourself can be simple and inexpensive, but if you have limited experience with masonry work it’s best to hire a professional mason. They have the skills, tools and knowledge to complete the job correctly and preserve the integrity of the brick wall or chimney.

When a mortar joint is damaged, it can cause water to seep into the wall and cause mold and mildew problems, as well as allow for further damage to the masonry structure. Using a tuck-pointing trowel and the correct mortar mix, you can repair these damaged areas and restore strength and moisture resistance to the mortar joints.

Before starting the repair, it’s important to wear safety goggles and gloves to avoid getting any mortar dust in your eyes or on your skin. Once you have the proper equipment, dampen the masonry with a garden hose and use a wire brush or stiff-bristled brush to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the bonding of the new mortar. Next, chisel out the old mortar, making sure to get into the corners of the bricks and not just the surface area. Carefully chip out the old mortar down to a depth of 1/2 inch, then flush the joint with the hose again to remove any residual dust or debris.

Apply a small amount of mortar mix to the tuck-pointing trowel and scoop slivers of mortar into each joint, filling them in until they are tight but not packed so tightly that you can’t push the tuck-pointing trowel into the brick with your finger. After filling the joints, use a jointing tool to smooth the mortar and create a neat finish. Then, mist the mortar with a garden hose several times a day for two or three days to prevent it from drying too quickly. Once the mortar is dry, you can apply a sealant to protect it from the elements and further moisture penetration.

Cracked Bricks

Some cracks in your brick chimney are perfectly normal, and others are signs that you need to get them repaired. If your bricks are cracked, you should call a professional to come take a look and assess the damage. In some cases, a chimney’s cracking may indicate underlying foundation problems, but in other situations, it could simply be the result of weather-related changes or a lack of adequate structural support.

When a crack runs through a single brick, it can be difficult to repair. Replacing the damaged brick can be expensive and invasive, and it is unlikely that you’ll be able to find a brick that matches your existing ones. In this case, it’s best to fill the crack with a special mortar that’s dyed to match your existing brick. A jointing tool can be used to shape the new mortar and create a seamless appearance. After the mortar is dry, lightly mist the area with water to help it cure.

If the cracks appear in a row and extend down to the base of the chimney, you’ll need to call a mason for an inspection. This type of crack can be a sign that your chimney is leaning or has structural issues, and it should be dealt with immediately.

You should also call a mason if you notice a chimney cracking along the foundation of your home. This is usually a sign that there’s a problem with your foundation, which should be addressed by a qualified masonry contractor.

Chimney caps keep rain, debris, and animals from entering your chimney. They’re especially important if you have wood-burning fireplaces, because they can prevent the buildup of flammable creosote that can lead to chimney fires.

The flashing that covers the joints between your chimney and roof protects against water leaks. Loose or missing flashing can allow moisture to enter your home, which can cause mold and mildew growth, wood rot, or ceiling staining.

Chimney liners are made from a refractory material that’s designed to withstand the heat of your fireplace’s flames. Using an unlined or improperly installed chimney can cause the liner to crack or break, which can then affect your home’s safety and efficiency.

Efflorescence

If you’ve noticed a powdery, white substance accumulating on your chimney and walls, this is known as efflorescence. The word, which literally means “to flower,” describes the crystalline salt deposits that form when water seeps through porous building materials and evaporates, bringing the dissolved mineral salts to the surface. Efflorescence isn’t harmful to the structure of your home or the masonry, but it’s an indication that there is a moisture problem somewhere that needs to be addressed before the situation worsens.

Efflorescence can occur in any type of brick, concrete, clay, stone or other porous building material that’s in contact with water. The phenomenon happens when water seeps through the tiny cracks and fissures in your masonry and dissolves the salts that are naturally found within the material itself or in the soil surrounding it. These soluble salts are then carried to the surface of your masonry by capillary action, where they eventually evaporate, leaving behind a white-colored powder on your masonry surfaces. Efflorescence can appear at any time of the year, but it’s more common during wetter months when there’s more water available to dissolve these salts.

The appearance of wall salts on your building can be unsightly, but it’s not a harmful condition. In fact, it can even be a good sign that there are water seepage problems lurking in your masonry. However, if the condition isn’t addressed, you can experience more serious problems such as structural damage or the growth of harmful mold and mildew.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to prevent and treat this common problem. Applying an impregnating hydrophobic sealant to your masonry can prevent the absorption of water and a buildup of efflorescence. Additionally, installing capillary breaks or polyethylene sheeting between the material and the soil can help minimize the amount of water that can travel within your masonry. Quality masonry construction can also reduce the risk of moisture intrusion, such as by using overhanging copings and eaves to help keep rainwater and other precipitation away from your walls. Lastly, the installation of a waterproofing system can prevent any further damage to your masonry from occurring once you’ve removed existing efflorescence.

Melting Siding or Roofing

Chimneys are an integral part of many homes. They are essential for safely and effectively heating the homes they serve. As such, a chimney system requires regular maintenance to ensure it functions properly. Several key components work together to make up the chimney system, including the firebox, flue, and chimney flashing. Knowing a little bit of the terminology involved with chimneys can help homeowners better troubleshoot problems they may have with their home’s chimney and venting systems.

A masonry chimney is composed of brick or stone held together with mortar. Over time, weathering and normal wear and tear can cause the mortar to deteriorate and crack. When this occurs, it is possible for water to seep through the cracks and damage the internal structures of the chimney. A common chimney repair is tuckpointing, which involves filling in the missing mortar between the bricks to make the chimney stronger and more resistant to moisture.

If your chimney has been damaged by moisture, it is important to have the problem fixed as quickly as possible. A chimney leak can lead to extensive internal damage and may even threaten the structure of your home. A professional chimney technician will be able to repair the damage and prevent further damage.

Depending on the severity of the chimney leak, it may be necessary to replace part or all of your chimney. Chimneys are made of a variety of materials, and the type of material you have will determine how much damage it is capable of sustaining. Most of the time, you will need to replace a section of your chimney that is constructed from brick. If you have a stucco chimney, it may be more difficult to find a replacement for the chimney siding because it is usually constructed from concrete rather than brick.

Chimneys that are not built using fireclay flue tile are usually lined with stainless steel chimney liners. This material is much more durable than traditional clay tile and can resist corrosion better. It is also easy to replace if it becomes damaged inside the chimney.