A brick chimney can last a hundred or more years, but the mortar that holds it together has a much shorter lifespan. If you have a problem with your chimney, contact a masonry expert.
Visual signs like rust on the damper or spalling bricks are not to be ignored. These can signal serious masonry issues that may lead to your chimney leaning or collapse. Contact Baltimore Chimney Repair now!
The mortar that fills the spaces between the bricks of your chimney is a crucial supporting structure for the entire system. It also plays an important role in preventing water from entering the masonry and damaging it. If your mortar starts to crumble, it is a sign that moisture has entered the masonry and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Crumbling mortar is often a symptom of water damage, but it can also indicate other problems. Moisture causes the masonry to expand and contract in a cycle that wears away at bricks and mortar. The result is that the softer bricks and mortar are worn away, causing the structure to weaken and crumble. Chimneys with deteriorating mortar can be very unstable, especially if they are in an exposed location such as a roof.
A deteriorating mortar chimney can cause leaks into your home and lead to other serious issues, such as a sagging chimney structure or an unsteady foundation that may crack the walls of your house. You can prevent this by getting your chimney repaired as soon as you notice any deteriorating or crumbling bricks.
Chimney repair is essential to protect your family and property. If you suspect you have a leaking chimney, contact the chimney professionals at Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL and Destin, FL today to schedule an inspection.
A chimney is a very durable structure, but it is not immune to the aging and weathering that occurs over time. The position of your chimney on the roof exposes it to extremes in weather and seismic activity, making it vulnerable to a variety of damages to its masonry. While you cannot prevent some types of damage, a chimney repair professional can address most issues to keep your chimney safe and in good shape for years to come.
Loose bricks
Mortar plays a key role in brick structures, holding them together to form a cohesive, solid structure. Unfortunately, mortar is susceptible to damage due to weather elements and temperature fluctuations, especially in areas of the structure exposed to heavy traffic such as walls and brick steps. When the mortar deteriorates, loose bricks are likely to follow, which can cause a wide range of chimney problems.
A common symptom of deteriorating mortar is the appearance of white stains on a chimney’s exterior. These stains are known as efflorescence and they’re a sure sign that water is penetrating the masonry. Moisture is not good for any type of masonry, especially a chimney, because it can erode the brick and weaken the mortar joints. Left unattended, this deterioration can lead to serious problems for the structure of a chimney and your home as well.
Chimneys with loose bricks require immediate attention. A single loose brick can destabilize the entire masonry structure, leading to extensive damage and potentially hazardous conditions. In addition, a gap or hole in the chimney can allow water to penetrate into the fireplace and the home itself. This water will wreak havoc in many ways, including causing rot and introducing mold that can affect health.
While the freeze/thaw cycle can lead to spalling bricks, there are also other possible causes of this problem. One of the most common is exposure to the elements, such as rain and wind. These environmental factors can erode the surface of a brick and expose its inner layer, which is more porous. The brick can then crack, allowing water to seep in and begin a cycle of deterioration that will ultimately cause it to break apart.
Loose bricks that are not yet separating can be sealed with brush-applied mortar, but this is only a temporary fix and not recommended for long-term use. It’s best to consult a professional mason for a permanent solution that will prevent further damage and ensure the stability of the chimney structure. A professional technician can also assess the state of the mortar joints and determine if they need to be replaced, a process called tuckpointing.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a white, chalky substance that forms on the surface of masonry materials. This happens when water penetrates deep into the bricks and draws the soluble salts to the surface. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind visible crystalline deposits. While the stains themselves aren’t dangerous, they indicate underlying moisture-related issues that could damage your chimney.
Most homeowners assume that this is just a cosmetic issue, but that’s not always the case. If you see efflorescence on the outside of your chimney, it’s a sure sign that there are other moisture problems in the chimney. If not addressed quickly, these can lead to more serious structural problems like spalling bricks and a collapsed chimney.
The good news is that chimney professionals can usually get rid of the stains and restore your chimney to its original condition. Chimney sweeps can scrub the deposits and apply a special solution that removes the chalky buildup without damaging the masonry. The cleaning process can also reveal any water leaks that need to be repaired.
If you have a chimney with significant efflorescence, it’s a good idea to have the whole chimney examined by a professional. In addition to examining the masonry for any moisture-related problems, a chimney inspection can help determine whether the flue liner is in need of replacement. Moisture that penetrates the chimney can damage the liner and leak onto your home’s walls, carpeting and insulation.
In addition, a chimney that’s leaking is more likely to need repairs to its flashing and roof. If left untreated, the excess moisture can cause wood rot and mold in the attic. The moisture can even seep into the flue lining and damage it, leading to a new liner installation.
Moisture penetration can be caused by many things, from a poorly built chimney to missing mortar or a damaged liner. The weather in Minnesota is cold and snowy, so it’s not surprising that moisture can seep into your chimney. If this problem isn’t corrected soon, it can lead to the same structural problems as crumbling mortar joints and spalling bricks.
Leaks
The chimney is supposed to protect the home, but when water gets into a masonry structure it can cause problems that range from mildew and mold to structural damage. Chimney leaks are a big problem and should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences.
Leaks are usually the result of something going wrong with a chimney’s flashing, roof or masonry. Chimney leaking problems can be quite difficult to identify and diagnose, but a trained professional can help. A thorough inspection will be performed to locate the source of the problem. Once the source of the leak is determined, the appropriate repair methods will be applied to stop the leaking.
Often, chimney leaks are caused by what’s called the “sponge effect.” Chimney masonry is highly porous and absorbs rainwater when it comes in contact with it. This water soaks into the brick, causing it to become saturated. The saturated brick can then crack and crumble, allowing the water to enter the house. This kind of damage is often accompanied by white staining (efflorescence) on the outside of the chimney, as well as water spots and damp walls inside the home.
Another common reason for chimney leaks is a failure of the chimney crown. This piece of cement, located at the top of the chimney, is designed to keep moisture from entering the space between the flue lining and the masonry chimney itself. When the chimney crown becomes cracked or damaged in any way, moisture will seep into the chimney and cause a host of problems.
Chimney flashing leaks are caused by the same kinds of issues as a roof or the chimney crown. When the flashing is installed incorrectly, it can allow water to penetrate the chimney and damage the surrounding roofing materials and the ceiling below the chimney. Chimney flashing can also become warped, unseated or rusted over time. Once the flashing is compromised, it must be replaced immediately to stop major damage from occurring below the roof and in the chimney itself.
A chimney leak can be dangerous and should only be addressed by a trained, qualified professional. We’ve seen many cases where overzealous homeowners have attempted to correct a leak problem themselves by climbing on their roofs and applying waterproofing sealants. This isn’t always a good idea, and it’s often more expensive than calling in a qualified chimney repair technician.