Your chimney masonry was designed to withstand some extreme conditions. The local climate, extreme temperature swings, and age are just a few things that can start to wear down your chimney system’s brick and mortar. In time, this wear and tear will start to affect how well your chimney operates. Masonry issues can lead to poor fires, drafty homes, and can be a significant safety hazard. This is why chimney inspections are so valuable. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) both suggest getting your chimney inspected annually by a CSIA certified chimney technician. At Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions, we want to let you know what some of the most common masonry issues we come across are, and what we do to repair them.
Common Masonry Issues
Although there are a lot of things that can affect your masonry’s health, moisture exposure usually causes the most issues. It may not look like it, but your masonry is very porous. This means water can easily enter your masonry if not protected. Water is very good at dissolving brick and mortar, helping plants grow in masonry cracks, and can also lead to staining and unpleasant odors. That’s why we suggest making sure that your masonry is watertight.
Using a product called ChimneySaver®, our professionals at Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions will make sure that water is prevented from seeping into masonry, helping relieve moisture-related stress on your chimney. Waterproofing is a great preventative measure to take, but what if you already have masonry issues?
Loose Brick and Mortar
Loose bricks and mortar joints are one of the more common issues that we come across. When you have brick and mortar that is crumbling or popping out of place, this is a serious issue. Not only does it make your chimney and fireplace look worn out, but it also can also be a safety hazard. Your masonry protects your home from heat, so if it is missing, your home will be at risk of exposure to high heat. Loose bricks can also a falling hazard.
Depending on the exact issue, there might be a number of things that we would do to fix these types of issues. If your mortar is falling out of place, we can use a procedure called tuckpointing to fix it. Tuckpointing entails carefully removing the old mortar and replacing it with new mortar. If you have bricks that are popping out of place, cracking, or crumbling, we here at Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions can help replace it for you as well.
Call Us Today!
Having masonry that is healthy and well maintained is crucial for the operation of your fireplace and chimney. If you think that your masonry may need repairs, or if you haven’t had it inspected within the past year, call Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions today at 972-563-6851 or contact us online and speak with one of our experienced masons today to have your chimney and fireplace masonry inspected. We look forward to serving you!