Chimneys aren’t as common in modern homes as they once were, but they’re still common in Connecticut. Many people still prefer to have chimneys, whether for aesthetic or functional reasons.
While we can agree chimneys provide houses with an aesthetic appeal, they require regular maintenance and often run into problems, especially when they get old. Your stonework is definitely in need of repair after some time. A crack here andsome discoloration there are usually signs that a chimney or its masonry needs repair. If you’re not sure, you might actually need a mason for this one.
Creative Masonry & Chimney provides professional advice on masonry damage and the most typical signs that should have you concerned.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common problems you’ll face if you have a chimney at your home.
1. Bulging or Spalling Bricks
Is a brick in your masonry popping out at random? Has it given way? When a brick starts acting strangely, it’s usually because moisture has made its way within. Moisture causes the concrete around the brick to distort, forcing the brick out.
Moisture could affect the plaster or wood below the bricks as well. That indicates that moisture is wreaking havoc within those walls and must be removed. Having a mason remove the damaged bricks will not only help avoid the situation from worsening, but it will also allow you to figure out how moisture got into the wall in the first place.
The term spalling refers to the masonry of a chimney crumbling due to dampness. Bricks are porous, making them susceptible to moisture and water seepage. When this happens, the brick’s surface begins to peel away or pop out. This can also happen to natural stone or concrete chimneys.
Spalling is more prone to develop in cold temperatures when the moisture within the bricks freezes. It’s also more likely to attack deteriorated brickwork and chimneys.
2. Structural Damage
Is your chimney showing signs of wear and tear? Extreme weather fluctuations, such as high humidity and drought, maybe what caused it.
Water and moisture get into the cracks of your chimney during humid seasons, eroding the material. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water freezes and expands, further widening the fractures. This not only destroys the mortar joints and crown of the chimney but also makes the construction lose and crumbly, which can be dangerous.Check for broken flue tiles, efflorescence in the firebox, or stains on the inside walls of the firebox. These indicators point to structural problems.
3. Storm Damage
Storms and severe weather are common in Connecticut, so you can be sure that your chimney will be subjected to summer rain and severe winds at some point, both of which can cause considerable damage to your chimney’s crown and flashing. Get up on the ladder and inspect the chimney base and crown if your area has seen enough storms to last a while. Contact us if you see the cap is damaged or flashing deformed, and we’ll straighten things up.
4. Vertical Cracks
Let’s say you see some foundation fractures near the brickwork of the chimney. There’s nothing to be concerned about unless they’re completely vertical. If you observe them going up into the ceiling, though, the gaps may be deep enough to allow water to leak in after heavy rains. This could result in bulging bricks or additional damage to your walls.
However, resolving this issue is pretty simple. Your mason would either fix the crack with epoxy or use it in conjunction with an expansion joint to absorb the stress of the corner expansion. Both solutions are reasonably priced, so you shouldn’t be concerned about spending a small fortune to get it mended.
5. Crown Damage
Another clue that the chimney requires professional examination and possibly repair work is a damaged chimney crown. The crown must be in good working order because it is the first line of defense against the elements outside.
Water and moisture leak in via the cracks of chimney crowns. This not only causes spalling but can also lead to the formation of larger cracks in the chimney, jeopardizing structural integrity.
Filename: Chimney
Alt-text: An old chimney with worn off bricks
Creative Masonry & Chimney offers a range of chimney services in Connecticut. Their services include chimney cleaning and repairs as well as complete fireplace remodeling. Theyalso offer masonry servicesandfireplace installations. Their service areas includeWest Hartford, Burlington, Farmington, Simsbury, Canton, Bristol, and more. Get in touch with them today for more details.
