Everything You Need to Know About Restoring Your Chimney’s Masonry
When constructed by a professional, chimney masonry can last years and withstand harsh weather conditions. However, it will eventually require repairs that, if neglected, could damage your home and endanger everyone in it. Thankfully, the more you know about chimney masonry restoration, the better you can maintain a safe and functioning fireplace.
Read on to learn more about chimney masonry restoration, including:
- Why chimney masonry restoration is necessary
- Signs that your chimney masonry needs repairs
- The most common chimney masonry repairs
The Importance of Chimney Masonry Restoration
Chimney masonry is built from various materials, including concrete, brick and mortar, stone, flue tile, and steel. Each of these materials is viable for chimney masonry, but when the time comes to repair them, it’s best not to wait. A compromised chimney can cause costly leaks, mold, and structural instability. It can also leave you unable to light a fire during cold winter nights. Performing quick repairs and routine inspections extends the lifespan of your chimney by preventing minor damage from snowballing.
Warning Signs of Chimney Masonry Degradation
Neglecting fireplace and chimney problems puts your home at risk, but how can you schedule repair services when you don’t even know what issues to look for? Here are chimney safety warning signs to keep an eye out for.
- Rust: Chimney caps and dampers can become rusted over time, causing rusty water to drip down your chimney during intense rainfall. If you notice rust stains inside your fireplace, it’s time to have your chimney inspected.
- Mold: Moisture that seeps into your chimney can cause mold in humid climates. Moisture can be caused by cracks and faulty chimney crowns, allowing water to work its way into your fireplace.
- Cracks: Cracks are the clearest indication that your chimney requires immediate attention. Without treatment, cracks can lead to structural instability, leaks, and improper funneling of smoke.
- Puddles: Puddles of water in your chimney indicate a leak that should be repaired quickly. Overexposure to water can deteriorate the quality of your fireplace’s mortar and wear the lining on flue tiles, not to mention the potential of mold.
- Smokey: If your home becomes overly smokey whenever you light a fire, this could mean there’s a problem with your chimney masonry. Make sure your chimney caps, crown, dampers, and smoke chamber are inspected for obstructions to prevent future house fires.
A water-damaged chimney is never a good sign. Learn about the implications of chimney water damage and what you can do to stop it.
7 Common Chimney Masonry Repairs
While chimney masonry is highly durable, it can’t last forever. Repairs are inevitably required to keep it in working condition and avoid leaks. Here are seven of the most common chimney masonry repairs that inspectors encounter.
Cracked Chimney
Chimney cracks can be as small as hairline fractures or as big as gaping holes, but both must be fixed to prevent further issues from cropping up. Small cracks can be fixed using a sealant to create a watertight barrier, especially in fluctuating temperatures that contract and expand the materials. However, more significant cracks need to be repaired using brick and mortar.
Damaged Liner
Chimney liners protect masonry from harmful fumes and byproducts and prevent them from entering your home. Over time, liners can succumb to damage from weathering, age, high temperatures, and more. Repairing or replacing damaged liners is crucial to protect your home and preserve the safety of everyone in it. The liner repair process uses slip casting, in which a new one is created and placed over the existing one to seal any cracks or holes. Otherwise, it requires a total replacement.
Damaged Chimney Crown
Chimney crowns sit atop your chimney to prevent moisture and debris from entering your home. Crowns can be subjected to cracks, holes, and gaps that must be covered with waterproof sealants that can adhere to the masonry. In cases where the damage is too severe to repair, the chimney crown may need to be replaced entirely.
Firebox Repointing
While firebrick is highly resistant to heat and can last many years, extended use can create cracks and deteriorate the mortar. Depending on the extent of the damage, a partial or full replacement of your firebox may be necessary. During a partial repair, only damaged brick and mortar are replaced, whereas a full replacement involves creating an entirely new firebox, which sometimes includes the chimney itself.
Chimney Leaning
Chimney leaning can occur for several reasons, such as poor installation, severe storm damage, or a home’s foundation settling on uneven ground. A leaning chimney can be catastrophic if toppled, causing roof damage, potential injuries, and thousands of dollars in repairs. Annual chimney inspections can detect signs of tilting and resolve the issue before it worsens.
Poor Design
A poorly designed chimney can cause significant issues for your home. An improper draft, inadequate insulation, and incorrect use of materials can pose fire hazards and increase the risk of harmful fumes drifting into your home. Fixing an inadequately designed chimney can be nearly impossible without replacing most components, which is why it’s essential to work with a professional chimney service from the start.
Damper Repairs
Chimney dampers help regulate airflow to the smoke chamber by opening and closing the flue. Damaged dampers can’t correctly regulate airflow, causing chimney fires or carbon monoxide buildup. Thankfully, a professional chimney sweep can replace bent, cracked, or weathered dampers quickly.
How to Handle Repairs
While there are many common issues that can plague your chimney, no problem is beyond professional chimney repair services. If your chimney masonry is showing signs of damage, it’s essential to contact a respectable chimney sweep that can provide a solid scope of work and ensure the safety of your home—and who better to work with than Approved Home Improvements?
Turn to Approved Home Improvements for a Reliable Chimney Restoration
If you’re looking for masonry restoration in St. Louis, Missouri, partner with Approved Home Improvements. Having provided clients in the St. Louis area with first-class chimney repair services for over thirty years, our team of certified experts can restore your chimney’s masonry to pristine condition. However, we go a step beyond standard masonry repairs by not only restoring your chimney to its original appearance and functionality, but preserving your masonry with a solution that will last for years to come.
Combined with our dedication and work ethic, our annual inspections can help maintain your chimney effectively. Contact us today to restore your masonry to its former glory and keep your fireplace ready to light come winter.