Chimney Repair

The number one danger a masonry chimney faces is water.

A good Crown is your chimneys best defense against rapid deterioration.

However, nature is relentless and the over time the masonry forming your chimney will eventually begin to deteriorate.

What does damage look like?

Below are the most common types of damage that you may be able to spot on your chimney.

Damage to the bonding between the bricks

One way that mortar damage may appear is as cracks or chips in the mortar.

Another sign of mortar damage is if there are areas where the mortar is missing from between the bricks.

There are other warning signs of deterioration as well

Moss or algae growing on the exterior of the chimney is a warning sign. It is evidence that water is being retained in that area. Vegetation growth on the chimney can also damage the masonry structure by increasing water absorption and retention exposing brick, mortar, stone, and other masonry materials to prolonged periods of moisture likely causing further damage to the masonry. Remember, water is your chimneys number one enemy!

If you've read our Chimney Top page you probably already know that the chimney top, or crown, is your chimney's first line of defense. If your crown is chipped or cracked the rest of the chimney is being exposed to the water running through those cracks!

efflorescent showing on chimney's brick face

"Efflorescence” means that water soluble salts within masonry have mixed with water and traveled to the outside of the bricks, leaving deposits that cause chimney discoloration. The crystalline or powdery white staining is easily washed off and does no harm in and of itself, but it gives you a clear indication of damaged masonry. Water has gotten into your masonry! A chimney with efflorescence should be inspected to find and repair the source of the water exposure.

Damage to the Bricks in the Chimney

One way bricks are damaged is by spalling. Spalling is a term that is used to describe brick or stone that is flaking apart. The face of the brick may have even popped off. Spalling is usually due to weather, poor material quality, or both. Spalling happens when the water has permeated the brick causing the brick to soften and flake apart. The spalling of the brick has caused the structure of the brick to be compromised.

As seen in the photo the bricks themselves can even be cracked. This usually only happens if other damage has not been fixed promptly.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

A properly constructed chimney crown will go a long way towards lengthening the life of your chimney. Check out our Chimney Top page to see if yours is built properly and protecting your chimney.

A chimney cricket is required if your chimney is over 30" wide parallel to the ridge line and doesn't intersect the ridgeline. This small ramp directs water and snow around the chimney preventing water from sitting against the uphill side of the chimney.

"An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure"

Checking your chimney periodically for these signs of damage can save you an enormous amount of stress and expense. Many of the examples of damage above, if caught soon enough, can be repaired quickly and easily. However, once water has found a foothold in your chimney it does not take long for it to spread and cause more and more damage to your chimney and even your house.

Getting your chimney inspected yearly as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association is also a great option for being on your guard against small water damage signs which may lead to larger problems.

Examples of serious damage resulting from small unrepaired water damage.