It is always advisable that the chimney of the house in which you live undergoes maintenance from time to time. Of course, the best laid chimney may start degrading slowly but steadily over time, especially if the structure is exposed to extreme weather conditions and constant use. It helps in identifying instances that may be unbecoming to your fireplace, and that may lead to costly repairs in the near future.
One of the first things that a homeowner may notice when there are some problems with the masonry chimney is that the mortar may be crumbling or even missing. Mortar can be described as the glue that binds the bricks, hence if this mortar deteriorates, then the chimney structure can be at risk. This is most likely apparent in the form of cracks or voids in between the bricks. The cricks may look like they have chipped away and this detracts from the building’s strength.
Other Common Masonry Chimney Issues
Leaking water is also one of the major issues associated with masonry chimneys. This is because water can enter into the bricks and the mortar, forming ice, and expanding more in the cold season, causing more cracks on the walls. While carrying out your routine check within the home, you could realize that there are some stains near the chimney, or you may find that there is moss and vegetation growing on the outer surface. These are signs that there is moisture within the chimney structure and calls for a masonry chimney repair.
Simple Solutions to Common Problems
A masonry chimney repair is usually not very easy, but there are easy fixes that can be used. For the failing mortar, there is a process known as tuckpointing that is carried out. This entails the removal of old mortar and then replacing it with a new one that has been applied appropriately. Retaining the color and composition of the mortar used in the chimney is crucial when replacing the existing aged mortar with a new one.
During the masonry chimney repair, bricks that are cracked or in poor condition should be replaced to avoid compromise of the other bricks that make up the wall. This often entails pulling out the old bricks and adding new bricks with new mortar in place of the broken gba333 one.
For water problems, you have to recognize not only signs but also root causes as well. This means that you should frequently inspect the chimney cap to confirm that it is in place and also check to see that the base of the chimney is properly closed. You can even use a sealer to ensure that water does not adhere on the frontage of the bricks and also does not penetrate the bricks.
Conclusion
Proper care and regular checkups play a critical role in enhancing the serviceability of the chimney. A professional inspection could be done at least once a year since it would help in the identification of problems which are still emerging. Chimney troubles should be addressed as soon as you identify them, and taking time to periodically look for issues will go a long way in enhancing the durability and functionality of the chimney.
