Repairing a chimney requires specialized knowledge of masonry and tools that aren’t always readily available to DIY homeowners. Working at dangerous heights or on steep roofs can also increase labor costs.
Chimneys require regular inspections to identify issues before they become expensive problems. Common issues include cracks in the chimney crown, a cracked or damaged chimney flue liner, and white staining known as efflorescence. Contact Chimney Repair Baltimore now!
Cracks in masonry aren’t uncommon and often nothing to worry about. However, chimney cracks may also signal a serious structural issue that needs to be addressed quickly. During a home inspection, chimney professionals look for masonry cracks in the bricks and mortar. They’ll note their location and size and whether they extend vertically or horizontally. They’ll also check for the presence of gaps and other damage to the masonry structure.
Chimneys are subjected to a lot of stress from nature and the elements. Wind, rain, hail and snow gradually wear away at the masonry materials, causing them to shift and crack.
A cracked chimney allows smoke, gases and other debris to escape, resulting in a deteriorating interior. It can also allow water to penetrate the masonry, leading to further damage and potential rot.
Cracking can also be the result of poor construction. For example, if the flue lining isn’t installed properly and doesn’t leave a space to expand and contract with temperature changes, it can cause the chimney to shift and crack. In some cases, the cracking can become worse, leading to a leaning chimney that could fall over and harm people or property below.
Another major reason for cracks in chimneys is a poorly constructed foundation. If the foundation supporting the chimney isn’t properly compacted or if it’s built on rocky soil, shifting and sinking can occur. This can lead to the chimney falling apart or even collapsing, posing safety hazards and costing thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Chimney cracks that haven’t been addressed can be repaired by a process called repointing, which involves removing damaged or deteriorated mortar and replacing it with new mortar. This technique repairs the cracked masonry and strengthens the overall structure.
Leaks
Heavy rains can cause leaks when the chimney flashing becomes damaged or fails. The flashing is a thin strip that transitions the chimney to the roof with a seal, and it’s important for keeping rainwater out of your home. Flashing is made from various materials, and exposure to the elements can cause them to break down over time. If your flashing becomes damaged, it can allow rainwater to penetrate deep into the bricks of your chimney and flood your home.
Chimney leaks can also lead to water damage inside your home, causing unsightly stains on walls and ceilings. They can also promote the growth of mold and mildew, which pose a health hazard for you and your family. In addition, excess moisture can corrode the metal parts of your fireplace and chimney, posing fire hazards.
If you suspect your chimney has a leak, have a professional inspect it. They will be able to determine the source of the leak and recommend the best course of action to repair it.
Chimneys exposed to rain, sleet, and snow will often develop cracks in the brickwork at their tops, especially where they meet the roof line. The cracks can lead to serious brick deterioration, which compromises the structural integrity of the chimney. If left unchecked, this can cause the chimney to lean dangerously or collapse entirely.
Leaks in the chimney can result in water damage throughout the home, causing unsightly stains and damaging furniture and walls. In addition, the moisture in your chimney can corrode the masonry and metal, exposing your home to further damage.
The most common sign of a chimney leak is moisture spots on the walls and ceilings of your home. You may also notice a musty odor in the room where the fireplace is located. Additionally, if you see white stains (efflorescence) on the exterior of your chimney, this is another indication of water penetration. The stains are caused by water evaporating, leaving minerals behind on the surface of the chimney. Chimney leaks are a serious problem that needs to be addressed promptly before it worsens.
Efflorescence
This white, powdery substance shows up on the surface of brick and stone chimneys when moisture seeps through the masonry and into the interior. It’s a fairly common problem, but it’s not just an aesthetic issue – it’s a warning sign that there could be more serious problems lurking.
The way that your chimney is constructed will determine how much moisture it can hold and how quickly. Chimneys that are poorly built and those in wet climates are especially susceptible to water damage, but even well-built chimneys can be vulnerable if they haven’t been properly maintained. Chimneys with deteriorating masonry materials or without adequate sealant will also experience moisture problems sooner than those that are in good shape.
As the moisture in your chimney makes its way through the masonry, it dissolves the salt particles naturally present inside the brick and mortar, depositing them on the exterior walls. These crystalline deposits are known as efflorescence, and they can be a telltale sign that excess moisture is causing structural damage to your chimney.
In many cases, rain and weather will wash away the white surface stains left by efflorescence, but you can also remove them yourself using a stiff brush or a mixture of water and vinegar. There are also specialized masonry cleaning products available that can be used on tougher stains. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can find recipes online for homemade cleaners that contain muriatic acid, but it’s not recommended that homeowners try to clean their chimneys with this highly toxic chemical.
A professional chimney sweep will be able to inspect your chimney and determine the extent of the water damage caused by the efflorescence. They can then professionally remove the stains and apply a waterproofing product to slow down the rate of moisture damage in your chimney. Chimney sweeps are also trained to spot other warning signs of water damage, like crumbling bricks or sagging masonry components. They can repair these issues as well, making sure that your chimney is safe and sound for you and your family. Annual chimney inspections will help to catch any problems before they become a major hazard.
Leaning
When your chimney starts leaning, it’s a sign of severe structural problems that need to be addressed. These problems can include a variety of issues, from fire hazards to carbon monoxide leaks and beyond. Leaning chimneys are usually caused by soil erosion. This erosion can be the result of heavy rains, flooding, water leaks, or simply from age and wear. This erosion will cause the area underneath your foundation to soften, which in turn will make the support system for your chimney weaken. Over time, this will cause the chimney to loosen and eventually start to lean.
Chimneys can also be susceptible to this problem if they were not constructed correctly or with quality materials. Older chimneys, for instance, may have a shallow footing that was not properly reinforced with steel or concrete. This can cause the footing to slowly erode due to frequent freeze and thaw cycles. Chimneys that aren’t made by experienced masons can be particularly prone to this type of deterioration.
In addition to the structural dangers of a leaning chimney, it can also create serious health hazards for your family. As the chimney pulls away from the house, it can create gaps in the brick and mortar that allow water and pests to enter the home. The chimney can also collapse and fall onto the roof or other parts of your house.
The best way to prevent a leaning chimney is to have it checked and repaired by a professional before it becomes worse. A masonry and chimney professional can fix this issue by putting in piers beneath the chimney that will lift it back into place. In some cases, rebuilding the entire chimney may be necessary.
A leaning chimney needs to be repaired quickly, as it can lead to other problems for your home and your family. These problems can include fire hazards, carbon monoxide leaks, and even damage to your home’s foundation. In addition, a leaning chimney can decrease your home’s value if you want to sell it in the future. If you notice that your chimney is leaning, contact us at Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services to schedule an inspection right away.