Chimney Repair Baltimore don’t last forever and there comes a time when you need to call in the pros for chimney repair. Take a look around your chimney to see the signs that it needs attention.
Watch for holes, cracks and crumbling bricks. These are all indicators that you need to contact a chimney repair company as soon as possible.
Your chimney crown is one of the most crucial parts of your entire system. It sits on top of the masonry and has an overhang that sends water away from your chimney structure, protecting it from moisture damage. But if it’s made from porous material like brick or stone, and isn’t built with a waterproof sealant, it can deteriorate quickly. That’s why it’s important to have a professional inspect it regularly for signs of moisture damage.
Depending on the extent of the damage, there are several different strategies for repair. A chimney technician may use a waterproof sealant to fill any cracks or gaps in the crown. If the cracking is minor, this will help keep moisture from getting into the flue walls and dampening them.
More extensive cracking or crumbling can often be repaired by a chimney mason using a concrete compound to patch the crown up and add some extra strength to it. This will prevent further deterioration and help extend the life of your chimney crown for many years to come.
If your chimney crown is showing signs of deterioration it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Left untreated, the crown will become brittle and eventually break apart. The best way to protect your chimney from deterioration is to have a professional inspect it regularly and have it cleaned and repaired when necessary.
If you notice signs of a cracked chimney crown, call the pros at The Chimney Specialists to schedule your inspection today! We can diagnose and repair any issues with your chimney crown, and we even offer a discount for senior citizens. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call!
Leaking Flue
Chimneys and flues do more than just keep fire and smoke where they belong—they also protect your home from carbon monoxide poisoning. This makes it all the more important to keep your chimney free from leaks. Even the smallest leak can lead to extensive water damage, expensive repairs and the potential health hazards of mold and mildew in your home.
Chimney leaks are caused by a variety of factors, but the most common is moisture penetrating cracks and crevices in the chimney’s masonry. Dampness can cause the brick to shift and crack, and it may weaken or crumble. It can also trigger the freeze-thaw cycle, which causes water to get into the brick and mortar and then expand and contract as it thaws and refreezes—creating tiny cracks that become larger over time. The continuous cycle can eventually cause spalling brick, which can compromise the structural integrity of your chimney.
Another common reason for chimney leaks is problems with the roof flashing—the thin metal material that’s installed to channel water away from certain parts of your roof, including your chimney. Chimney flashing can develop leaks for two reasons: it can be installed incorrectly or it can simply wear out over time. If the flashing isn’t properly attached to the chimney, or if it has worn out over time, it can allow rain and snow to seep through and into the chimney.
Regardless of the cause of the chimney leak, you should always seek professional chimney repair services to address it quickly and efficiently. You can use temporary solutions to block off the leaks, such as chimney leak plugs and chimney balloons, until you can schedule a permanent chimney repair service. You can also apply a waterproof sealant to the masonry and the chimney crown to minimize water infiltration.
Loose Bricks
Loose bricks aren’t just unsightly—they can be indicative of serious structural issues. This is especially true in chimneys, walls, walkways, and brick steps where even a single loose brick can cause a domino effect that destabilizes the entire structure. While a wobbly walkway may only cause aesthetic issues, a leaning brick wall or unstable chimney could be dangerous for your family and pets.
Whenever possible, it is best to fix a loose brick without removing it. This is easier said than done, however. Often, loose bricks are a result of spalling—when moisture seeps behind the masonry and causes a weakening or disintegration of the mortar. If the damaged brick isn’t immediately repaired, it can eventually break off entirely and create further damage.
To repair a loose brick, first clean the area by brushing or blowing away any debris and dust. Then, gently chisel out any loose material while being careful not to disturb the surrounding brick. Once the hole has been cleaned, mix your mortar. A bag of Quikrete Mortar Mix is ideal for this kind of small repair job. It is important to follow the instructions on the label to make sure that the mixture has the consistency of thick cake batter. Before applying the mortar, it is important to wear impervious nitrile gloves to protect your hands from its alkaline chemicals.
Now, apply the mortar to the surface of the brick using a trowel. Try to force the mortar into any cracks or crevices that may have developed and smooth out the surface of the new brick to match it with the surrounding bricks. Once the mortar has set, use a tuck-pointing tool to fill in the mortar joints and to remove any excess. Once the mortar is completely dry, it is recommended to treat the brick with a brick stain to prevent moisture from penetrating and causing further damage.
Crumbling Mortar
Mortar is the glue that holds bricks together, but this important building material can deteriorate over time due to weathering, age and normal wear. When mortar crumbles, it creates an open pathway for water that can seep into the masonry and cause serious problems. The good news is that even significant crumbling mortar can often be repaired with a process known as repointing or tuckpointing.
Depending on the extent of the crumbling, it may be necessary to remove all of the old mortar and completely clean out the joints. This can be done with hand tools or a power grinder equipped with a diamond blade. When this is the case, it is best to take your time and be careful not to damage surrounding bricks.
Once the masonry has been cleaned out, it’s time to apply new mortar. Start by mixing a batch of fresh mortar and following the instructions on the package to create a workable consistency. Then, using a pointing trowel, carefully fill each joint with mortar, working first on the verticals and then moving on to the horizontals. After filling the joints, use a pointing brush to smooth out the new mortar for a professional finish.
Although some chimney masonry damage is unavoidable – you can’t control the weather or seismic events, after all – addressing minor cracks and surface imperfections at their earliest stages can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road. So, don’t delay – call today to schedule your chimney masonry inspection and cleaning! We look forward to assisting you. We also offer a wide variety of chimney and fireplace repairs, including chimney relining and firebox resurfacing.
Efflorescence
Although efflorescence is not harmful, it does indicate an underlying problem of moisture intrusion that must be addressed before structural damage occurs. When water infiltrates masonry or concrete materials, it dissolves the salts that are found within them. As the moisture migrates to the surface and evaporates, it leaves behind these soluble salts, which appear as white deposits on the surface of the material. If the dissolved salts are not removed, they will continue to migrate upward until the material is saturated and begins to degrade.
Fortunately, preventing and repairing efflorescence is relatively easy. First, a thorough cleaning process is necessary to remove existing deposits. This is typically accomplished through the use of chemical cleaners or pressure washing techniques, depending on the severity of the deposit. Once the soluble salts have been removed, professionals can begin to identify the source of moisture.
In most cases, the moisture that caused the efflorescence is most likely due to a leak in the building structure. Professionals will carefully evaluate the site to determine if cracks in the foundation, a lack of proper ventilation, or poor drainage are contributing to the issue.
Once the underlying cause of the problem has been identified, a number of targeted treatments can be implemented to prevent future efflorescence. For example, specialized sealants can be applied to create barriers against moisture infiltration and salt migration.
The best way to protect against the formation of new efflorescence is to regularly perform preventive maintenance on your chimney. A good annual tune-up will help to keep the flue system clean, which will reduce the likelihood of a leak and prevent the accumulation of hazardous byproducts that can lead to spalling bricks.