How to Repair a Brick Chimney
Minor cracks in the summer can rapidly become larger cracks come next spring. Leaving larger cracks in the outer brick be unattended will only deepen the effect of rain, snow, and ice on them. This means water will start to work its way down, sometimes between the exterior brick and the flashing, or farther inside, between the exterior brick and the flue. When left unchecked, these tiny issues will build, and the result could end in disaster for the roof and interior ceilings, insulation, wall studs, and believe it or not the floors, so hiring a professional masonry chimney repair company is paramount in such situations.
Repairing Cracks to Avoid Chimney Fires
What is even worse, cracks in brick chimneys that continue from the flue to the exterior are what is behind a terrifying phenomenon, which is a chimney fire. Chimney fires will ignite instantly, and those that have lived through them describe them as an explosion followed by a sound that is similar to a freight train. Once a chimney fire starts, only the fire department will be able to extinguish it.
The good news is cracking in a chimney’s brick, mortar, crown, and cap are easy for most DIY enthusiasts to do, using a few simple tools and materials. Make sure you choose a warm, dry day to do this, as some of the materials will need curing time.
In most areas, minor brick chimney repairs that don’t involve replacing elements of the chimney should not need a permit. If you are removing and replacing bricks, first check with your permitting office, as in some areas this type of work does require that you have a permit and then get the work inspected once it has been completed.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss masonry chimney repair, please contact R A D Masonry Restoration, LLC at (267) 282-3594 now, if you live in the Levittown, PA region.