6 Different Masonry Chimney Issues
Masonry chimneys are made of bricks and stones and are used as an exterior feature of a house. Most of the time, they are located on the roof but they also can be found indoors. It is important to maintain them because they are one of the ways to get rid of smoke and smell inside your house. You can also prevent fire in your home if your chimney is free of any repair issues.
Here are some masonry chimney repair issues that you need to be aware of:
Damaged Mortar
There are times when it is not so easy to see that the mortar is damaged. It would usually show up when you do a chimney sweep. The mortar is the base of your chimney and it is important that it is in good condition. If the mortar has cracks, it could allow rainwater to seep into your chimney and cause issues in the long run.
Auxiliary Chimney
This normally happens when the chimney is built right under a roof that has a very low ceiling or when a part of your roof has caved in. This would make it difficult to see the chimney properly. If you have built an auxiliary chimney that helps in giving more space to your chimney, it would be best if you keep an eye on it or if you notice that it is already damaged.
Damaged Crown
The crown is the upper part of your chimney. The crown may have cracks and that could be because of damage done by harsh weather conditions and time. You will also notice that the crown is loose and would have to be repaired or replaced.
Misalign Rings
The concentric rings issue is when a masonry chimney is being constructed, over time mortar will start to shrink and push the stones out of alignment. This is a common issue that can be easily fixed. The rings must be taken out and realigned with a little mortar mix and a mallet. Regardless, it’s best to have the chimney relined entirely.
Leaks
If the mortar holding the chimney together is deteriorating, then water will leak into the chimney. This can also result in rust or cracks in the chimney. Make sure to check if the mortar is loose and repair it if it is.
Holes
Holes in the chimney are a serious problem, however, can be easily avoided! Masonry chimney repair experts will build a firebox that’s up to code and fit into the existing opening. This ensures the chimney will still be able to operate, but without having to pay an excess of money for a replacement.
If you notice any of these problems in your chimney, you should not hesitate to have them repaired by expert masonry contractors. R A D Masonry Restoration, LLC is one of the dependable masonry chimney repair experts around the Levittown, PA region. Give us a call at (267) 282-3594 for more information!