Brick chimneys can handle the intense heat from the home’s fireplace and pressure from the exterior elements. However, as with all parts of a house, your chimney will need regular maintenance to ensure that it remains safe and functional. Getting a professional chimney sweep annually will alert you to any problems with your chimney. However, in between yearly maintenance calls, anything can happen and you should be able to identify if your chimney needs more than a sweep.
Keep an eye out for the following issues indicating it’s time to call a brick masonry specialist.
Cracks Exist in the Chimney
Most chimneys are located on top of the roof, so it will be difficult to see any problems with them at ground level. If you can safely scale a ladder and take a closer look at your chimney and notice cracks forming, this could be a sign you need repairs.
If you have a chimney that runs from the ground to the top of the home, you can inspect the cracks without climbing a ladder. Keep in mind that some cracks you’ll see in your chimney may be cosmetic.
However, if you see cracks resembling stair steps, some serious problems could culminate with your chimney, particularly at the foundation level.
The Mortar is Crumbling or Missing
Upon inspecting your brick chimney, you will see a gray strip surrounding the brick. This strip is called mortar, which keeps the bricks in place. As your brick chimney ages, you may notice that the mortar surrounding the brick may crumble, become spongy, or disappear. This will require that you get repairs.
Bricks Are Missing
Missing mortar harms your chimney, but missing bricks are even more severe. Missing bricks could cause your entire chimney to collapse, and the cost of repairing such damage can be high.
Although missing mortar may not be as severe as missing bricks, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take missing mortar seriously. Missing, chipping, or spongy mortar could cause your bricks to fall out. If you notice that your chimney is missing mortar or bricks, it is a good idea to get a chimney repair.
Your Chimney is Leaning
With your home, all things should be symmetrical. So, if you discover that your chimney is slightly off-skew, this could mean that you need chimney repairs. There may be bricks missing, or mortar may have come out, causing your chimney to lean. However, if your bricks and mortar look fine, the problem may be with your foundation. Therefore, it is a good idea to get a chimney inspection and a foundation inspection. Ultimately, you may need both services to get your chimney back on solid ground.
Water Leaks Are Present in Your Home
Sometimes, the problems with your chimney will be with something other than the bricks themselves. Proof that you have a problem with your chimney and may need repairs may be noticeable from the water leaks in your home.
You may see water stains on the walls of your home, or you may notice unusual smoke as you burn your fireplace. This smoke could be caused by water getting in from outside and mixing with the fire in the fireplace. Sometimes, smoke in your chimney can be due to the build-up of creosote, which chimney cleaning can fix. In either case, if you notice such problems with your fireplace, this could indicate that it needs repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
If mortar is missing, does this mean my chimney is at risk?
Yes. Missing mortar may allow water to enter the chimney and seep into the fireplace. It could also cause bricks to start to fail, which could lead to even more damage. If you notice problems with the mortar, get it resolved as soon as possible.
Should I be worried if I notice bricks popping out of place?
Yes. Even if the mortar and brick are still in place, out-of-alignment bricks could signal that problems are brewing. It’s a good idea to call a professional for an estimate on masonry repairs.
If water enters my chimney, does this mean something is wrong with the brickwork?
No. There could be other issues with the chimney allowing water to enter it, such as damaged flashing. Getting your chimney inspected by a professional regularly will allow you to find out what may be causing the water leak.
Turn to the Pros at Primo Contracting
Brick masonry repairs should be done by a professional. It ensures a job done right that will last for decades. A construction company such as Primo Contracting in Rochester Hills are the ones to call! We handle everything from custom home masonry and chimney repair to retaining walls, tuck pointing, block walls and more.
Our brick masonry services including chimney repair are top rated and known throughout Metro Detroit. You can see our impeccable work on homes and businesses throughout the area. Customer satisfaction is our priority and is rooted in quality work and product.
Visit us online to learn about our masonry and construction services and fill out a Form for a Free Estimate on your upcoming construction or renovation project!