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Signs of chimney damage

If you’re seeing signs of chimney damage, particularly in the masonry work, you need to know exactly what’s happening as soon as possible.

Water damage

When water gets into the chimney system, it can lead to widespread damage that can destroy a chimney.  Signs to watch for include water dripping in the firebox, white staining on the exterior masonry and damp sections of walls and the ceiling near the chimney/fireplace.

Crumbling mortar

The mortar that holds the chimney’s bricks together may begin to decay and show signs of crumbling.  This can be caused by water infiltration, poor-quality mortar used in construction and various seismic and weather events.  If this situation isn’t addressed, eventually the entire chimney may fall over.

Loose or cracked bricks

Bricks that are damaged by water, lightning strikes or other events compromise the integrity of the chimney structure.  As with crumbling mortar, loose bricks – also called “spalling” – can lead to very serious (and expensive) problems with your chimney.

General structural cracks

If there are cracks in the bricks or mortar of your chimney, it may seem like a minor problem at the moment, but it won’t stay that way.  Water can get into cracks and freeze and then expand, causing significant damage.

Leaning chimney

A leaning chimney must be addressed as soon as it’s noticed to prevent a major collapse and risk to people’s lives.  Only an experienced chimney inspector can diagnose exactly what’s causing the leaning and recommend how to fix it.

Cracked chimney crown

The cement crown at the top of your chimney is there to protect the bricks beneath it and the interior spaces of the chimney.  Cracks in a chimney  can be caused by weather and seismic events as well as poor-quality cement.  Left unaddressed, the entire crown can decay, leaving your chimney structure vulnerable to various types of damage.

Damaged chimney cap

Chimney caps sit atop chimneys to keep water out of the flue.  Full-width chimney caps also protect the crown.  Damaged chimney caps can lead to water infiltration, brick damage and drafting obstructions (debris) entering the flue.

How to address these issues

Just because your chimney is showing signs of damage doesn’t mean you need to have a new one built.  Certified chimney repair technicians are able to repair many types of damage and prevent further problems down the line.  A process called tuckpointing replaces areas of damaged mortar.  Waterproofing can keep water out of small cracks in the masonry and the chimney crown. Loose bricks often can be replaced to restore strength to the chimney.

When a chimney is severely damaged, it may need to be partially or completely rebuilt.  A professional chimney inspection, which should be performed annually – whether or not there’s a known issue – is the only way to know the exact type of damage a chimney has sustained and the extent of the damage.  Your inspector can then recommend the best way to remedy the situation.

What is a Chimney Brick?

A chimney brick is a type of masonry unit that makes up the interior structure and exterior walls of a traditional fire place.  These bricks are made out of clay, sand and straw which gives them their distinctive yellowish orange color when they’re fired in a kiln at high temperatures.  The main job of a chimney brick is to withstand the extreme heat and flames that come from a fire.  They also need to be able to resist the corrosive byproducts of combustion like soot, creosote and acid rain.

Chimney bricks can last for decades if they’re properly maintained.  But over time, they can become damaged by the heat and corrosive effects of flue gases.  This damage can cause them to crack or crumble which poses a safety hazard because it allows dangerous deposits like soot and creosote to accumulate inside your chimney.  The good news is that you don’t need to scrap an entire brick fireplace just because a few of the bricks are damaged.  You can fix them yourself by using a brick repair mortar specifically designed for this purpose.

How to identify the problem with your Chimney Bricks?

• Your Chimney Bricks may be damaged because of weather changes or heat exposure.  The bricks lose their flexibility and crack easily under stress or weight. This is a common problem that can affect the structure of your house over time if you don’t take care of it immediately.

• The mortar between brick joints becomes loose, crumbling, or missing altogether.

• One side of your house is sinking while the other remains in place.  This indicates a structural issue with Chimney Bricks, which can create major problems down the road if not addressed immediately by a professional contractor.

• If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit an expert who specializes in repairing Chimney Bricks.  Trying to fix the problem yourself could lead to even bigger and more expensive repairs down the road. So, what should you expect from a professional Chimney Brick repair?

• Your contractor will asses the damage and determine the cause of it.

• They will then create a plan of action that includes repairing or replacing the damaged bricks, as well as repairing the mortar between them.

• They will also inspect and reinforce any structural weaknesses caused by Chimney Bricks damage.  Make sure the contractor is experienced with this type of project so you don’t end up paying more to fix mistakes made during repairs.

• Lastly, they may apply a special sealant to the repaired bricks that will protect them from weathering and further damage in the future.

Taking care of Chimney Bricks damage as soon as you notice it is the best way to prevent more serious problems down the road.  If you’re not sure how to identify or fix this type of damage, don’t hesitate to call a professional . They will be able to help you get your Chimney Bricks back in good condition and keep your home safe from potential damage.

Why are my Chimney Bricks Crumbling or Loose?

One of the most common reasons for your brick to be crumbling or loose is because it’s old.  Chimneys are typically built with bricks and mortar, so over time those bricks can begin to crack and crumble as they break down.

• Also, over time rain and wind can cause the mortar to deteriorate as well.

• When the mortar begins to crumble, it can affect your bricks.  Another reason that you might find your brick crumbling is because of excessive moisture around the chimney or poor quality bricks.

• If you have a water problem, it can cause the mortar to deteriorate and then your brick will eventually crumble.

• Poor quality bricks are more likely to crumble because they are not made with the same specifications as high-quality bricks. If you have a poor quality brick, it’s more likely to fall apart over time.

• If you’re having problems with your chimney bricks, there are a few things that you can do to fix the issue. Read on for more information.

Should I Waterproof My Chimney?

The majority of masonry chimneys are built with bricks or stone bonded with mortar, a cement material, to form a sturdy and practically impenetrable structure. But like most structures, water is a mortal enemy that can bring down a chimney like a falling deck of cards.  All masonry chimney construction materials, except stone, will suffer accelerated deterioration as a result of prolonged contact with water.

This is because bricks are composed of clay which is a soft and porous material.  During the brick-making process a waterproof hard outer shell is baked in to prevent the bricks from soaking up water.  But its continued exposure to periods of heat and cold, wind, rain and snow can take a beating that can eventually begin to pierce the outer layer of the bricks.  Without waterproofing the chimney tiny holes will begin to form in the brick surface like a sponge that will gradually grow larger allowing water to penetrate the flue and damage other chimney components. 

In addition, excessive exposure to moisture will also soften the mortar.  Left untreated it will eventually melt away where you may notice large gaps between the bricks or stone masonry that will also enable water to leak inside the chimney.  In extreme cases where chimneys have not been maintained for years it is not unusual to spot missing bricks and mortar.  The chimney may also begin to lean as the foundation shifts due to its weight. This can also damage the structure of the home as the chimney pulls apart from the flashing material attached to the roof.

As a result, chimney masonry should be protected from exposure to water.  That’s why many chimney professionals recommend homeowners apply a waterproof sealer to protect the chimney from water damage.  It’s important to bear in mind that the waterproof coating will wear over time and gradually lose its effectiveness.  So for optimum performance, waterproofing should be re-applied every five years.

Also, homeowners can extend the life of masonry chimneys by avoiding high pressure power washing.  The high water pressure can crack the brick’s hard surface and damage the effectiveness of waterproofing. The exterior of masonry chimneys should be cleaned using a low pressure hose and a mild detergent.