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FALL CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
While the chimney is often ignored, it’s actually one of the most important structures of your home. Both its exterior and interior should be maintained. Many people forget that the fireplace is only as good as the chimney above it. The moment you realize that your chimney is not working as well as it should, you must take action to have it fixed. After all, a faulty chimney will not only negatively affect your fireplace, but it also compromises your safety. Being proactive beats being reactive. Keeping the chimney in good condition now will save you from costly repairs in the future and might save your life.
The general rule is to have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore your chimney in between inspections. You need to always be on the lookout for potential problems with your chimney to avoid costly repairs and to prolong its lifespan.
Chimney Exterior
The exterior of your chimney is not just for appearance. It has many essential parts that contribute to the safety and performance of your chimney and fireplace.
The Bricks
The bricks are not only the facade, but they also provide stability to the chimney stack and allow for the performance of your fireplace. If the bricks are damaged, there’s the risk of water seeping into the cracks and freezing then thawing with temperature changes. This will cause spalling.
Brick chimney spalling
Spalling is deterioration of the mortar between the bricks causing the mortar to crack, crumble and fall out. Chimney brick spalling is when the bricks begin to flake and crumble. In advanced stages, you may notice some bricks come loose or go missing altogether. This can happen for several reasons, but the most common reason is the weather. When moisture becomes trapped inside the bricks and then the temperature drops below freezing, the water in the bricks freezes. Since frozen water expands, when those bricks thaw, they become brittle and flake apart. Homes with frequent freezes and fluctuating temperatures will see chimney spalling much faster than warmer, more stable climates. If you live in an area with harsh winters, keep an eye on the damage starting around crowns, brickwork, and flashing.
First, address the source of the problem – the moisture. Check the flue and the masonry to find how the moisture is getting in. Once the source is determined, the appropriate treatment should be performed.
Early-Stage Spalling – Early stage spalling usually involves small cracks in the brickwork or mortar. They can be repaired by applying a waterproof sealant.
Late-Stage Spalling – Late stage spalling usually involves severe deterioration of the chimney’s brickwork. In this case, heavy treatment is required. You will need to replace bricks and mortar joints.
If the spalling has come to the point where the chimney structure is drastically compromised, the only choice may be to rebuild the chimney or install a new one. If the chimney is rebuilt, the contractor should apply a waterproofing sealant with a cap sealer to ensure that the fresh masonry is reinforced. In most cases, a new chimney cap must be installed.
Chimney Crown
Often mistaken for the cap, the chimney crown is a slab of concrete that covers the edges of your chimney’s opening. Its main function is to provide a barrier between the top of the chimney and the outside elements. The crown is the first line of defense against external elements. If it is cracked or melted, moisture will seep in and deteriorate the mortar, further widening the cracks.
Fixing a Cracked or Melted Crown
If the damage is not too severe, you can fill the cracks with a thoroughly mixed thinnest mortar. Apply it to the cracks until they are filled, and then smooth the mortar by pressing a thin piece of wood against the wet mortar.
Chimney Cap
The chimney flashing is a protective coating placed in the area where the chimney meets the roof therefore preventing moisture from entering your attic or home’s interior. The chimney cap is a protective shield placed over the entire top of the chimney, preventing external elements like rain, snow, debris, and animals from invading the interior of the chimney. They also keep hot embers from the fireplace catching your roof on fire. Some chimney caps have wiring or grating around them as a second line of defense.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence, which means “flowering,” is white staining that appears on your chimney’s brickwork. The stain itself is not a problem and can be easily removed. But it is a sign that your chimney has a moisture problem. Moisture is a byproduct of combustion. Efflorescence shows that the moisture is seeping from the inside of the chimney outward, dissolving salts in the mortar and bringing them to the surface of the exterior. If ignored, the moisture will cause your chimney to deteriorate. Stopping the issue is addressed below.
Common Chimney Maintenance Tips
Nothing beats enjoying your fireplace on a cold winter night. It’ll keep you warm and looks stunningly beautiful. However, it’s important to maintain your chimney.
Make Sure Your Mortar Joints and Bricks Aren’t Crumbling
The bricks and mortar joints of your chimney play a crucial role in avoiding water damage inside of your home. However, they begin to crack and crumble over time and give moisture an entrance into your home. Chimney tuckpointing is the act of repairing mortar. If you notice that your mortar is crumbling and the bricks are starting to become loose, then you’re in need of chimney tuckpointing. Make sure you get a waterproofing sealant for your chimney stack. This will help keep the mortar and bricks protected from moisture.
Have Your Chimney Inspected Once Per Year
Just looking at your chimney isn’t enough to spot problems – some are underlying and need a professional to find them. Having a chimney inspection once per year is crucial to ensure your chimney’s safety.