Signs That Your Chimney Needs to Be Repaired – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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Signs That Your Chimney Needs to Be Repaired

You can’t always tell by looking at it that your chimney isn’t safe and sound.  There are, however, some visible signs that repair may be needed.  Since chimney safety is equivalent to safety from obvious fire hazards, every homeowner with a chimney should become familiar with telltale signs of damage.

Damaged Mortar Joints

It may require a rooftop vantage point to spot, but damaged mortar joints between chimney masonry is an issue which should be hastily repaired.  Failing mortar joints can mean accelerated damage to the chimney, since the condition exposes the bricks to greater amounts of moisture.  When water gets into small cracks in the masonry, they can turn into large cracks, particularly as a result of freezing and thawing.  Ultimately, if the problem isn’t addressed, the chimney could collapse.

Rusted Damper or Firebox

Signs of moisture in a chimney or fireplace are red flags that the chimney isn’t operating the way it should.  Rust is one clue that there is too much moisture, and you may see rust in the firebox or on the damper.  You’ll know to take a close look at the damper if it becomes difficult to operate or if it isn’t sealing properly.

Moisture in the chimney which causes rusting can create numerous problems, including causing flue tiles to crack.  A cracked or deteriorated flue lining is highly dangerous, since it could allow too much heat into vulnerable areas and cause a house fire.

Spalling Bricks

Spalling occurs when water enters brick, natural stone, or concrete and forces the surface of the masonry to pop out, peel off, or flake off.  Sometimes salt also pushes outward from the inside and causes spalling.  It’s fairly simple to spot spalling, since bits of masonry fall from the chimney.  The ultimate outcome of failing to repair spalling masonry is continued crumbling and eventual destruction of the structure.

Shaling Flue Tiles

Thin slices of chimney tile can begin to pile up at the bottom of the chimney, if the liner is damaged.  Cracked and shaling flue tiles are signs of a serious condition which, if not resolved, could result in a house fire.  The flue lining of a chimney must be intact in order to safely use a fireplace.  Many people today are switching to stainless steel liners, which usually carry lifetime warranties.

While shaling flue tiles can become evident, identifying cracked flue liners often requires an inspection by a professional chimney sweep who uses a special camera.  The camera can spotlight potential problems in the flue which are difficult if not impossible to see otherwise.

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing, or repointing, is a masonry repair technique to replace damaged mortar joints in brick or stone structures, including chimneys. Tuckpointing involves removing and replacing the deteriorated mortar, effectively restoring the chimney’s stability and appearance.

Signs Your Chimney Needs Tuckpointing

Now that you know what tuckpointing is, how do you know if your chimney needs this type of maintenance? Here are the most common signs to watch for.

Crumbling Mortar Joints

Look at your chimney, paying particular attention to the mortar joints. If you notice flaking, cracking, or gaps, it’s a sign that you need to have it pointed.

Water Leaks

If you experience leaks or moisture stains on your interior walls near the chimney, it could be due to deteriorating mortar joints. Water is the chimney’s number one enemy, leading to spalling bricks, mold growth, and costly repairs or rebuilding if left unaddressed.

Brick or Stone Damage

Another telltale sign that your chimney needs pointed is loose or damaged bricks or stones, which happens when the mortar can’t hold the masonry in place.

Tilting or Leaning

At its worst, deteriorating mortar joints can cause your chimney to tilt or lean, putting it in danger of collapse. Once a chimney gets to this state, you will probably need more extensive repairs in addition to tuckpointing.

Cracked Chimney Crown

Cracked chimney crowns can be a sign your chimney is in need of repairs.  Another problem that requires a visit to the rooftop to spot is a damaged chimney crown.  It’s important for the crown to be in good condition, since it provides a first line of defense against outdoor elements.  When the crown is cracked, water gets in and freezes and thaws, causing larger cracks.  A damaged chimney crown allows moisture to seep between the chimney and the liner as well as into the chimney, which can cause shaling and spalling.

A great preventative measure against this type of damage is to weatherproof the chimney crown and, while you’re at it, the chimney itself.

Damaged Wallpaper

If you notice that the wallpaper is damaged in areas near the chimney, it could be because of excess moisture in the chimney.  Whether the moisture problem is caused by above-named conditions or others that are less obvious, it should be repaired without delay.

It’s smart to be alert to problems with your chimney, but it’s even better to trust a professional chimney sweep to do a thorough cleaning and inspection annually.  Schedule your annual cleaning in the spring so that there is plenty of time to make repairs before the return of chilly weather.