If your chimney cracks, can you repair it, and if so, how do you go about it?
The problem with having a damaged chimney is that it can trap moisture, junk, debris, and other particles that could get into the cracked spaces. This cracking, if left unaddressed, can lead to further issues that will result in you spending more money to get the issue resolved.
In this article, you will learn the common causes of chimney damage and how to identify chimney cracks so you can spot them early and get them fixed before they turn into bigger problems.
Cracks in the chimney Mansory can arise from common issues which include:
A chimney is essential in discharging smoke from the fireplace. However, if not maintained correctly and with the harsh freeze-thaw cycles we have in Ontario, you can find yourself dealing with minor chimney damage or a chimney in major disrepair. Oftentimes, you want to know if you need minor repairs or opt for partial chimney rebuilding.
Minor cracks or brick spalling require immediate repairs to prevent further damage. If the chimney is badly damaged or under severe stress, there may be a need to rebuild. It is common for property owners to give certain tasks the DIY treatment, however, when it comes to your chimney we strongly recommend a professional to come and assess the situation.
Cracks in the masonry on chimneys not only reduce the aesthetic appeal, but they create areas where moisture, debris, and insects can hide which can compromise the indoor air quality. There are common signs to show your chimney needs repairs. Let's take a closer look at how you can identify chimney cracks.
Carry Out Inspection In The Exterior Part Of The Chimney: A damp or rusty fireplace is an indication that you have a crack that needs to be repaired. Rusting can result in chimney fires, house fires, or cracked flue tiles which can be disastrous. This is why inspection of the chimney's masonry is essential.
Check For Small Cracks: Never leave any damage like small cracks or mortar joints to be addressed for a later date. Identify all damage - even the tiniest of damage - and fix it before it becomes a huge problem.
Find Cracked Bricks: Check for weak and flaking bricks that have fallen off from the chimney. Replace or reseal the space as soon as possible.
Look for Ripped Flue Liner And Thin Lines: If your flue liner is falling off or malfunctioning, it means your chimney is cracked. A damaged brick liner is a hazard. Call your professional.
Inspect the Chimney Crown: Ensure that the chimney cap and crown are intact. Check for cracks and repair to prevent water from getting into the chimney.
The chimney crown is an important part of the chimney system which protects the top of the roof. As water and snow gather on the surface, you need a seal so water doesn't find its way into the chimney.
If your crown is cracked, repair it immediately to avoid further damage. Also, the chimney caps that protect the crown need to be replaced if rusted.
The first step is to properly clean the crown and then close up the cracks. Reinforce the seal by redoing the mortar to create a stronger crown. Lastly, clean the mesh screen of the chimney crown if it has accumulated creosote.
If you ever find issues with the chimney, it should not be left untreated. You might want to adopt a DIY method when you are dealing with minor cracks or small patching in the mortar. At minimum, you should have a basic knowledge of mansory to avoid creating more damage.
Once you are sure you can handle it, get the materials needed for minor repairs. For example, you need mortar mix, a brush, and a pointing trowel.
Scrape out the topmost layer of the mortar to a reasonable level then go ahead to reapply a new layer of mortar to form a more reinforced seal. For the flaking bricks, remove the damaged ones then install new bricks.
Watch out for damaged bricks that are wearing off, especially the ones on the sides of the chimney. Water infiltration can affect the inner porous layers causing the bricks to freeze and leading to deterioration.
The appropriate repair method is to clean up the chimney of any moisture. Once the crack starts from the flue and gets to the exterior, it could cause an explosion which can lead to a terrible chimney fire.
Avoid repairing brick chimneys in high temperatures. At least the temperature should be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply safety precautions whenever you are climbing heights to avoid falls.
Tools needed for this include mortar, a ladder, a masonry chisel, tuckpointing tools, a joint raker, latex gloves, a wire brush, a masonry sealer, high-heat mortar, etc.
Follow these steps:
Remove the already crumbling mortar by using a wire brush to clear off all the loose bricks and mortar.
Clean up the masonry chimney of any moisture, or dirt. Patch cracks in the crown area and then apply a liquid sealant to cover the hairline cracks. Using a putty knife, clean the open cracks and apply a high-heat mortar.
For thin hairline cracks, apply sealants to cover the deteriorated brick surface. If you are dealing with badly damaged bricks with large cracks, remove them entirely and replace them with a fresh one.
Stone chimneys also experience wear and tear when the mortar begins to wear off. Stones are usually stronger, but sometimes you can find cracks. Repairing the chimney will help restore the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Some of the materials and tools required for the repair process include wire brush, safety goggles, vacuum, waterproof sealant, dust mask, trowel, masonry crack filler, etc.
Check the chimney and identify the cracks and the extent of the damage. Protect yourself by wearing safety goggles and a dust mask. Go ahead to remove debris including loose mortar.
Get the mortar mix and fill it into the cracks, smooth the surface by removing excess mortar, and allow it to cure properly. Finally, spray a water repellent to further protect the chimney from damage.
Professional chimney masonry interventions are advisable because attempting to handle repairs yourself can leave you with significant damage. Leave the guesswork and seek the help of a professional chimney mason.
If you are looking for an efficient service you can trust in the Orangeville area and the surrounding neighbourhoods, check out Lesiak Masonry chimney repair services. We have a team of experts who have both expertise and working experience to give you the best service possible.
As a company specializing in chimney repairs, brick replacement, and other related issues, we have a proven track record of addressing any kind of chimney mansory issues ensuring a sturdy chimney that will last for years. We also offer a range of services from chimney repair, to remodeling and rebuilding.
While you hope to have a healthy masonry chimney, cracks can happen at any time. This is why detecting the issue fast and carrying out the repair promptly is important to avoid more deterioration of the chimney structure. Once you can spot the damage early enough during an annual chimney inspection, it can be handled. Cracks in the mortar or flaking bricks should be repaired to prevent damage or water intrusion into the fireplace.
Whether you're facing minor cracks or extensive damage to your brickwork, our team of experienced masonry contractors is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards preserving the longevity and value of your property with expert brick repair and restoration services.
Piotr Lesiak
