Now that fall has arrived, you are most likely getting your home ready for colder weather and making sure your fireplace and chimney are ready for winter. Damaged bricks and mortar joints can further deteriorate during the winter, so it is very important to have this type of masonry damage repaired. American Chimney & Masonry would like to tell you that it is not too late to have these masonry repairs done, and you can trust our experienced and certified chimney technicians to properly replace damaged and missing bricks and mortar joints to prevent water leaks and structural deterioration. We would like to tell you more about how masonry damage worsens over the winter and how we can protect your chimney from suffering from extensive and expensive water problems.
How does colder weather worsen masonry damage?
A large percentage of masonry damage occurs during the coldest months of the year due to the freeze/thaw process. Since bricks and mortar joints are naturally porous, they absorb water. When the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, any moisture that is trapped inside the bricks and mortar will freeze and expand. As the weather warms back up, the force of the water thawing can be strong enough to cause the bricks and mortar joints to crack and break apart. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles can lead to serious deterioration, and you can end up with major water leaks into your home through the chimney. This is why it is crucial to take care of any chimney masonry repairs before winter arrives. If the bricks and mortar are already damaged, even more water can be absorbed, which will cause even more damage.
How can American Chimney & Masonry take care of my chimney masonry damage?
Our chimney technicians have been trained in the best masonry repair techniques, including tuckpointing and chimney crown restoration. We use specialized tools to remove damaged bricks and mortar and to replace the missing masonry with materials that match as closely as possible. We have been told that it can be impossible to tell the difference between the original chimney and our repair jobs, and we are proud to show you pictures of examples of our masonry repair work. After we have repaired the damaged masonry, we will then make recommendations on how you can best prevent this type of damage from occurring again with water penetration prevention services. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), water is the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys, and keeping water out of your chimney is one of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your chimney. We strongly recommend waterproofing your chimney for the ultimate protection against water penetration. We will apply a waterproofing agent to your chimney that will keep water from rain and melted snow from getting absorbed into the bricks and mortar joints. Waterproofing your chimney is one of the best ways to prevent water penetration.
You still have time to have your chimney masonry repairs done. Contact us today at American Chimney & Masonry to schedule an appointment for our masonry repair services to protect your chimney this winter.
