How Water Damage Affects Your Masonry Chimney

Rain and snow followed by the deteriorating effects of freeze thaw cycles causes more damage to the chimney than chimney fires. How exactly does water affect your masonry chimney? How can you protect your masonry chimney from such damages? Let’s find out!

When chimneys start spalling it’s a sure sign of severe moisture penetration inside the masonry brick. Characterized by flaking off of a stone or brick surface, spalling is evident when edges of your chimney start turning into powdered form. This is one of the most common issues of chimney masonry damage because of water. 

Let’s take a look at other such damages caused by water on your masonry chimney along with their solutions.

Water penetration can cause severe damages to the interior and exterior of your home and masonry chimney. When suspecting damage, call masonry contractors in Evanston to look out for:

• Decayed mortar
• Spalled and broken brickwork
• Deteriorated central heating system
• Cracked flue liner systems
• Rusted damper assemblies

Preventing Water Damage

The masonry contractors Hinsdale can prevent your masonry chimneys from water damage by adopting any one of the following methods:

1.    Installing a Chimney Cap

This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to prevent water penetration and protect your chimney from getting damaged.

2.    Repairing or Replacing Damaged Chimney Crown

Chimney crown is generally used for covering and sealing of the top section of the chimney. If damaged ask your brick repair specialists Park Ridge to replace it for you.

3.    Repairing or Replacing Flashing

Flashing is the seal between roofing material and chimney and is used to prevent rain water from running down into the chimney.

4.    Waterproofing Your Chimney

Several waterproofing agents are available in the markets which are specially designed to be used on masonry chimneys.  

Keeping your brickwork and masonry in good shape is the specialty of Fortune Restoration. For a clean, cohesive look with your brickwork, contact our house painting specialists in Chicago at 847-647-2500 today.

 

Tuckpointing: Does Your Property Really Require It?

Crumbling mortar from your chimneys and brick walls needs to be cut out and replaced with new mortar to not only strengthen the joints but also to avoid water and structural damage. Tuckpointing is an ideal solution and is easier to implement than you think.

Most people ignore to pay attention to the condition of the materials that make up their home. Then be it brick or stone, they’re supposed to last a lifetime, right?  While the actual material may last forever, the material that is used to join the bricks together may not last for quite so long. These are the mortar joints which when exposed to changing weather conditions may start showing signs of wear and tear. Here is where Tuckpointing is used to essentially repair damaged mortar joints. 

What Does The Process Involve?

Tuckpointing simply involves repairing of damaged mortar joints. When Tuckpointing contractors in Oak Park come over to your house, they first remove the old mortar (to a certain depth) and replace it with new one resulting into strengthening of the joints.

 Does Your Property Require It?

Many people struggle to decide whether they need to call tuckpointing contractors in Chicago to get it done professionally. However, it’s quite simple to determine whether your property requires tuckpointing or not. Simply scrape the edge of one of your mortar joints and if the scraped mortar turns into powder, call upon masonry contractors in Hinsdale.

Is Tuckpointing Necessary?

Yes, tuckpointing is absolutely vital if the mortar joints at your property have started deteriorating. If ignored, the weakened joints may lead to accelerated wear and tear of the bricks causing permanent damage.

Tuckpointing Can Save You Expensive Future Repairs

Ignoring the importance of on time tuckpointing can further deteriorate your walls. Repairing damaged walls would certainly cost you more money than a simple tuckpointing process.  

From inspection to masonry restoration, whatever is your tuckpointing need, the Fortune Restoration's masonry contractors offer a wide range of services at your convenience. Contact us at 847-647-2500 and get a free quote today!