Saturday, 19 April 2014

Most Common Chimney Damages Caused By Moisture

Over the time water ‘eats’ away the masonry chimneys. Mortar joints present between the bricks are usually dissolved by water followed by slow erosion of bricks. So how you effectively address these chimney problems? Let’s find out!
There are many potential problems which can arise in a chimney – water being one of the major causes of trouble. Though annual professional chimney inspection is recommended as a basic safety measure, it can also help in detecting potential moisture problems before they cause irreparable chimney damages.
Mentioned below are the most common chimney damages caused by moisture along with favorable solutions.

1.    Spalling

Owing to the material they are made up with, bricks tend to absorb moisture. The absorbed water in individual brick freezes during winters and slowly thaws as the weather changes. This results into breakage of the brick surface and the process is referred to as Spalling. 
The masonry contractors Hinsdale can help you deal with the problem by adding an extra layer on your chimney’s exterior to make it ‘water proof’.

2.    Rusting and Liner Deterioration

As the water permeates into the chimney, it can cause the firebox and damper to rust and can also damage the tile liner. When there is enough rusting, you should opt for a complete chimney inspection to determine the extent of damage.
Most Common Chimney Damages Caused By Moisture
Absence of chimney cap can be one reason for the water to enter the chimney place. Another reason for the water to enter could be the leakage around the chimney crown or flashing. Call in professional masonry contractors in Lakeview to fix the areas for you.

3.    Damaged Mortar

Recurring cycles of freezing and thawing can damage the mortar between the bricks leading to the slow erosion of chimney bricks followed by large brick cracks.
Sealing the bricks with fresh mortar can help reducing the brick damage. The masonry contractors in Lakeview can perform tuck pointing process to remove the damaged bricks with new ones for complete repair. 

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