Schedule an appointment TODAY! 804-693-2859

Our Company Blog

Masonry Repair Questions

Spring is upon us, which means now is the ideal time to focus on any needed repairs in your masonry. If you have been trying to schedule this type of work throughout the winter and are finding little success in doing so, it is likely because masonry fixes in cold weather often do not turn out well. Learn more about this and other common questions associated with masonry repairs below.

Masonry Repair Questions - Glocester VA - Olde Town ChimneyWhy Wait Until Spring?

Many realize that springtime is ideal for masonry repairs, but few know why this is so. It has to do with allowing the masonry to cure once the mortar is applied. If the temperatures are too low, the mortar will likely freeze before it has set properly, meaning all the work that was done was for nothing. Once warmer weather has arrived, chimney professionals will be much more willing to come out and focus on any masonry work that you need completed.

How Can I Prevent Damage?

Waterproofing your masonry work will help immensely as far as ensuring that your chimney stays sturdy. When moisture enters the brickwork, it can cause a lot of damage throughout time. Brick absorbs moisture easily, and the freeze/thaw process will cause the chimney to eventually settle, leaving you facing an unsteady structure and a lot of potential damage. Moisture also causes rust, stains, and other forms of deterioration that will cause your chimney to crumble over time.

Do I Need A Chimney Cap?

When it comes to keeping your masonry protected, a chimney cap is a fairly inexpensive way to prevent further damage. It keeps rain out, prevents animals from entering, and minimizes the risk of excess debris building up and blocking up your chimney. Have a professional inspect your chimney and find the right chimney cap based upon your specific needs. By hiring an expert to install the chimney cap, you can rest assured that everything has been done properly and that your chimney and masonry will stay protected for years to come.

Should I Hire A Professional?

Many question whether or not hiring a chimney expert is worth the additional cost. When it comes down to it, hiring a professional is a better investment and will end up saving the homeowner a lot of money throughout time. Especially when it comes to masonry, if repairs and preventative treatments are not done correctly, the potential damage one faces will end up costing a lot more than simply hiring a professional in the first place. If a chimney is not properly protected, it will eventually deteriorate making it unsuitable for use. If left unaddressed for too long, it may collapse or tilt, meaning a lot of time and money will be spent on home repair. Give Olde Town Chimney Sweeps a call today and schedule an inspection. Our experts will clean and inspect your fireplace and offer sound advice as far as any necessary repairs. Do not hesitate as now is the ideal time for masonry repair.

Waterproofing Your Chimney

Your chimney goes through a lot of wear and tear. Being constantly exposed to the outdoor elements causes a lot of damage in the long run, which ends up putting a strain on you and your pocketbook. A better option is to invest in preventative measures now, before having to face costly repairs in the future. One of the best things you can do for your chimney is have it waterproofed.

Water and Masonry

water and chimney - Gloucester VA - Olde Town Chimney Sweeps

Water is very harmful the brick on your chimney and will end up causing a lot of deterioration if it is not properly protected. Through the process of freezing and thawing, the chimney experiences extra pressure, since water expands when it freezes. On top of that the mortar holding the brick together will wear down more quickly and any metal aspects on the chimney will rust or break down.

In the long run, these things will cause a lot of overall damage. Your chimney will eventually collapse if not properly taken care of, which is an extremely costly thing to repair. Rust, rotting, cracks, and stains are just a few more of the many issues that arise when water comes into contact with your masonry. If you spend the money waterproofing now, you will save yourself from expensive and time-consuming fixes in the future.

Preventing Water Damage

So, what needs to be done to prevent water damage from occurring? Here are a few things you can do.

  • Install A Chimney Cap: Chimney caps sit on top of the chimney and do not allow rain or other weather elements to enter it. They are typically inexpensive and work hard to protect your brick year round. They also protect it from birds and other animals that might want to build homes inside of your chimney.
  • Repair Cracks and Gaps: The mortar on your chimney breaks down as it is exposed to outdoor elements. If holes start to form, it allows more opportunities for water to enter the brick and cause more damage. Filling these gaps and patching up any cracks will benefit your chimney greatly for when nasty weather comes around.
  • Waterproofing: Since brick is known for sucking in water, it would be a wise idea to waterproof your entire chimney. The smartest and safest option is to hire a professional to do the job. Before anything is done, the brick needs to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any possible damage. Once that is done, the water repellent can be applied. An expert will know exactly what to look for, as far as needed repairs, and knows the proper chemicals that should be used.

Olde Town Chimney Sweeps has everything you need to get your chimney in the best possible condition. Give one of our experts a call today. We look forward to serving you!

Recent Posts

Find Posts About