The masonry components of your chimney are exposed to harsh weather elements all year. Moisture damage is a major concern that can lead to leaks and structural damage within your home.
White discoloration on the sides of your chimney is a sign of excess moisture. This problem, known as efflorescence, must be addressed right away to prevent further deterioration. Contact Chimney Repair Baltimore now!
Your chimney crown is the large block of concrete that juts out above your fireplace. It may seem insignificant but it actually plays a vital role in your chimney integrity. The crown keeps water and debris from getting into the chimney by acting like a roof over the flue, but when it’s cracked or damaged it no longer does its job properly.
Moisture seeps into the masonry of your chimney through cracks and crevices in the crown and can cause serious but avoidable damage to the chimney and home. It’s important to schedule regular chimney cleanings and inspections to keep moisture out of your chimney. When you find signs of a chimney crown problem, it’s essential to contact a chimney professional for immediate repairs.
Chimney crowns are made of cement and mortar, which act like a sponge when exposed to water. Over time, the masonry will deteriorate and crumble, leaving behind a weak spot in your chimney that’s easy for dirt, bugs, and water to penetrate. If you have visible cracks in your chimney crown, it’s important to fill them with concrete as soon as possible. A professionally repaired chimney crown can extend the life of your chimney and prevent future expensive repair costs.
There are a number of different ways to fix a cracked chimney crown. One method involves patching the cracked surface with a special type of concrete. A skilled mason uses a mixture of 2 parts mason’s cement to 1 part gravel, then applies the concrete over the entire chimney crown. It’s then covered with a waterproof sealant to protect it from rain, snow, and other debris.
Another method is to rebuild the chimney crown. This is usually the best option if there are major cracks and gaps in the crown’s surface. In this process, the mason removes the existing brick courses and builds up the chimney crown with new bricks and a concrete mix.
Some states and counties require a permit to make major changes to your chimney crown, so be sure to check for local regulations before hiring a mason to do the work. In most cases, a skilled mason will be required to complete this type of repair due to the risky nature of working on such a high area of your roof.
Deteriorated Mortar Joints
The mortar joints in brick walls and chimneys take the brunt of damage from wall movement, foundation settlement and exposure to the elements. The deterioration of mortar joints can lead to water seepage, which in turn can lead to major structural problems in the future. It’s important to repair cracked and deteriorating mortar joints as soon as they are discovered to avoid more costly repairs in the future.
A crumbling and loose mortar joint is a sign that it’s time to call in the professionals for a masonry repair service. However, before you do, it’s helpful to understand all of the different parts of your chimney so that you know what to expect from your mason.
In general, the best way to fix deteriorating mortar joints is to “repoint” them. This is a process that involves scraping out the front half-inch or so of the existing mortar, which is usually a lime-based mixture on old homes but probably a Portland cement mix on yours, and replacing it with new mortar to restore the look of the structure.
Once the old mortar is removed, you must clean the joints thoroughly to ensure that no debris remains that could affect the bonding of the new mortar. You can use a wire brush or a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any dirt, dust or other particles that might interfere with the bonding of the new mortar. Next, you must mix the new mortar. It’s important to follow the directions on the sack of mortar mix and smear it on a piece of cardboard before applying it to your chimney, so that you can see if it matches the color of the existing mortar.
After you have mixed your mortar, apply it to the cracked and deteriorated mortar joints in your chimney with a trowel or a pointing tool. Then, using a pointing tool or your finger, shape the mortar so that it is flush with the other existing joints in your chimney. Be sure to wet down the new mortar a few times a day for two or three days to slow the drying process.
Deteriorated Flashing
Chimney flashing is a metal strip that seals the seam between the chimney and the roof, around vent pipes, in valleys, at doors or windows, and other places where structures penetrate the roof. The goal is to decrease water penetration that would otherwise lead to mold and rot, as well as other serious damage. Flashing is made from copper, zinc alloys, aluminium, or stainless steel.
Because it’s exposed to the elements, flashing deteriorates and requires repair. A roofing expert can inspect flashing and reseal it, usually with caulking or roof cement. The flashing may also be replaced entirely if it is damaged beyond repair.
One of the most common flashing problems is leaking. Rainwater seeps through flashing and can discolor ceilings and walls. Water stains are a clear sign that flashing must be repaired or replaced.
Flashing can be repaired and resealed at any time, but it’s especially important to do so before winter. Heavy rains or high winds can cause flashing to rip, tear, or become dislodged. It is also more prone to leaks and other damage when it has been repaired or replaced.
If you have a newer roof and your flashing appears intact, you can do simple maintenance to prevent problems. It is a good idea to check flashing regularly, as often as once a year. This can help you spot problems before they become major issues.
There are several types of flashing:
Base flashing, which sits beneath shingles at the bottom of the chimney. Step flashing, which consists of squares of flashing that overlap like shingles and climb up the chimney along the slope of the roof. Saddle flashing, which has a ridged design and directs water to either side of the chimney.
Counter-flashing, which is installed above the base flashing. It’s a two-part flashing system that ensures that rain doesn’t slip behind the base flashing. Vent boot flashing, which is a cylindrical piece of flashing that fits right around the vent.
Chimney flashing must be carefully designed and crafted to keep water away from the chimney. If it is not correctly installed, it can allow rain to enter the chimney and corrode the masonry. Flashing can be easily repaired, and a skilled roofing expert can restore it to its full function and strength.
Leaking Chimney
A chimney leak is one of the most destructive issues homeowners face. Water seeping through a damaged or compromised chimney can ruin the integrity of the entire structure. Moisture that reaches the attic or walls surrounding the chimney can cause wood framing to rot, support beams to weaken and other problems throughout your home. Chimney leaks are also a sign that there may be other water damage to the interior of your home that you need to address.
Chimney leaks can be caused by several different issues, including water seeping through cracks or crevices in the masonry, rainwater or condensation penetrating the attic or a deteriorating chimney liner. Water can also corrode the metal parts of your fireplace, causing them to rust and leak. If you notice water stains on the ceiling or walls near your fireplace, there is likely a chimney leak present that needs to be addressed by professional chimney repair experts as soon as possible.
Many of the same issues that can lead to a chimney leak are also common causes of water leaking through a roof. The flashing, which is an aluminum strip sealed with tar or modern silicone to prevent water from leaking into the place where the brick structure goes through the roof shingles, can separate or pull away from the chimney over time. If you have a leaking chimney, the first step is to get up on your roof and inspect the flashing.
The flashing should be secure against the chimney and held in place with roofing cement. If you notice the roofing cement has dried and weakened, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Likewise, the waterproof sealant applied to the counter flashing can wear away over time as well. To re-seal the counter flashing, remove any debris that is blocking it, then scrape or chisel off the existing caulking and apply new waterproof silicone to the corners and top of the flashing. It is best to use silicone instead of a traditional caulking, as it is much easier to spread and will last longer.