Having the masonry of your chimney inspected is just as important as having the inside of the chimney inspected. Wells & Sons chimney sweeps are also expert masonry contractors, who are trained to spot dangerous masonry problems as well as those that could later turn into a serious problem. All chimneys will need some sort of masonry repair at some point.
Repointing Repair
When the mortar between the bricks of your chimney begin to weather, it can greatly compromise the structure of the chimney wall. When the mortar joints become weakened, they can then allow an excess of moisture to seep into the masonry and create even bigger problems. Repointing is a cost-effective repair process to repair affected areas. It involves removing damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar.
Chimney Crown Repair
The chimney crown is the area at the top of the chimney above the masonry wall. It usually has a wider masonry or cement area to protect the flue and chimney interior from moisture damage. Cracks or missing pieces can develop in the chimney crown over time, and this can allow water to enter, which can create freeze-thaw damage. This only leads to further cracks and eventually full deterioration of the crown. If caught in time, chimney crown cracks can be easily repaired. If not, a new complete crown may need to be built.
Flashing Repair
Flashing is sheet metal that is installed to make the connection between the chimney and the roof watertight. If the flashing has been compromised, which tends to happen eventually, leaks can occur inside the home leading to rot and mold developing. Solutions are to either re-caulk the area that is leaking under the sheet metal if the problem has not lasted long and/or add a cricket (a triangle-shaped diversion for water) at the back of the chimney at the roofline.
Resources: Portland Chimney Sweep and Masonry, Smoke Signals, Northeastern Chimney, Strictly Chimneys, Sweepy Stories
Read for More Information:
Chimney Masonry Problems That Could Jeopardize Safety
Chimney Masonry Repair: Why It’s Needed
Do You Need a Chimney Cleaning?
Wells & Sons Chimney Services offers a full-range of chimney repair and masonry repair services to the Allentown, Norristown, Lansdale, Pottstown, Berwyn, Boyertown, and surrounding areas. A Wells masonry contractor is a specialist in residential and historical homes and strives to provide cost-effective solutions for their clients.