Keep Up With Brick Repair on Your Chimney

Brick chimneys are charming, elegant and usually very durable. But over time, it’s a good bet your chimney will require some type of brick repair, either inside or outside.

Brick chimneys, also called masonry chimneys, are under constant attack from the elements. Outside the home, wind, rain, heat and humidity take their toll. Because the bricks and mortar are naturally porous, there’s always the potential for moisture to infiltrate the system. Freezing temperatures pose a big threat because the water trapped inside the bricks or mortar can freeze and expand, causing even more damage to the chimney. Experts say chimney caps, which fit over the top of the chimney and prevent water from flowing into it, are a must and help keep chimneys dry.

Meanwhile, inside the home a chimney’s bricks and mortar also take a beating from the smoke, soot and gases produced by fires. The acidic gases actually react with the mortar to break it down over time. A chimney liner will provide protection for the inside of a chimney, preventing costly brick repair.

Chips and cracks in the brick, as well as areas where the mortar is breaking away from the joints, should not be ignored. Damaged mortar can very quickly lead to problems with the bricks, chimney professionals say.

“Tuckpointing’’ is a type of mortar repair where damaged areas of mortar - a concrete-like material that bonds the bricks together – is scraped away and replaced with new mortar. The new mortar strengthens the bonds and makes a more water-tight seal. It will also make the fireplace look fresh and new.

If left alone, cracked bricks and damaged mortar could eventually require bigger, more expensive, repairs. In the most extreme cases, a chimney might have to be entirely rebuilt. Early detection is the key to avoiding costly brick repair, which is why annual inspections are a must.