People often think their masonry chimneys are solid and invulnerable to all damage. In fact Masonry Chimneys and their flue tiles can be damaged by a variety of factors, including:
Water: Water can cause the bricks to crack and crumble, and it can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Wind: Wind can cause the chimney to sway and crack, and it can also dislodge bricks.
Ice: Ice can build up on the chimney during the winter, and it can cause the bricks to crack and crumble.
Pollution: Pollution can cause the bricks to fade and discolor, and it can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Fire: Fire can damage or destroy a chimney.
To protect your brick and mortar chimney from environmental damage, you should:
Have it inspected regularly by a professional chimney sweep.
Seal any cracks or gaps in the bricks.
Ask us to use a chimney seal on the bricks and mortar to protect them from the elements.
Keep the chimney clean and free of debris.
Have it repaired or replaced if it is damaged.
We have multipoint check list we use when inspecting masonry chimneys. It includes checking for spalling, cracks in the crown, we check the integrity of the flashing which is the seal between the roof and chimney and of course and as always, we run an inspection camera on every flue we encounter. We video inspect every flue not only to ensure an effective clean but to make sure all flue tiles are intact and the mortar joints in between are not washed out.
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