Your chimney and related masonry are all a part of your fireplace and chimney system, and sometimes, this system needs repairs to continue functioning safely and effectively. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common parts you’ll find in masonry and chimney work, as well as some of the most common repairs that are performed on them.
A Homeowner’s Guide to Masonry and Chimney Repair
Chimney and Masonry Materials
There are a wide range of materials that are commonly used in masonry and chimney repair in your Indianapolis home. These include, but are not limited to:
- Brick: Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and finishes, brick is made from clay and fired in a kiln or oven.
- Mortar: Used to bind the bricks, stone, blocks, or other compounds together, mortar is made from cement, sand, and water.
- Cement: Cement is a compound that becomes hard and gains strength over time after it has become wet.
- Concrete: Formed by mixing cement with aggregate, water, sand, and cement, concrete forms strong bonds and develops exceptional strength over time.
- Blocks: Another option for creating a strong chimney system, blocks are either hollow or solid cast concrete in most situations.
- Stone: To create a beautiful rustic appearance, stone is commonly used for homeowners who want a more natural look for their chimney.
- Flue Tile: Lining the chimney’s interior, flue tiles are shaped from clay and then finished in a kiln or oven to provide a smooth interior finish.
- Steel or Cast Iron: Whether used for components in your fireplace or wood stove, or for lining your chimney, these tough metals hold up well to fire.
Common Masonry and Chimney Repairs in Indianapolis Homes
Cracks
Cracks through your chimney allow moisture to enter your chimney’s interior, where they can cause even more damage. They can also allow combustion products, smoke, and carbon monoxide to enter your chimney, causing fire and health hazards.
Crown Failure
The crown is the top of your chimney, where it widens. The crown may also be referred to as a chase cover and can be created from metal or concrete in most cases. It prevents wear and tear to your brick or stonework by preventing moisture from entering that part of your chimney.
Chimney Liner Failure
Whether you have a separate chimney liner of metal or the original flue tile, a failing chimney liner must be handled immediately to avoid issues such as chimney fires caused by buildup of flammable creosote, or deadly carbon monoxide poisoning caused by leaking fumes.
Poor Design
A poorly designed chimney can cause significant issues, such as poor draft, poor smoke removal, or similar issues that can impact health and safety. Similarly, a chimney not sized to your appliance can also cause issues due to failure in design not providing sufficient airflow or draft.
Chimney Cap Failure
If you have debris, odd smells, or animals in your chimney, it could be due to a chimney cap failure. Your chimney cap is a small roof and screen that fits onto the top of your chimney, keeping coals and ash inside while allowing smoke to pass through and animals to remain outside.
Water and Weather Penetration
When water penetrates your chimney, it can cause significant damage through freeze/thaw cycles. As this happens, more gaps and cracks open up in your masonry work, allowing even more moisture to penetrate, exacerbating the problem.
Failing Mortar
Over time, your chimney’s mortar will age and wear, often due to wind and water erosion on the surface. If this mortar isn’t repaired through tuckpointing or repointing, it will continue to fail, eventually leading to the collapse of your chimney system.
Chimney Reconstruction
If your chimney is allowed to decay over a long period of time, you may find yourself facing a chimney reconstruction. Fortunately, this is a fairly rare occurrence because most homeowners will have their chimney repaired before it decays to the point of requiring reconstruction.
By understanding how your chimney and masonry work ages over time, you’ll be better prepared to keep an eye on it. This process makes it much easier to decide when to have someone take a look at making masonry or chimney repairs in your Indianapolis home, providing you with an easier way to ensure that your chimney remains in good condition.
If you have concerns about masonry or chimney repair in Indianapolis, or need tips and recommendations for your chimney system, the experienced professionals at Clean Sweep 317 are always happy to chat. Why not give us a call today with any questions you may have or to schedule a consultation?