Chimney Masonry Repairs

With high humidity levels and above normal temperatures, your chimney may be in need for chimney masonry repairs. Normally, Chicago, Illinois is met with a below freezing winter with high winds, low humidity and lots of snow. However, this year’s winter has been unique. This winter in Chicago has been warmer than usual with high levels of humidity. There has been more rain than snow. Water seeping into the porous cracks of a brick chimney is expected to become a real issue when maintaining your chimney the remainder of this winter and upcoming spring. The humidity levels are going to rise with the spring rains. This, along with higher temperatures, will quickly break down the mortar.

What are Chimney Masonry Repairs?

A masonry chimney is made of both masonry and metal materials, such as brick, stone, tile, steel/cast iron, concrete and mortar. All these materials are susceptible to changes in rainy or humid weather due to their porous nature. They act like a sponge. Water freezes and melts based on the varying Chicago winter temperatures, causing the moisture inside porous materials to go through stress from the expansion and shrinking. Additionally, metals become weakened and rusty. How do you know if you need chimney masonry repairs?

You may be able to observe some of this damage if you check your chimney, such as:

• Cracks in the masonry: Letting these cracks go unfixed cause a buildup of deposits. The chimney should transport the combustion chemicals away from the home. With cracks, the chemicals become trapped, causing a fire hazard.
• Cracks in the chimney crown: the crown may be crooked, cracked or falling apart.
• A damaged chimney liner: the chimney liner should help preserve the structure of the chimney and protect it from moisture damage. Any damages may cause water to leak into the chimney.

When to Call Superior Chimney

If you notice any of the above damage to your chimney, you need emergency chimney masonry repairs. Not attending to these repairs only cause further water damage, spreading quickly throughout your chimney. This damage may also cause a house fire. These repairs are recommended to be made in warmer temperatures, but it is possible to also do emergency chimney masonry repairs in winter. It’s possible to prevent this damage by installing rain covers or by waterproofing your chimney.

Even if you are not experiencing any of the damages listed above, it’s beneficial to keep up with the potential damage that this winter may have had on your chimney. It is often difficult to recognize the need for chimney masonry repairs. Superior Chimney’s experts can help identify any hidden or potential problems by giving your chimney an inspection. Our experts can advise on appropriate prevention methods as well. Call to set up your chimney inspection today at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net