How Long Do Chimneys Last? When to Have Your Chimney Rebuilt.
How Long Do Chimneys Last? When to Have Your Chimney Rebuilt.
The Real Estate market is booming in New England and most are looking at homes with chimneys. Fireplaces add a charming look to any house and they provide warmth and a place to gather during the long winter months. Many homebuyers want to know, “how long do chimneys last” in order to decide if negotiating chimney repair during the purchasing process is warranted. Homeowners wonder the same thing as they try to keep up with regular chimney maintenance. Today, we will dive into how long the typical chimney lasts, along with how to know when to have your chimney rebuilt.
At Boston’s Best Chimney, we are a full-service chimney company. We are experts in chimney masonry repairs and rebuilds and we also perform chimney sweeps and chimney inspections. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to get in touch for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Now, we’ll explore how long chimneys last and when to have your chimney rebuilt.
How Long Do Chimneys Last?
If a chimney has been correctly built and cared for, it can be expected to last for 50 to 100 years! But here’s the thing, many chimneys have not been properly cared for throughout their lifetime, however. It is therefore essential to have your chimney inspected before you move into a new home and annually afterwards. A good chimney company will help you evaluate the state of your chimney to see if it has any damage and to explain the steps needed to keep your chimney safe and working well.
Some factors that can impact the duration of your chimney’s life include:
- Waterproofing: If your chimney has been waterproofed over time, it will last longer. Brick is a strong and long-lasting material, but moisture will break it down. Waterproofing your chimney will ensure that it is kept safe from water.
- Location: If your chimney is located in the middle of the house it will likely last longer than a chimney that runs up the side of the house which is exposed to the elements.
- Chimney cap: Whether or not you have a chimney cap will affect the life of your chimney. Chimney caps keep out debris and rain, which will prevent the bricks from decaying. Check out our Ultimate Chimney Cap guide for more information on this important chimney feature.
When to Have Your Chimney Rebuilt
Though many issues can be solved with chimney masonry repair, chimneys need to be completely rebuilt in certain circumstances. Some signs that your chimney is beyond the point of repair include:
- Large cracks in the bricks: This is a sign that your chimney is no longer structurally sound.
- Efflorescence (white streaks on your chimney’s bricks): If this is addressed quickly, it won’t necessarily ruin your chimney. If efflorescence is ignored, the underlying cause will break down your chimney over time.
- Spalling bricks: When bricks or pieces of bricks begin to fall from your chimney, this is a major red flag that your chimney’s bricks are filled with water and deteriorating, which will threaten the integrity of your chimney’s structure.
- Tilted chimney: If your chimney appears to be leaning, this clearly indicates that there is structural damage that should be addressed immediately.
Call Boston’s Best Chimney with Your Chimney Rebuilding Questions
As we mentioned, it is best to have your chimney inspected annually and swept annually or as needed. If we find that your chimney has a masonry issue, we can then help to see whether you need your chimney rebuilt or repointed. If you would like to schedule a chimney inspection, click here or call (781) 893-6611 to contact us.
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