How Long Does Chimney Tuckpointing Last?
Numerous homes are made from a combination of brick and mortar. If it wasn’t good, or wouldn’t last, construction companies wouldn’t use it, right? In perfect conditions, brick and mortar will last anywhere from 25 to 30 years. Therefore, it makes sense that they chimney, which is attached to the top of the house would have the same type of lifespan. If everything had perfect conditions…sure. But living in the Chicagoland area, there are no perfect conditions. So how long does chimney tuckpointing last?
How Long Does Chimney Tuckpointing Last?
Now that we’re talking chimney tuckpointing, the longevity depends on various factors. Chimneys are under a ton of strain such as weather elements, temperatures that constantly change (remember the freeze thaw cycle) and the heat that comes up from the fires made in your fireplace. Now add on how well you or the previous owner maintained the chimney. Chimney tuckpointing will last 50% LESS than the perfect conditions.
Weather Conditions
Chimneys are exposed to the weather elements of wind, snow, heat, rain. But let’s not forget how they also get hit with hail and branches. Because there are no protections, nothing to shield the chimney from the elements, unlike the sides of a home, the continuous exposure to the weather conditions wears down the mortar in the chimney much faster.
You may recall, we discussed in detail the freeze thaw cycle. When water gets in between the stone or brick and the mortar, it expands and freezes causing cracks to form or if there is one, cracks to grow longer and/or wider. When this process is repeated, and it will here in Chicago, the mortar joints begin to weaken. That’s why you need to have the chimney inspected. Chimney repairs are needed and necessary so large repair bills, like partial chimney rebuilds or full chimney rebuilds are avoided.
Visually Check the Chimney
If you have not had a chimney inspection because you don’t use the fireplace, or have a gas fireplace, it is critical to have the chimney inspected by a certified chimney professional. Just because you don’t use it doesn’t mean it’s not doing its thing outside. You still have appliances that use the chimney to extract the toxins. Whether you like it or not, the weather elements are still going to happen. So here are a few things to visually check.
- Is there any missing mortar? Are there gaps or spaces in between the bricks or stones?
- If you can get close to the chimney, can you find any loose mortar? Have any of the bricks shifted from their original placement?
- Have you found any interior stains on the ceiling or walls? These will indicate there’s a water leak in the home. Or have you heard any dripping sounds coming from the fireplace?
- This is an easy one. Have you seen any white powder type substance on the bricks or stones outside of the chimney? This is called efflorescence. This means that there is moisture coming into the bricks or stones and when it evaporates, it leaves behind this white substance.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how long chimney tuckpointing lasts, you still have some time left before chimney tuckpointing season comes to a close. With the farmer’s almanac calling for more snow this winter, do you want to take that chance of leaks in the home? Get it checked so you have piece of mind this winter. Call today for a 14-point inspection with a certified chimney technician today at 877-244-6349.
This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net
