Certified Chimney Masonry Repairs
Masonry fireplaces certainly have a rustic feel and help create a homie ambiance. The brick speaks of a bygone era when society was simpler, and it also gives a warm feeling to the room it is in. As your home ages, you must repair things like the roof and plumbing; the same is true of masonry fireplaces.
As they age, the chimney can develop cracks that allow water to penetrate and cause damage. As the bricks become more worn and sunbaked, they can become spongelike and hold moisture which expands and contracts in freezing weather. The expanding and contracting action will break down the brick and could break it, leading to a chimney collapse. If the chimney is slightly out of alignment, it can cause a chimney fire or force deadly carbon monoxide back into your home. With that in mind, Chimney Sweeps Inc. offers a host of repairs. Let's look at the process.
Types of Repairs
Masonry chimney repair is a specialized task that involves several steps and requires a thorough understanding of masonry structures, materials, and methods. You should only use a qualified chimney sweep service to perform repairs on your brick chimney. The exact process may vary depending on the specific issues with the chimney, but here is a general overview:
Assessment and Inspection
A thorough inspection is the first step in masonry chimney repair This step involves examining the chimney for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, efflorescence (white, powdery substance), deteriorating mortar, or loose bricks. In some cases, a more detailed inspection might be required, using tools like chimney cameras to check the internal structure of the flue.
Diagnosis
After inspection, the chimney sweep will diagnose the problem. This step could range from cracked mortar joints, damaged chimney crowns, deteriorating bricks, a damaged flue liner, or even structural issues.
Quotation
After diagnosing the problem, the contractor will provide a quote for the repair work. This step should include the cost of materials, labor, and possibly other fees like scaffolding, permits, and waste disposal.
Repair Work
The specific repair process will depend on the diagnosed problem. For instance:
Tuckpointing
If the mortar joints are damaged, tuckpointing may be necessary. This process involves carefully removing and replacing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar.
Brick Replacement
If bricks are loose or deteriorating, they may need to be replaced. This step involves carefully removing the damaged brick, preparing the space, and securing a new brick with mortar.
Chimney Relining
A new liner may be installed if the flue liner is damaged. This step can either be a metal liner or a poured-in-place liner.
Crown Repair/Replacement
If the chimney crown (the top part of the chimney) is cracked or damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced. This step can involve using a special crown repair material or constructing a new concrete crown.
Cleaning
After the repair work is complete, the area will be cleaned to remove any debris from the repair process.
Chimney Sweeps Inc. Can Repair Your Masonry Chimney
Our CCP Certified Chimney Professionals provide chimney cleaning and inspection to a wide area of Southern California including Lakeside CA, Oceanside CA, San Clemente CA, Poway CA, Escondido CA, Del Mar CA, La Jolla CA, La Mesa CA, Coronado CA, Encinitas CA, Solana Beach CA, Point Loma CA and more.
For over 35 years, when it comes to chimney sweeps in the Southern CA area, there's no more trusted name to turn to than "Chimney Sweeps, Inc." We provide complete inspections, repairs, chimney cleaning, and relining services. If you are looking for a new fireplace, stove or insert we can help you there too!
Speak with a chimney and fireplace expert today at (619) 593-4020 or request an appointment online HERE.
Final Inspection
The last step is to ensure that the repair work has been done correctly and the chimney is safe to use.
Remember, a professional chimney sweep should do masonry chimney repair. This repair is not typically a DIY job, as it requires training, special skills, and knowledge, not to mention the potential safety risks involved.