A chimney is essential to the safe operation of a home’s fireplace. When problems arise, it is important to contact a professional for chimney repair.

Baltimore Chimney Repair typically involves services like sealing, repointing, and relining. These upgrades improve the chimney’s resistance to weather conditions and lead to less maintenance.

The chimney crown is the sloping surface that caps the top of your chimney. It is designed to protect your chimney’s masonry section from weather and prevent water from pooling on the roof. Cracks in the chimney crown are a serious issue because they can cause moisture to seep into the masonry and cause severe damage. Small cracks can often be resealed with a high-quality masonry sealer, but significant cracking and crumbling of the masonry may call for a full chimney crown replacement.

Chimney cracks allow water to enter the chimney and damage the flue lining, the brickwork, and the structural elements of your home. This can lead to chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other dangerous conditions. Chimney cracks should be repaired as soon as possible by a certified chimney service.

Another common chimney repair problem is a leaning chimney. This is a serious safety issue that should be repaired as soon as it is discovered. A leaning chimney is prone to collapse and can seriously damage your home and yard. The best way to prevent a chimney lean is to have a professional inspect it and perform regular chimney maintenance.

Cracks in the chimney crown are also a sign that your masonry is in trouble. When the mortar that holds the bricks together deteriorates, moisture can enter and cause severe damage to your chimney. Mortar repairs are typically much more expensive than a total chimney rebuild, so it is important to catch these issues early on.

The most common chimney masonry repairs are repointing and tuckpointing. Repointing involves removing the old, deteriorated mortar joints and replacing them with fresh mortar that will ensure your chimney is safe and secure. Tuckpointing is a less involved process that simply fills in and patches the existing mortar to give your chimney a smooth, uniform appearance.

One of the most common chimney masonry repair problems is cracked bricks, also known as spalling. This occurs when the bricks flake and crumble, particularly in areas that experience harsh winters. Chimney spalling can be caused by moisture leaks, but it can also be the result of poor design or a damaged flue liner.

Damaged Flue Liner

A chimney’s flue liner is vital to protect the masonry from heat and flames, as well as to transport the combustion byproducts safely outside. Damage to the flue liner can be serious. If it cracks, crumbles, or is corroded, nearby combustible materials like attics and roofs can ignite. A cracked or deteriorating chimney liner can also let dangerous carbon monoxide enter the home’s living space. This toxic gas, often referred to as “The Silent Killer,” is odorless, tasteless, and colorless and can cause fatal respiratory irritation. It is a major reason for home and business owners to maintain a working carbon monoxide detector.

Chimney liners are made of clay or metal and are installed inside the chimney to contain combustion byproducts, allowing them to exit the chimney safely. Over time, a chimney liner can be damaged by the corrosive byproducts of fires, by moisture and excess creosote, or by a chimney that is built improperly. The liners can be sealed or repointed to repair the damage. However, if the flue liner is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Several signs indicate chimney flue liner damage, including visible debris or excessive creosote buildup, water leaks, and flaking or pitting. A broken or cracked chimney liner can allow combustible byproducts to escape the chimney, which can lead to a fire within the masonry that can rapidly spread to combustible building materials. A chimney liner can also be damaged by a chimney fire or when it is the wrong size for the fireplace or appliance.

Licensed chimney inspectors can examine the flue liner and recommend appropriate repairs to restore the lining to its original condition. If the chimney liner is beyond repair, a new metal flue liner can be installed. These liners are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum and can be installed in existing chimneys. They are considered the preferred solution among fire-protection experts and are designed to last a lifetime with normal use. If you suspect your chimney flue liner is damaged, schedule a chimney inspection today.

Cracked or Loose Bricks

A chimney is a masonry structure that’s prone to cracking. Fortunately, these problems typically don’t require complete demolition to repair. The cement-like material that holds bricks together can crack, crumble, and erode from exposure to harsh weather conditions, corrosive smoke, and temperature fluctuations.

Water is the chimney’s mortal enemy, soaking into porous materials like brick and mortar and triggering freeze-thaw cycles that burst the structures. The moisture also corrodes interior flue liners and can wreak havoc with foundations, dislodging them from their original position. Ground movement from earthquakes and soil expansion impose significant structural stresses that displace foundations, shift walls, and crack bricks.

Loose and cracked bricks aren’t just unsightly; they’re dangerous. They can fall and break, and they can allow dangerous gases like carbon monoxide to enter the home. If you notice a loose or cracked brick, a professional chimney inspection is the right time to address the issue before it becomes a safety risk.

Preparation: Remove debris from the area around the damaged brick, and cover surrounding surfaces with tarps or drop cloths to prevent damage or staining during chimney repairs. If using ladders or scaffolding to access the chimney, secure them for safety and stability.

Identify the damage to the bricks and mortar, as well as any areas of spalling (where the brick surface chips away). Loose or cracked bricks may need to be removed for a full replacement, while mortar that’s cracked but still intact can often be repaired with a waterproof sealant.

Repair: Apply a waterproof sealant to the damaged bricks, and use a brick trowel to fill in gaps with mortar. Make sure the mortar joints match the style of the existing bricks for a cohesive appearance.

Using the trowel, insert the replacement brick into the mortar bed and press it firmly into place. Smooth the mortar joint with a jointing tool and mist it to help it cure. Repeat steps 1-5 for each loose or cracked brick, and once the mortar has cured you’ll have a sturdy and visually appealing chimney. Afterwards, apply a brick coating to protect the new mortar from staining.

Water Damage

The brick and mortar of your chimney can withstand quite a bit of punishment but water is the ultimate kryptonite. Over time, the porous bricks will absorb rainwater and melting snow, causing them to decay. The resulting decay will eventually cause serious structural damage, which could lead to your chimney collapsing and damaging the inside of your home. One of the most common signs that your chimney is experiencing significant water damage is a musty smell, which is caused by mold and mildew growing in a moist environment.

Another obvious sign is moisture stains on ceilings and walls near your fireplace. If you notice these stains, it is essential that you contact us to schedule a chimney inspection and repair immediately. A chimney leak will quickly destroy any plaster, wallpaper or paneling in your home and could even affect wood framing. It will also create a good breeding ground for mold, which can have an adverse health impact on anyone in your family.

If your chimney is experiencing significant water damage, it may be necessary to replace your flashing. The flashing is the area of metal that seals the space between your roof and the chimney. If it is rusted or cracked, it will allow water to enter your chimney, which can lead to serious leaks.

Gaps are another area that will allow water to get into your chimney. If left unrepaired, these gaps can become larger cracks that will eventually reduce your chimney to rubble. Water will continue to seep through these cracks and into your home, where it can cause extensive water damage.

Another gap that should be repaired is at the joint between the flue liner and the chimney crown. Oftentimes, water will seep through this gap, and the water will freeze and thaw during the freezing cold weather. As the water seeps and thaws, it will damage the masonry, creating large cracks in the bricks. Over time, this process will accelerate until your chimney is nothing more than a pile of crumbling bricks. If your chimney has gaps that need to be repaired, a professional can seal these openings with a waterproof coating.