Is Your Chimney Falling Apart? Signs It’s Time for Immediate Repairs

For the safety of your home, have you checked lately to see if your chimney is falling apart? It happens, and here you’ll read about signs it’s time for immediate chimney repairs. At Chimney Saver Solutions, we are trained and CSIA-certified chimney sweeps. Being aware of the potential dangers involved with enjoying warm, cozy fires at home, we like to raise awareness however we can about the various ways chimneys are vulnerable. 

Being on top of your roof, chimney issues aren’t exactly easy to spot! Annual chimney inspections help address any issues in a worry-free manner. But things can happen anytime. So, read on to learn what to look for as indicators that immediate chimney repairs are needed.

First Things First: Moisture

It’s good to understand the fact that moisture is Chimney Enemy Number 1! Every component of a chimney structure is intended in some way to help keep precipitation from seeping into the bricks, which are porous and sponge-like.

Each brick that is infiltrated by water needs to be replaced. That’s because it will eventually go flat due to the freezing and thawing cycles of winter. The water expands and contracts, creating movement that breaks bricks down every time.

When bricks begin to flatten, chimneys begin to lean, and a full or partial chimney masonry rebuild becomes necessary. The potential is real for a leaning chimney to completely collapse, becoming a hazardous worst-case scenario.

Deteriorating Mortar

Chimney bricks on new homes typically last for a century or more. Even when made with high-quality material, however, the mortar between the bricks doesn’t have anywhere near the same longevity. Unfortunately, one of the common issues we see is that chimney mortar is often made with substandard materials that have an even shorter lifespan than the typical 25 years at most. 

Mortar creates a tight seal that helps to keep moisture out of the chimney system. But the day comes when mortar decline begins. The best approach to replacing flaking mortar is to catch deterioration early on—before moisture intrusion occurs. By doing this, you can save significantly on repair costs with a procedure called “tuckpointing.” In essence, the old mortar is skillfully scraped away and replaced with new mortar that restores the structural integrity of the chimney to like-new condition.

What Other Parts of a Chimney Deteriorate?

From the chimney cap at the top of your chimney flue to the metal flashing that is installed against the roof, each part of a chimney is prone to wear away from age or become damaged by weather events like lightning strikes. The following are more signs your chimney is falling apart and needs immediate repair:

• The chimney crown is cracked.
• Bricks are evidently spalling (when bits of masonry are around the chimney or on the ground below).
• There are cracks in the chimney masonry.
• The flashing has pulled away from the chimney.
• Rusted assemblies or bits of clay tile or brick masonry are inside the fireplace.
• Water stains are on the ceilings and walls near the fireplace.
• Staining (like white stains) is on your chimney.

Waterproofing for Added Protection

A chimney that is free of water intrusion can benefit from an extra layer of protection against moisture. The qualified chimney technicians at Chimney Saver Solutions use the right type of waterproofing material that will help to keep that old enemy, moisture, out! 

Call On the Chimney Experts for Urgent Chimney Repairs

Our chimney experts are concerned when your chimney is falling apart and there are signs it’s time for immediate repairs. At Chimney Saver Solutions, we are professionals who care. With the high-quality services we provide, you can be confident about the dependability of our work. 

Our comprehensive chimney services include chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney masonry repairs, flashing repair, chimney cap installation, new fireplace installation, fireplace insert installation, chimney leak repair, and help with a smoky fireplace.

Call us or fill out our online form today to schedule an appointment. Don’t delay, especially if there are signs your chimney is falling apart!