When is Rust is Not the Problem
The majority of people believe that a red or brown stain on a chimney is produced by rust, which is sometimes correct but not usually. Creosote can generate some hues of red or brown stains on your chimney, depending on what the examination shows.
Rainwater + creosote drains through the roof
What causes it to happen? As it drains, rainwater picks up the color of the creosote and stains the chimney’s walls and surrounding roof tiles. It frequently has a rusty look. This is a common occurrence in our service region. Our repair technicians can assist you in repairing this and preventing it from happening again!
Creosote fires, as seen in the image, may also leave a stain on the exterior of the cap or chimney top that appears black, brown, and golden red.
Manganese
What are these red or brown chimney stains if they aren’t caused by corrosion, fire damage, or creosote drainage? Manganese might be the culprit in the case of newer structures. This might result in brownish-red stains on brickwork. While this is not something we encounter on a regular basis, it is one of the most prevalent sources of tan, red, or brown brick stains.
Manganese oxide is a coloring component that is utilized during the production process. When porous materials are exposed to an acid and subsequently to water, they can stain red or brown.
White
Let’s look at the reasons why your bricks are turning white: The most prevalent white spot on chimneys is Efflorescence, a powdery substance. It begins as little patches and progresses to bigger patched areas of white stains on bricks and chimneys over time (or other stone masonry walls, buildings, etc.) Although it is not exactly a “stain,” it is a powdery layer of white salt crystals. While it is natural, you do not want it to happen and may avoid it by waterproofing the exposed surfaces.
What Happens
Water evaporates, rises up, is liberated from the brick, and leaves behind the salty residue, leaving white efflorescent patches. While this can occur when ice and snow melts, it is usually an indication that water is flowing or draining down into the flue where it should not be. These moist conditions can cause considerable damage to the inside of your home over time. It can begin to appear in the form of mold or mildew growing elsewhere in your house, such as on your walls or ceilings.
Is White Mold Present?
Efflorescence is sometimes misinterpreted as white mold, however it is salt, not mold. However, because it is a moisture-related issue, it is possible to develop a white mold problem. Mold is most likely to appear in crawl areas or as a white spot on basement walls. That being said, if the substance on your basement wall appears and feels like salt, it is most likely not mold. (Plus, your nose can typically detect a rotten odor.)
Other Factors
Efflorescence does not produce all white marks on brickwork. Other concerns, such as “White Scum” or “Lime Run,” can sometimes generate whitish-gray discolorations.
The Lime Run
A calcium carbonate deposit that creates a grayish-white crust is known as “Lime Run.” It nearly always occurs near a hole through which water can enter, such as a hairline fracture in your brickwork.
Scum in White
A comparable phenomenon is what is known as “White Scum.” While there might be other causes, this is most likely the result of using poor cleaning procedures to remove a brick stain at some time. What remains is a silicate deposit known as white scum.
If you have any concern or inquiries but is not sure you can call Local chimney Sweep Cleaning to help you. We also offer professional Chimney Cleaning Grimes and repairing.