Chimney Made with Spalling Brick
You fell in love with the home’s magnificent brick chimney and attractive red brick exterior when you went to make an offer. However, the surface of some of those bricks is starting to show signs of wear and tear lately. It’s almost as though someone is chipping away at the brickwork! A phenomenon known as spalling brick describes what you see here.
The cost of rebuilding a chimney made of brick may easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. If you are not experienced in masonry but are generally a Do-it-Yourself enthusiast, you might want to rethink your approach to a job of this size if you are going to take on the DIY mentality. Rebuilding chimneys requires a great level of expertise and experience.
Do not be concerned; if you already possess the abilities necessary, we have compiled a quick-start guide that will assist you in preventing brick damage and repairing spalling brick. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about transforming deteriorating brick into the stunning red masonry you fell in love with in the first place.
What Causes Bricks to Break Apart?
The term “chimney brick spalling” refers to the process through which the bricks start to flake and disintegrate. In later levels, you can find that some of the bricks have become dislodged or have vanished entirely. There are a few possible explanations for this, with the weather being the most likely one.
The water that is already present in the bricks will turn to ice if the temperature dips below freezing after the moisture has been trapped inside the bricks. Bricks that have been frozen in water expand as they thaw, which causes the bricks to become brittle and break apart when they are thawed.
Chimney spalling will occur in homes considerably more rapidly in regions with higher average temperatures and more frequent temperature swings than in regions with lower average temperatures. If you reside in a location that has severe winters, you should pay close attention to the damage that begins around the crowns, brickwork, and flashing of your home.
You need to move quickly in order to fix the bricks if you notice any symptoms of flaking or collapsing. If you don’t allow the situation spiral out of control, repairing the damage will be lot simpler and will need much less money. Find a business that specializes in chimney repair that has the experience to evaluate and diagnose a chimney that has spalling. It is possible that you can get away with sealing the bricks even if they discover that your bricks require minor repairs. Bricks that have been damaged over an extended period of time may need to be replaced as a result of the damage.
How to Avoid Future Cracking in Concrete
There are a few things that you can do to prevent the bricks in your chimney from spalling and to lengthen the life of your chimney. The following is a list of some of the most important things to undertake for the maintenance of your chimney:
-Use a sealant for the stonework.
-Install a quality chimney cap
-Keep an eye out for water damage near the stonework.
-Annual checks of the flue and chimney (and regular maintenance)
Calling a Certified Chimney Sweep and inquiring about the water protection services they provide is the most effective thing you can do to safeguard your chimney from spalling damage in the future. This is the first step you should take. Keep in mind that it is critical to handle any instances of spalling as soon as the first symptoms of damage appear; otherwise, the situation can quickly spiral out of control!
All-in-All This Constitutes Yet Another Stone in the Wall
The unrelenting march of time will take its toll on the bricks in your chimney, but the following suggestions should help you repair the damage that has already been done and also assist prevent any more harm from occurring. To keep in pristine condition, a chimney always needs periodic maintenance to function properly.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Rodeo and other affordable services.
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