Chimney Masonry
Brick, mortar, concrete, concrete block, stone, flue tile, steel, and cast iron are only some of the several types of masonry and metal materials that are used in the construction of a masonry chimney. All chimneys made of masonry are made up of combinations of these elements, or potentially all of them. The majority of these materials are negatively damaged by direct contact with water or by water penetrating the structure.
What kind of damage does water do to my chimney?
Masonry chimneys and factory-built chimneys are the two most common types of chimneys. In either scenario, stone and bricks could have a role in the construction, either as a structural component or as a veneer material. If rainwater is allowed to become absorbed into the stone or bricks of a masonry chimney, or if it gathers on the narrow bed joints of the chimney, it will freeze and thaw in a repetitive and systematic manner, which will ultimately lead to the destruction of the chimney’s structural integrity. When exposed to water over an extended period of time, the structural integrity of any material used in the building of a masonry chimney will deteriorate more quickly. Masonry materials gradually decay, and the moisture that has infiltrated the materials occasionally freezes and expands, creating an excessive amount of stress on masonry chimneys. Masonry fireplaces are particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon. The presence of water in the chimney can also cause steel, sheet metal, and cast iron to rust, which can either weaken or damage the metal.
The following are some of the types of damage that water entry may bring to the interior and outside of your brick chimney and home:
-Fireboxes are made of deteriorating metal or masonry.
-Rotting wood and destroyed drywall
-The walls and ceiling are discolored with water.
-Falling debris enters the area designated for clean up
-Bricks or chimney pipe that is stained.
-a damper with rust and low operational quality
-mortar on the outside that has decayed
-A flue liner that is deteriorated and has cracks in it.
-Chimney with a leaning framework
-The foundation of the chimney is eroded by water, which causes it to sink.
Because it helps to reduce the need for fireplace chimney repairs and chimney rebuilding, a chimney crown may be thought of as a form of protection for the masonry architecture that lies beneath it. It is the component at the very top of a brick chimney and is responsible for directing water away from the structure, sometimes down the face, and other times allowing it to drop freely. The mortar mix that is used to create these crowns or splays is the same mortar mix that was used to lay the bricks on the chimney. Chimneys made of masonry are frequently the ones that are subjected to the most harm from the severe weather outdoors. It is essential to do routine maintenance on masonry because of the intense heat and the corrosive properties of soot and creosote.
In severe conditions, the commercial chimney masonry materials that are used on chimneys may deteriorate quickly if they are not maintained. The need for repair of commercial masonry chimneys is a recurring need for property managers of commercial properties. It’s not uncommon to have issues concerning safety and lose bricks. An annual inspection of the masonry chimney in your building by a Certified Chimney Professional is something we strongly advise you to get done.
Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today for your needs affordable yet expert Chimney Cleaning Plymouth and repairing.