5 Signs its Time for a Chimney Repair

There truly is no better feeling on a cold winter night than sitting next to the warmth of a fireplace. But in order for a fireplace to operate safety, it needs a well built and maintained chimney system.

The main function of a chimney is to act as an exhaust system directing hot, hazardous gases like carbon dioxide away from your home. A properly built chimney also provides an adequate updraft for your fireplace. In order to maintain good ventilation, and to keep you home safe, look out for these 5 signs that its time for a chimney repair or chimney rebuild.

1. Spalling Brick

Bricks that have spalled and are falling apart onto your roof top are the most tell tale sign that its time for your chimney to be rebuilt. Brick spall is caused by the absorption of moisture along the presence of cold weather that causes freezing and a build up of pressure. Bricks that are visibily flaking and spalling are more often than not, in even worse condition inside the guts of the chimney stack. Brick spall is usually a further indicator that the crown, or rather the top, of your chimney is not repelling water away and therefore needs to be rebuilt.

2. Mortar Joint Deterioration

The function of mortar is to bond brick units together and provides weathering resistance between the units. Chimneys are exposed to some of the harshest elements a home may face and over time, mortar joints will begin to deteriorate. If a mortar joint looks uneven or is heavily recessed, it is likely a cause of long term erosion and weathering.

If this deterioration is caught early enough in the life of a chimney, your chimney may only require a simple repointing to restore it. However, in most cases, mortar deterioration has degraded to the point where the structural integrity of the chimney is compromised and it will require being rebuilt.

3. Flakes of Flue Tile in Firebox

Most Chimneys built in Ottawa are consructed with clay flue tile liners. These liners are required by code as they come in direct contact with the gases escaping via the chimney. Though these tiles are made of a vitrous clay material, with frequent exposure to moisture over time, they loose their integrity and begin to flake apart. The most common sign of excess moisture inside your chimney is when these flakes from a degraded flue tile are visible in your firebox.

4. Efflorescence

Efflorescence is another common sign of moisture damage and must be repaired to prevent further degradation. Efflorescence appears as a white stain on most masonry products created by a deposit of soluble salts. Moisture inside the chimney's moves through the brickwork collecting soluble salts until it evaporates on the outside of the masorny leaving an encrusted white stain.

5. Rust

Whether you are experience difficulty opening your fireplace damper or notice visible rust flakes inside you firebox, it is a common sign of excessive moisture inside the chimney. Your damper is one of 2 chimney components made of metal and will rust in the presence of high moisture. This is typically caused by a compromised chimney crown letting water in, or the absence of a rain guard.

Conclusion

If you notice any of this tell tale signs of chimney damage, your chimney may require repairs or a chimney rebuild from the roofline up. For more information on our chimney rebuild and repair services, please visit our Chimney Repair Page. To request a quote please fill out the form on our Request a Quote Page to get the process started. All chimney repairs, rebuilds and cap installations are completed by a Red Seal Certified Brick and stone Mason and according to local code.