Does Your Chimney Need Masonry Repair? Watch for These 4 Signs.

Chimneys usually tell you when they have a problem. Except for in cases of sudden and unexpected damage, like from a hurricane or hailstorm, the bricks and mortar that make up a masonry chimney will give you early clues to trouble so you can get it fixed before major problems occur.

Mercer County Chimney Services of Hamilton, NJ, would like to share four of the most common signs that tell you it’s time to have your chimney masonry repaired.

1. Cracks in the bricks

Cracked chimney bricks can lead to two serious problems:

• Water moving into the cracks and causing widespread deterioration.
• Chimney structural compromise, which can lead to a leaning or collapsed chimney if a sufficient number of bricks are affected.

Also watch for brick flaking and bricks that are loose.

2. Crumbling mortar

The mortar that holds the bricks together may begin to crumble for a variety of reasons. When this happens, it can weaken the overall chimney structure. Watch for mortar lines that are deeper than others, and keep an eye out for dust or mortar chunks on the roof near the chimney.

3. Evidence of water leaks

The leaky chimney symptoms below may point to trouble with your chimney’s masonry. They may also point to a problem elsewhere in the system.

•  Water in the firebox
•  Musty odors coming from the fireplace
•  Pieces of the clay tile chimney liner falling into the firebox
•  Damp patches or water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney
•  White stains (efflorescence) on the exterior masonry – means water is penetrating the bricks
•  Rusty or hard-to-use fireplace damper

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a chimney inspection (see below).

4. Chimney leaning to one side

Masonry issues are usually the cause of a chimney that leans to the side. But, as with chimney leaks, several things can cause a chimney to lean, so have it checked out promptly.

Inspection before masonry repair work

No masonry repair work should begin until an inspection has been done. Never allow a so-called “chimney repair team” to get to work before taking the time to learn exactly what’s going on.

Yes, some chimney problems are so obvious that a child of five could spot them. But other problems require special training and tools to fully understand.

An inspection by a licensed, experienced chimney technician will tell you what’s happening with your chimney, why it’s happening, how extensive the problem is, and what to do about it.

How chimney masonry gets damaged

Here are some common causes:

•  Old age
•  Low-quality bricks and mortar used to build the chimney
•  Chimney constructed by unskilled workers
•  Weather events, such as lightning, hail, earthquakes, powerful winds and the like 
•  A chimney fire

This may sound like a lot of potential danger out there for your chimney’s masonry, but assuming the chimney was built right and is used right, it should remain in good shape for many years. Still, events and age happen, and there will probably come a time when you need some type of chimney masonry repair work.

Call your New Jersey chimney masonry repair experts

If it’s time to have your chimney’s masonry looked at, call Mercer County Chimney Services of Hamilton, NJ, or get in touch with a chimney repair expert through our contact form.