The Importance of Maintaining Masonry Chimneys

When it comes to chimney and fireplace maintenance, special considerations should be made for those made of masonry materials. The winters in New Jersey can be pretty frigid; therefore, you need a chimney that you can trust is functional and safe. Not only can you risk your family’s comfort, but your health can be at risk if your masonry chimney isn’t taken care of well. Here are the reasons why it is essential to do proper maintenance for your brick chimney and what services are recommended.

Wear and Tear from Water

One of the biggest enemies of a masonry chimney comes from water. In the rainy season of the northeast, that can be especially harsh on brick and mortar. If there is any prolonged exposure to water, all types of masonry construction materials will deteriorate at a very rapid pace. This is because masonry goes through a freeze and thaw cycle, much like any other porous material. It will expand and contract with warm and cold weather conditions. When this movement happens, it will make the entire chimney shift and move. Water in your chimney causes a host of issues both inside and outside of the structure itself and your home, including:

• Rust on the metal components and damper accessories
• Clogged cleanouts and obstructions
• Deterioration of firebox
• Titled or warped chimney structure
• Decaying and chipping mortar
• Hearth support collapse
• Flue lining system failure
• Wallcovering problems near the chimney or fireplace
• Water stains on the walls and ceilings within the proximity of the chimney

All of these are real problems that happen because of improper masonry chimney maintenance. But the great news is that you can avoid all of these things with the proper plan. Certified chimney sweeps like our team at Mercer can help you make a maintenance plan that is just right for your needs and budget.

Prevention and Maintenance

The only way to avoid the destruction of your chimney and fireplace is through meticulous and regular maintenance. If water is getting to the chimney’s masonry, this means that waterproofing efforts are either nonexistent or failing. One of the first things you should do is schedule an inspection with a certified chimney sweep. The issue could be one any one of the following common issues:

• Chimney crown is damaged or missing
• Mortar joint deterioration
• Missing or damaged flashing

Only through a hands-on inspection will you be able to determine if these are genuinely the causes, and professionals should only make that determination. Not only can the team at Mercer help you fix those issues, but we can waterproof your chimney if no other apparent damage is causing your problems.

Book an Appointment Today

The only way to get to the bottom of your masonry chimney issues is to work with a team that understands the unique issues that occur with this material type. Give us a call today at 609-802-5288 to schedule your inspection. We are here to help you start a maintenance plan that you can easily follow with both professional services as simple DIY upkeep tasks in between our appointments.