Are you having chimney problems? You should call your chimney cleaning service now. Whether you have a leaking flue or you’re experiencing burning smoke, it’s time to get your chimney repaired. Repair chimney mortar joints are the reason why the flue is still standing and the smoke is not escaping from your house. Learn what a chimney mortar repair kit will cost, how they work, and what to expect from your chimney cleaning service before you call them to help fix your chimney.
Why Chimney Bricks and Mortar Repair Are Important
A chimney mortar joint is formed by melting rock, solidifying the molten rock, and pouring it into a mortar footer. It is a very strong joint that can handle hundreds of pounds of pressure. If your masonry bricks are cold when they are packed into the mortar joints, then they are too soft and will crack when they are set in place.
How do you install chimney mortar?
Before you start digging, you need to prepare the area of your chimney. If you live in an older home, you may need to tear down part of the house to access the main chimney. If you are remodeling, you may need to dig up the entire house, remove all bricks, and replace them with bricks that are similar in size.
When do you call chimney services for brick repairs?
Before you fix your chimney, you should call your local chimney repair company to assess the damage to your chimney. Pro Home can perform an assessment of the mortar joints and the overall condition of your chimney. The assessment will tell you how much of the chimney you will need to repair. If your chimney needs to be completely replaced, then the crew will come and install fireproof roofing over your old chimney.
Adding Support to your chimney structure
It’s important to note that chimneys need brick and mortar as support. Without it, the mortar cracks and breaks, creating a hole. In some cases, you may not even know there is a problem because the mortar water resistance wears out over time and leaves small holes in your chimney. However, small cracks can be the starting point of a major infestation of molds.
how to repair chimney mortar joints
There are several methods to repairing mortar joint problems in your chimney. You can hire a contractor who uses high-pressure hot water to blast away the mortar and fill the crack. This method can lead to significant damage to your home and can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair. A better solution is to use an integrated chimney inspection and repair system that uses water resistance testing and crack filling to determine if your chimney needs to be repaired or replaced.
If you choose this option, it’s important to choose a chimney services company that offers this service along with flue liner and fireplace installation. A faulty flue or cracked fireplace installation can also cause significant structural damage to homes and should be repaired immediately. Since the integrity of chimneys is so important, you should choose a company that not only has experience in repairing existing chimneys but also works closely with industry standards for flue linings and fireplace installation. If your chimney is damaged, it’s often necessary to have a chimney excavation to locate the exact location of the damaged part and then make sure the liner or cap is replaced.
There are a number of chimney services companies that offer complete chimney repairs as well as chimney installation and repair, so it’s important to shop around. A good contractor will have a reputation for getting jobs completed on time and within a budget. Reputable chimney services will use the latest technology to ensure your chimney repairs and installations are done safely and without waste. For this reason, chimney safety is top priority, and a quality contractor will offer you a comprehensive warranty on both repairs and chimney installation.