Brick is one of the most commonly used building materials. It’s convenient and versatile, fairly cheap and simple to implement. A single brick is usually in the shape of a cuboid and it’s made of raw materials such as clay, lime or cement, and is available in various dimensions depending on individual needs. Bricks can be used to build walls, pillars, foundations, and chimneys. Currently, the chimney is not only an integral part of the building but in many cases also a part of a heating system. The chimney, like any other element of the building, requires renovation every once in a while. How to repair a brick chimney?
A brick chimney is still a popular solution in the construction of single-family houses. Many people choose it because of significantly lower construction costs than in the case of prefabricated materials. However, most importantly, a properly constructed brick chimney is as durable and long-lasting as a chimney made with a more expensive material.
After some time, bricks and joints may become damaged due to corrosion caused by external factors, such as precipitation, discharged gases, temperature, and other weather conditions. Another reason for the chimney repair and rebuilding is the need to adapt it to the operation of modern heating devices. The use of heating devices and/or modern fireplaces requires the use of an appropriately selected chimney system, which will ensure energy-saving and failure-free operation of the device, and thus greater safety of the environment and users.
Choosing how to repair chimney pipes
The assessment of the technical condition of the chimney will enable the selection of the appropriate repair method, solutions and construction materials that should be used.
Each case of chimney repair should be considered individually. Before choosing a method of repairing the chimney system, hire a professional Chicago masonry contractor who will assess your chimney’s needs and advise you on the best approach to fix any problem. The evaluation of the technical condition of the chimney will enable the selection of the repair method, appropriate solutions and construction materials for the chimney system.
Lack of seal or condensation are the main causes of serious problems with old brick chimneys. Sometimes the construction of a new chimney is not an option, so we have to repair the old one.
Our Chicago masonry contractors usually deal with brick chimneys especially in old buildings.
These outdated chimneys carried away dry fumes, which were a product of a traditional furnace. Today however, chimneys are mostly used only in situations when there’s a fireplace or a wood stove, since many modern homes have heating devices characterized by better energy efficiency.
Chimney Repair and Rebuilding Chicago
In the part of the chimney protruding above the roof, plaster scalds and falls off very often, and the mortar gets damaged—cracks form and portions of it fall out. Large changes in the temperature of the chimney outlet, rain and frost usually cause cracks to appear in bricks or in the masonry joints between them. In addition, the moisture contained in the exhaust gases and in the air removed by the chimney penetrates its walls, which accelerates the process of frost damage. Water remaining in cracks contributes to brick spalling.
Chimney Rebuilding
Repairing a damaged brick wall is one of the more difficult tasks. It requires the use of high-quality materials. Otherwise, the selection of materials with random properties can only accelerate the degradation of the structure.
Cracked, chipped or crumbling bricks should be removed and replaced with new ones of a similar appearance. If the joints between the bricks have been washed out and the brick crumbles and falls off, it will probably be necessary to dismantle the damaged part of the chimney and re-brick it. Only if individual bricks are damaged, it will be possible to repair the chimney structure. After removing the old mortar, the damaged brick is crumbled and is taken out of the wall piece by piece. The gap then can be properly cleaned and primed. After applying the mortar, a new brick is inserted and when the mortar has set, the joint around can be then filled.
If more than 30% of the wall is damaged or if all the damaged bricks are concentrated in one place, it is better to choose another solution. Then, you can take into account the complete or partial dismantling of the wall and recreating it with new bricks. This should be done by professional Chicago masonry contractors, who will use high quality materials and a special mortar that will ensure high adhesion and resistance to moisture. It is best to combine bricklaying with chimney tuckpointing in one sitting.
A fairly common mistake is bricklaying with empty joints: water easily accumulates in unfilled joints, which accelerates the destruction of bricks.
Chimney Tuck Point
Sometimes, in order to regain the chimney’s former glory, it is enough to renew the joints between bricks. Hire expert masonry contractors in Chicago who will professionally tuck point your chimney to make it look great once again.
Our tuck pointing contractors will remove any loose fragments first and then thoroughly clean the space to flush out any dust and dirt particles to make sure the new mortar will adhere properly. Next the joints are filled with a red mortar that closely matches the color of the bricks. Our contractor then cuts down the middle of the red mortar to form hollow cuttings, which are then filled with a mortar in a contrasting color.
Casey Tuckpointing – Professional Masonry Contractors in Chicago
If your chimney needs repair or complete replacement, you have come to the right place. Casey Tuckpointing offers professional chimney repair and rebuilding in Chicago and the surrounding areas. As a team of experienced masonry contractors, we are fully committed to customer satisfaction and providing residential and commercial masonry services at the highest level.
