An older chimney will usually show some signs of wear eventually. You might see mortar coming loose between the bricks, cracks forming, or damage near the top of the chimney. Water and freezing temperatures can make those problems worse, especially once the masonry has already started to deteriorate.
The Chimney Guys repairs and rebuilds chimneys in Upper Arlington, OH, and nearby Worthington, Dublin, and Bexley. Some chimneys only need repairs in a few spots. Others have enough damage that rebuilding part of the structure makes more sense.
Common Chimney Repairs
A few damaged bricks or mortar joints don’t necessarily mean the entire chimney is a problem. If most of the masonry is still in good shape, repairs can focus on the worn areas.
Mortar joints often show wear first. You can replace loose or deteriorated mortar without taking apart sound sections of brick. Addressing worn joints can also help keep water from seeping deeper into the surrounding masonry.
The top and roofline are worth checking too. Damage to the chimney crown can let water reach the masonry underneath, while worn flashing can cause roof leaks. A missing or damaged chimney cap can leave the flue exposed to rain and debris.
Repairs Inside the Chimney and Fireplace
Exterior masonry is only one part of the chimney. Liners can become damaged with age and use, and the brick inside the firebox may eventually need repair, too. The Chimney Guys works on chimney liners and firebox masonry in addition to exterior repairs. Looking at the inside and outside of the system can give a better idea of where the damage starts and how much work it will take to correct it.
When Does a Chimney Need to Be Rebuilt?
At some point, repairing one spot at a time isn’t enough. Large areas of loose mortar, numerous damaged bricks, or unstable masonry may require rebuilding. How much gets rebuilt depends on where the damage is located. Problems near the top of the chimney may only require taking down and rebuilding that section. The masonry below can remain in place if it’s still sound.
A chimney with damage throughout the structure is a different situation. In those cases, you may need a complete rebuild rather than continuing to replace bricks or patch mortar in separate areas. An inspection can show how much of the existing masonry can reasonably stay.
Chimney Repair in Upper Arlington
Cracked bricks, missing mortar, leaks, or masonry issues around the house are all reasons to have a chimney checked. Seeing one of these problems doesn’t necessarily mean you’re headed for a complete rebuild. Sometimes the repair is limited to a relatively small area.
The Chimney Guys handles chimney repairs and rebuilding throughout Upper Arlington and the Columbus area. An inspection can help establish what’s damaged and whether repairing or rebuilding that portion of the chimney makes the most sense. Call today to get started on any repair needed.
