Chimney Deterioration

Your chimney system was designed to stand up to years of use and years of weather abuse. But inadequate maintenance, poor repairs, and the elements can lead to chimney deterioration over time.

The biggest contributor to chimney deterioration is water. Water will find the tiniest weaknesses in a chimney system and exploit them, leading to bigger problems, more widespread damage, and the need for more involved repairs.

Some Ways In Which Water Leads To Chimney Deterioration

Masonry chimneys are generally built out of water-permeable brick and mortar, and it’s natural for these materials to take in a certain amount of water. Over time, though, as the masonry begins to deteriorate, it can start absorbing excessive amounts of water, which can then seep into the flue. Additionally, the water that’s inside of the masonry can expand when temperatures drop, and constrict as it thaws, causing the bricks to crack and crumble. Water can also wear away at the mortar joints, leaving them unable to provide proper support or protection.

Metal certainly isn’t immune to the effects of water, either. Metal chimney chase covers, damper plates, and flashing can corrode and rust, leaving those areas of your system completely defenseless.

Different types of deterioration require different types of repair. But Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ technicians can help return your deteriorated chimney to proper, safer function, whether you need small areas of tuckpointing work or a fully rebuilt chimney.

The Type Of Repair Depends On A Chimney’s Level Of Deterioration

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ technicians will recommend the most effective repair approach, based on the extent of damage to your system.

Repair can include tuckpointing, which is the detailed, careful process of replacing deteriorated mortar joints with proper fresh joints. It can also include replacing spalling bricks, or the construction of a new, well-designed chimney crown.

If your chimney has deteriorated to a point where spot repairs can’t bring it back to the level of safety and efficiency you need, we may need to rebuild the chimney. A detailed inspection from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ technicians will give you a clear and honest look at the state of your chimney system, and what it needs in order to properly perform.

Let Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps “Bless Your Hearth”

If your chimney is deteriorating and needs to be restored, or if you’d like to know more about how to prevent deterioration, give Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps a call, or click here!

Problems inside your chimney may point to a need for lining or relining. Our trained technicians can determine if you need this type of chimney repair and advise you on the different options you have.