Post by : Admin
05-Nov-2022
Chimneys, on average, last 60-70 years. If your chimney is old, it must’ve experienced wear and tear due to the harsh weather conditions it’s constantly exposed to; for example, the freezing and thawing in the winter damages the chimney’s mortar.
The amount of damage to your chimney will determine whether it needs restoration or will need to be rebuilt. For example, if small cracks are there or the mortar is missing, it will need restoration. Bigger cracks or chimneys leaning to a side will need a complete rebuild.
Let’s take a detailed look at when chimney restoration and rebuilding are required and how it is performed.
The chimney restoration process is simple but requires a professional to perform it. The cracked bricks are replaced, and new bricks are installed where required.
The old mortar is also scrapped off new mortar is put in to reinforce the structural integrity of the chimney. You can opt to get it painted to enhance its look.
A chimney rebuild is necessary when the chimney has large visible cracks, spalling, or is leaning towards one side.
There are 3 types of chimney rebuilds. These are:
A partial rebuild means fixing a certain part of the chimney. A partial rebuild is only carried out when the chimney damage is towards the top, where the chimney crown is located.
The roofline is the part of the chimney that extends out of the roof. If only that part needs rebuilding, it’s called roofline rebuild.
A complete rebuild is required if the damage isn’t limited to one part of the chimney and requires a thorough rebuild. This includes both the parts in and outside the house.
There are certain reasons that can cause chimney damage and reduce their lifespan. These include:
Water seeping in through the chimney flash can cause structural damage to the chimney, which then eventually requires rebuilding. Moreover, it also makes your fireplace inefficient.
Water stains or discoloration on the roof and the walls is a sign of water seeping in. Ensure your chimney flashing is correctly installed to avoid water damage.
If your chimney isn’t regularly cleaned, it will have creosote buildup. Creosote can burn at high temperatures, which can cause a fire inside the chimney. Chimney fires are dangerous for the chimney and can also spread to adjacent walls or roofs.
Make sure your chimney is efficiently maintained, and get regular inspection to determine if it needs restoration or rebuilding. If you live in Connecticut, Creative Masonry and Chimney can help you with professional chimney restoration and rebuilding services. We have been offering chimney services in different parts of Connecticut for over 20 years. We provide chimney repair, chimney restoration, chimney rebuild, fireplace remodeling, and more. Contact us now to book a chimney inspection today.
