Spring Masonry Chimney Checkup

 

Masonry Chimney Checkup

Each spring, homeowners should check their exterior masonry chimney for any spalling (bricks flaking off), missing mortar between joints, missing bricks, and if possible to reach the top of the chimney - check to be sure the cement cap is in good condition with no cracks that allow damaging rain water to enter the interior of the chimney chase. It is a good idea to have a chimney professional examine the chimney annually, preferably in the springtime. Additionally, a good chimney cover is needed on all flues to keep rain and animals out. We suggest professional heavy duty stainless steel covers that raccoons have a hard time tearing up!

The bricks on this chimney are spalling (flaking off) severely. The chimney is so water-logged that it can't be saved.

This is a cement cap that is deteriorating due to exposure to the elements. It needs to be replaced.

Get Firewood Now! Now is the time to purchase or cut firewood, split, and stack so it will dry out by the time it is needed in the fall and winter. Wood should be dried to approximately 15% moisture content. You can get an inexpensive moisture meter online and check it yourself. Be sure to stack wood loosely to allow air to flow through it, and cover the wood with a roof or tarp to keep rain off of it.

Spring Chimney Cleaning Believe it or not, Spring is the best time to have a chimney swept. The chimney sweep will remove creosote, which will be smelly during hot summer months. Additionally, creosote forms an acid that eats away at mortar joints in clay tile flue liners so it is best to avoid leaving creosote in the flue all summer. For these reasons, we recommend having fireplaces, inserts, and wood-burning stove flues and pipes cleaned out during the Spring. Text Link