Old Smokey's Fireplace & Chimney's Blog

Quality Chimney Repairs, Repointing, Restoration & Rebuilds

There are a lot of issues that can arise when you own a masonry fireplace and chimney. This is is especially true if your chimney system in older. Masonry chimneys are constructed to withstand a lot of abuse. This makes sense when you consider that your chimney has to deal with extreme shifts in temperature and harsh weather conditions. Because of this, over the years, even the most well-built chimneys will start to show signs of wear and tear due to climate and operational use. When your chimney masonry health starts to deteriorate, issues that can occur that will inhibit your chimney system’s ability to operate correctly and your chimney could also become hazardous. Because of this, it is critical that you have your chimney inspected and maintained by an experienced chimney technician annually. At Old Smokey’s, our experienced masons have seen everything when it comes to chimney masonry issues. Let us show you what we can do to bring life to your old worn out masonry chimney.

Masonry Services We Offer

When it comes to your chimney masonry, we pretty much do it all. If you’re looking to do any type of repair, repointing, restoration, or rebuild, our masonry experts can help you. There are many things that can cause masonry damage. Poor construction, weather, and old age are some of the most common issues that we come across during chimney inspections. If you notice that your masonry is starting to crack, chip, crumble or detach, it needs to be inspected and repaired as soon as possible. These types of issues can quickly become large issues that are hazardous and costly to repair. Sometimes repairing masonry will include a process called repointing. Repointing is the process of carefully removing old and damaged mortar from between your masonry brickwork and replacing it with new mortar. Repointing strengthens bonds between your brickwork and protects your masonry from moisture intrusion. It also has the added benefit of livening up the appearance of your chimney.

If your chimney or fireplace is looking old and worn out, you may be thinking that you want to restore it back to its original self. At Old Smokey’s, we can help you with this as well. Our chimney restoration services include but are not limited to, stain removal, brick replacement, waterproofing, and repointing. Our experienced masons will use materials and techniques that will make sure your repairs match your current masonry’s colors and patterns. If your chimney or fireplace has gotten to the point that repairs don’t really make sense, we can rebuild it for you. Many people use this as an opportunity to totally remodel their chimney system. 

One of the most important masonry services that we offer is preventative care. Your chimney puts a lot of work into keeping you warm throughout the winter. That’s why it is important to have your chimney inspected by one of our CSIA certified chimney technicians at least once a year. Annual chimney inspections allow us to detect issues in your masonry before they become larger issues. This can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run.

Whatever your chimney masonry needs are, we here at Old Smokey’s can help. Call us today at 800-876-6539 or 260-424-0009, or schedule an appointment online to meet with one of our CSIA chimney technicians today! We look forward to serving you!

What Causes Chimneys to Crack?

Have you noticed cracks in the masonry of your chimney? If you have, you may wonder what causes your masonry to crack as well as how it can be fixed.  At Old Smokey’s we want you to know that cracking brickwork and mortar can be a serious issue that may have a number of different causes. However, by keeping a watchful eye on your chimney and catching cracking issues early, you may be able to save your chimney from a more serious, and costly, repair.

Improper Construction

You may not see it, but your chimney system contracts and expands as it heats up and cools down. When you start a fire in your fireplace, it heats up your chimney flue, causing it to expand. If there isn’t proper clearance between the flue and the inside of the chimney wall, the expanding flue will start pressing into the brick causing it to crack.

Moisture

Moisture can also cause masonry to crack. It can seep into the tiny pores in your brick and mortar where small amounts of water can settle. If it gets cold enough to freeze, the water will expand enough to weaken and even crack masonry. This is why it is important to protect your chimney from moisture with sealants and a chimney cap.

Settlement

Having a good, solid foundation is important for any construction project. The same rings true for constructing a chimney system. If the footing for your chimney starts settling, it can cause your chimney to lean, which can lead to masonry cracking.

Nature

A good portion of your chimney is outside of your home. This means that it is exposed to a lot of naturally caused stress. Exposure to wind, hail, and other blowing debris gradually stresses your chimney, causing cracked masonry.

What can I do?

Depending on the location and severity of masonry cracks, a chimney mason may suggest different solutions to fix the issue. The best thing you can do to remedy a cracking chimney is to have it inspected by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney technician. Cracking can be a sign of a larger problem, so if you notice a crack, don’t hesitate to call us at 260-424-0009 or schedule an appointment online. At Old Smokey’s our certified masonry experts can give you proper guidance regarding your cracking masonry and fix any issues you may have.