Cold Problems
Cold temperatures do a number on bricks and mortar. (We can’t give you that exact number because it differs with every set of circumstances; the algorithm considers temperature, construction materials, age, duration, etc.,) We do know this: with cold weather comes freeze-thaw cycles. This puts physical stress on chimneys. The freeze-thaw cycle can lead to masonry deterioration and potential risks.
Old Smokey’s understands what damage cold can cause on your chimney. It isn’t cold by itself that inflicts the harm. Moisture is cold’s ally in the Damage Department. Snow and ice melt leaving you with water or moisture. Moisture in your chimney can damage the brickwork, chimney crown, flashing or liner. Freeze-thaw cycles can affect much more than your chimney. You may have to address issues regarding your whole structure.
Brick absorbs water such as melted snow or ice. Gaps, cracks or crumbling in mortar joints can allow this water to spread to other parts of your chimney.
We have witnessed problems like this many times.
What can be done?
The first and most sensible step is a professional chimney inspection. We have to find out what’s going on — if anything. A layperson may not recognize problems from freeze-thaw cycles. Schedule an appointment with Old Smokey’s today. Call us at 260-424-0009 or 800-876-6539 or click here.
Let Old Smokey’s Fireplace & Chimney take a professional look at your chimney’s brickwork. We will assess if damage from the cold, or anything else, warrants chimney repair or rebuild.
Chimney damage from freeze-thaw cycles is fairly common. It can cause a variety of problems, from cracking and crumbling joints and bricks to discoloration and mold growth.
Spalling is a significant potential casualty related to freezing and thawing. Spalling is the surface deterioration of your brickwork. Cracks appear. Pieces of brick begin to form chips and break off. It’s a breakdown that demands attention, often resulting in brick replacement or more.
Weather and time do their “number” on your chimney regardless of the chimney’s age or construction materials.
We can help!
Old Smokey’s can conduct an honest assessment of current conditions and guide you through recommended remedial options. What might these be? One option might be repointing. This involves the removal of eroding mortar joints and replacing them with smooth, new mortar. It’s one of our most common chimney jobs. The tedious task allows us to make good use of our expert knowledge of masonry history, materials, techniques and tools.
Other measures might range from selective brick replacement to chimney rebuilds.
We are proud of our Old Smokey’s trained professionals. Old Smokey’s has delivered excellence to homeowners in northern Indiana, northern Ohio and mid-Michigan for more than 20 years Homeowners from Elkhart, IN to Ypsilanti, MI, from Lansing, MI to Fort Wayne, IN in the south are served by Old Smokey’s. They know our “number.” By the way, it’s 260-424-0009 or 800-876-6539.