What is Chimney Masonry Repair and Why is It Important in Norfolk and Plymouth Counties?
Chimney Masonry repair focuses on maintaining and restoring the structure of the bricks and mortar joints that form your chimney stack. Over time, exposure to weather and other environmental conditions cause wear-and- tear on these materials. Common repair techniques include tuckpointing (or repointing), which involves removing deteriorated mortar from the joints, replacing it with fresh mortar, and replacing individual damaged or spalled bricks. If the deterioration is severe, it may be necessary to rebuild sections of the chimney or the entire stack.
In Norfolk County and Plymouth County, MA, the harsh freeze-thaw cycles of winter are the primary adversary of chimney masonry. Water absorbed into bricks and mortar expands when it freezes, gradually breaking down joints and causing brick faces to spall (flake off). Chimney Masonry Damage through professional brick chimney repair will eliminate minor issues resulting from the compromising of the chimney’s stability, stop water entry through degraded joints, and maintain the aesthetics of your home.
Advantages of Professional Chimney Masonry Repair
Identifying Chimney Masonry Problems
First, deteriorated mortar joints are the most common issue requiring chimney masonry repair. You might notice gaps, crumbling, or receding mortar between the bricks. This breakdown allows water to penetrate deeper into the structure and weakens the bond between bricks. Secondly, spalling bricks are another frequent form of chimney masonry damage, especially prevalent in Norfolk and Plymouth Counties due to freeze-thaw cycles. This condition is when the face of the brick cracks and flakes off, exposing the penetrable interior.
Efflorescence, those white, powdery stains often seen on brick chimney repair, indicates excessive moisture moving through the masonry. While primarily aesthetic, it signals underlying water absorption issues that can lead to more serious degradation. Lastly, significant vertical or stairstep cracks in the masonry can indicate structural stress or settling, requiring careful assessment to determine if chimney masonry rebuilding is necessary rather than just surface repairs.
How We Address Chimney Masonry Damage
Our approach to chimney masonry repair depends on the type and extent of the damage observed. For deteriorated mortar joints, the primary technique is tuckpointing (or repointing). This involves carefully grinding out the old and damaged mortar to a specific depth and then packing new and matching mortar into the joints in layers, tooling it for a clean finish and strong bond. Your new mortar will be a blend of strength, composition, that matches the existing mortaring mortar.
When bricks are spalled or severely damaged, brick chimney repair often involves carefully cutting out and removing the affected bricks and replacing them with new ones that match the originals as closely as possible. If the chimney masonry damage is extensive, affecting a large section or the structure in general, partial or complete chimney masonry rebuilding may be the most appropriate solution. This involves dismantling the unstable section(s) and rebuilding them using sound techniques and materials, resulting in lasting benefits for your Norfolk or Plymouth County home.
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out – We’re Here to Help Every Step of the Way
Our Process for Masonry Repair & Rebuilding
01
Masonry Assessment Diagnosis
02
Plan Material Matching
03
Masonry Repair Rebuilding
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