In Minneapolis, chimneys are exposed to extreme weather throughout the year. Over the years, water can get into the masonry if it isn’t sealed with the right materials, and once the water settles into the joints, it can weaken the mortar and deteriorate the bricks. During the colder months of the year, water trapped inside the mortar can freeze and cause cracks and other damage to the chimney as a whole.
In older homes, brick and mortar chimneys might simply have worn down due to age. Then when moisture mixes with creosote, it can form mild acids that damage the lining and the masonry. As a result, even a well-maintained chimney may eventually need repairs. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, we can take care of all your masonry repair needs, including sealing and resurfacing. Our technicians are trained to thoroughly inspect your entire chimney and make any necessary repairs.
Masonry Repair Services
The goal of masonry repair services is to inspect the chimney and check for common problems, such as deteriorating and loose bricks, crumbling mortar joints, or creosote build-up and other residues inside the liner. The process can vary depending on the condition of your chimney.
While chimney inspections are always done during the replacement of your heating system, you may also want one completed on a regular basis once a year to check for common signs of wear and tear. Masonry repair services can ensure the integrity of your chimney so that you won’t have to worry about it during the heating season.
There are a number of ways you can reduce the impact of excess moisture damaging your masonry chimney. A chimney cap can stop water from getting inside the chimney and damaging the flue liner, or a new liner can provide protection against the acids that develop due to the mixture of creosote and moisture, especially if you just had a new high-efficiency furnace or boiler installed. Sealing and resurfacing (also known as tuckpointing) can help protect the masonry.
If you suspect a problem in your chimney, or if it has not been inspected in the last year or two, call 2nd Generation Chimneys of Minneapolis for a professional chimney inspection.
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Tags: Chimney Inspection, chimney repair, chimney sealing and resurfacing, masonry repair
Posted in Chimney | Comments Off on Minneapolis Chimney FAQ: Why Do I Need Masonry Repair?
Water entering your home is certainly a cause for alarm. Inclement weather can make our homes especially susceptible to leaks and water damage. Most homeowners are unaware that their chimneys can be a potential site of a leak in their homes. Your chimney receives exposure to the elements: wind, rain, snow, sleet, etc. Winters here in Minnesota are especially brutal, so in this part of the country, your chimney is more susceptible to damage. Water entering through leaks in a chimney will freeze during the winter, and as the water expands when it turns into ice, it will cause even larger cracks.
