What Causes Cracks in Chimneys?

Have you recently realized that your chimney has cracks and wondered what might have possibly caused them? You are not alone.

Frequently, homeowners know that chimneys can survive a century or more, but they may not be aware that it is normal for them to become damaged and begin cracking and splitting. There are several probable explanations for a cracked chimney, but excess moisture is the most likely culprit.

Vines

Many people enjoy the appearance of vines growing on a masonry chimney, however, ivy and other clinging vines can cause extensive harm to a chimney’s structure, particularly if the chimney was constructed before 1930.

If you are interested in purchasing a historic home, you should be concerned if the chimney is covered with climbing plants. The plants may conceal damage to the chimney’s bricks and mortar that could make it unsafe to use. If you attempt to examine the chimney for cracked or missing bricks and mortar joints by pulling the vines away from it, you may wind up dragging the chimney down with them.

Improper Construction

Whenever there is movement in a chimney, cracks in the masonry and mortar may develop. Numerous construction errors might result in early deterioration. For instance, there should be an air gap between the flue lining and the chimney. If there is no separation, the expansion of the flue during the use of the fireplace might cause the adjacent brick to crack. A part of the chimney that leans and/or is unsupported, such as in the attic, is also indicative of faulty construction.

Wind can sometimes cause cracks in a brand-new chimney. Over the course of several weeks and months, the mortar used to bind stone gets fortified. New chimneys are susceptible to cracking when subjected to high winds. This specific issue can be avoided by adding steel rods within the chimney’s framework.

Moisture

When moisture enters a chimney system, a variety of issues can develop, including cracks in the chimney. Generally, the exterior of the chimney is protected by its correct construction, which includes a chimney crown and mortar that prevents moisture from penetrating the masonry. If an excessive amount of water runs onto a chimney due to the roof’s design, it is necessary to create a roof cricket. A roof cricket is a ridge construction designed to redirect water away from the chimney.

When moisture penetrates the masonry, movement occurs, resulting in the formation of fractures. Typically, freezing and thawing cycles result in movement. If you observe mounds of debris falling around your chimney, this indicates that moisture is causing the masonry on its face to pop and peel off.

Dangers of a Cracked Chimney

A chimney with cracks should not be overlooked due to potential dangers. The structure of the chimney could begin to droop and collapse, which could cause injury and necessitate an expensive rebuild. Another risk is that the fireplace may not operate correctly. If the chimney flue is also damaged, toxic gases that are meant to escape through the chimney could leak into the house.

Possible Remedies for Chimney Cracks

Any mortar or brickwork that exhibits cracking or crumbling must be replaced at some point. Assuredly, your complete chimney will not need to be demolished; if faults are detected early, individual bricks can be replaced. Vertical cracks along bricks are so prevalent that they are sometimes disregarded, but remember that even little cracks can eventually lead to safety issues.

Bricks that are dislodging or look to be disintegrating indicate more severe damage and necessitate more maintenance. Before placing a new brick, you must first remove the crumbling or loose brick, clear up the void, and apply fresh mortar.

Maintaining the structural integrity of your chimney is dependent on routinely inspecting the brickwork for new symptoms of cracking.

Are the bricks on your chimney exhibiting fractures, crumbling, or other symptoms of wear and tear? New York Brick Pointing’s team of seasoned professionals will identify possible issue locations and offer meaningful solutions to keep your chimney operating securely and efficiently.

Let’s Hurry up and Fix it!

Are you hoping to prevent chimney damage before it gets worse? Examine any or all of the following options:

• To prevent water damage, use a vapor-permeable solution to waterproof the chimney that does not prevent the brick from evaporating.

• To fix the flashing, you can either replace it or repair it.

• If the chimney crown (the very top) is broken, fix it or replace it.

• Install a chimney cap, which is sometimes called a rain cover. It’s cheap and effective at discouraging winged pests from making a home in your chimney.

Crack Repair in an Old Stone Chimney

If a crack is noticed early enough, it may usually be fixed with minimal effort. Caulk or another concrete bonding material can be used to fill up the crack once the area has been cleaned.

To complete the job, use a flat-edged tool, such as a putty knife, to smooth the bonding materials as directed by the manufacturer of the material you’re working with. After drying, sanding may be necessary if the surface is not flat enough.

A tiny hammer and chisel will be needed to remove the crumbling mortar surrounding the stone. Take out chunks in a square form. Aim for a depth of at least half an inch (1.25 cm). Moisten, but do not soak the area after cleaning it. At this time, it’s ready for mortar

The mortar (which must be resistant to the elements) should be mixed to resemble peanut butter in consistency. A mortar hawk or a pointing trowel can be used to evenly distribute mortar into wet excavations.

The mortar should harden to a firm consistency, but a pressed thumbprint should still be visible. Many mortar mixes only require water, so long as you follow the instructions, you should be fine. First, clean up the extra mortar from the vertical joints, and then go on to the horizontal ones. Do this anywhere you come across damage.

Maintaining a wet environment during the first week after making repairs will help the mortar set correctly.

There are several benefits to ensuring that your maintenance is done correctly. If you aren’t successful in your repairs, sections of your chimney could fall off. Chimneys that are damaged pose a danger to your home and the people in the area, and they also fail to perform their intended function. They can leak toxic chemicals, like excessive levels of carbon monoxide into your house.

Contact New York Brick Pointing for Professional Assistance

Chimneys, both new and old, should be erected or re-built only by trained professionals who know the value of a solid foundation. Have you been noticing any cracks in your chimney or flue lining? Give us a call right now. If your chimney needs fixing or rebuilding, our staff of educated, certified contractors have you covered. We also provide brick pointing services, which entail fixing faulty mortar, to keep moisture out of the masonry.

So if you have a cracked chimney, don’t wait to get in touch with our experts for aid and guidance.