It seems like your chimney is a fortress, that nothing can happen that will cause it to break down. But in truth, there are some things that can cause damage. In fact, one of the things that can do the most damage is such a simple thing, and that is precipitation. There are other things, however, that can cause you some trouble, like obstructions and creosote buildup. Because these are prime fire-starters, they can cause chimney fires, which can cause major structural damage to your chimney as well.

What to Look For

First, give your bricks a good look over. If you notice that they are starting to chip or break away, it’s a pretty good indication that you are looking at repair work. Your bricks can undergo a condition called spalling; it’s caused when your bricks or the mortar that holds them together takes on water. Because bricks and mortar are porous materials, when precipitation hits, it gets in the pores and eventually can cause them to split, peel, and flake. This is a dangerous condition because it can cause structural damage to your chimney if left unrepaired for too long. If you see cracks in your bricks or flakes on the ground around the chimney, you’ll want to give Chim Cheroo Chimney Service a call. We can give your chimney a solid inspection and begin plans for repair work if needed.

Mortar Joints

The bricks of your chimney are held together by mortar joints. These joints keep moisture out. The trouble is, with all the exposure to the outdoor elements, those mortar joints can get saturated by moisture and deteriorate. If this damage isn’t caught, it can be a real safety concern because they may not be able to hold the weight of the bricks. This is another thing that we’ll be checking out when we inspect your chimney.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is another thing that you will want to look out for. Look for an area of white discoloration on the bricks. This probably means that there is an excess amount of moisture in your masonry. Although the white discoloration can be cleaned up pretty easily, it will come back. You will need to get to the root of the problem. When the crew at Chim Cheroo comes in to inspect your chimney, we’ll take care of the underlying issues that are causing this efflorescence to occur.

Give Chim Cheroo Chimney Service a call!
Even though it’s still cold and snowy outside, you know that the warming breezes of spring are just around the corner. Now is a great time to give us a call. We can set up a time to inspect and clean your chimney. We’ll keep a close eye out for any masonry damage and recommend any cleaning and repairs that need to be done to make sure that your family and home stay safe and secure.