Masonry Chimney Repair & Relining

The Washington DC area has a rich history of architectural styles. From brick farmhouses in Fairfax to Victorian row houses in Georgetown, Washington DC has preserved much of its architectural history. These homes have weathered decades (or centuries) of use, remodels and updates while still possessing an undeniable charm. The sturdy construction of these historical buildings plays a large part in their continued existence, but constant monitoring and maintenance is what keeps these charming homes instead of quaint historical exhibits.

Routine inspections and preventative maintenance can help keep houses old and new running smoothly. For many components of your home this can be a simple process. For example, wear around your windows and persnickety plumbing are easy to spot. For other parts of your home, such as your chimney, a little effort is required.

Chimney Masonry Maintenance

Most responsible home owners ensure they have a proper flue with optimal draft and that the major components of the fireplace are functioning properly. This diligence causes the illusion of security; so long as no major problems occur, their chimney must be healthy. In reality, without a watchful eye, water damage can compromise the integrity and safety of your chimney long before you notice the problem. While the rest of your roof is protected from the elements, your chimney is exposed to the worst of Mother Nature.

While the brick itself generally fares well against such odds, without water proofing the mortar is heavily susceptible to water damage. Specifically, mortar absorbs moisture. As the temperature changes, freezing and thawing cycles cause this water to expand and contract, which will cause cracking. This damage is often subtle, and by the time you notice crumbling mortar you will likely need masonry chimney repair. As it progresses the mortar will erode out from between the bricks, causing their weight to shift. This causes additional stress on the masonry, and exacerbates any existing cracks or stress points. Without proper care, mortar erosion will cause an unsafe and unsightly chimney that will need major masonry chimney repair. At this point a chimney professional will need to repoint the brick, and apply a waterproof sealant to prevent future water damage.

Masonry Chimney Relining

Chimneys suffering from masonry damage can let an excessive amount of water into your chimney’s interior. If you actively use your chimney as a vent, this can affect your flue, fireplace, and any appliances that vent into the chimney. For example, rain running down a used flue will mix with creosote and other deposits, causing a corrosive solution that can deteriorate your flue. This corrosive solution can drip down onto fireplace hardware, such as dampers, and rust them. Even if your chimney is perfectly clean, rain water will settle into any joints or cracks in your flue, where temperature changes will cause it to expand or contract, causing damage. This will cause a premature need for chimney relining.

Even if you don’t use your chimney as a vent, masonry chimney repair is important. Crumbling mortar allows moisture to permeate to the interior of a chimney. Inside the chimney, it will run down the joints in the masonry, leaking into cracks. This compromises the structural integrity of your chimney, which is never safe. Relining and repointing the interior of a masonry chimney is an expensive and time consuming process. To be able to work in such tight spaces, it’s often necessary to punch holes in the chimney to be able to ensure the proper work has been done.

If you have questions about masonry chimney repair or suspect you might need masonry chimney relining, contact us at High’s Chimney. Chimney masonry repairs by Highs Chimney will make your home more energy efficient at an affordable cost. Contact us to schedule an inspection. We want your home to be a healthy, safe place to live. We offer free consultations on masonry repair, and our real time online scheduling service makes it easy for you to pick a time that works with your schedule. Being proactive about problems as they arise, such as masonry chimney repair and relining, is the best way to ensure your home remains a safe and stylish place for you and your loved ones to enjoy for years to come.