Trust Alliance Masonry with All of Your Chimney Repair Needs in the Annapolis Area
Over time, your chimney and fireplace can become worn and damaged due to weather and moisture. We highly recommend regular maintenance to avoid an expensive chimney repair down the line.
Often we can restore a chimney with some basic repairs such as spot tuckpointing, sealing, or minor chimney brick replacement.
However, it is very important to address water damage and chimney brick flaking early on. If your chimney is not properly maintained and cared for then more severe (and costly) repairs may be needed.
As your #1 choice for stone and brick restorations in the Annapolis, Maryland, area, we inspect, clean, and service chimneys of all sizes.
Is Your Chimney Broken or Having Issues?
A broken chimney does not mean you can never use your chimney again. Both structural and design issues are repairable with the right tools and experts bringing the project together.
But it’s very important to call a chimney repair company like Alliance Masonry right away for an expert assessment.
If a problem has been identified and a method of repair needs to be determined, a chimney inspection will be done as the first course of action.
Fortunately, our team of experienced chimney repair technicians can resolve all types of damage and malfunction a chimney may experience.
Some examples of chimney issues we can address and repairs we can make:
- Problems with the fireplace/firebox
- Broken chimney components
- Broken chimney chase covers
- Chimney odor
- Leaky chimney
- Tuckpointing
- Chimney brick flaking
When Do You Need a Chimney Inspection?
To be sure that all of your systems are in working order and operating as they should, it is recommended that homeowners get an annual chimney inspection.
Most homeowners opt to have a chimney sweeping done every year as well, especially if they use their fireplace on a regular basis. Don’t risk the chance that an undiscovered defect could turn into an expensive repair or — worse yet — a chimney fire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Repair
Tuckpointing, also sometimes called repointing, describes the restoration of brick structures by removing deteriorated, damaged and missing mortar between brick and other masonry joints and replacing it with lime-based mortar. Over the years, rain and wind slowly break down the mortar between bricks, which has a shorter lifespan the the bricks themselves. If the mortar gets totally destroyed, or becomes too thin, it can result in bricks shifting and a weight imbalance in your chimney. When done correctly, tuckpointing will ensure the structural integrity, longevity, and your brick building or chimney.
Spot tuckpointing is the same as tuckpointing, but on a smaller scale. It involves addressing only the major open holes and settling cracks in an otherwise solid wall or side of a chimney. Fundamentally it's just plugging up holes to prevent rapid deterioration. The amount of tuckpointing that will need to be done depends on your roof layout and how much contact the chimney has with water.
In general, the type of wear requiring tuckpointing only affects the exposed portion of the mortar. Because of that, although chunks of the mortar can crack or even fall out, the damage is unlikely to extend through the entire width of the mortar. Cracks that extend through the entirety of the mortar are likely from structural problems, not just mortar wear and tear.
Flaking brick, also called spalling, occurs when moisture seeps into a brick and then goes through the freeze/thaw cycle. Over time this water damage causes the bricks to crumble, flake, and even pop out of the chimney. What may only seem like a cosmetic problem is actually a health and safety issue that should be addressed immediately.
In order to fix spalling, the bricks damaged bricks themselves will generally need to be replaced. You should also look to address the cause of the spalling, whether it be inadequate guttering or other issues.
Benefits of Using Alliance Masonry for Your Chimney Repair
There are numerous advantages to hiring chimney masonry experts like those at Alliance Masonry to inspect and repair your brick chimney. Among them:
- Extend the lifespan of your chimney by years or even decades.
- Stop the corrosion that every mortar joint experiences from rain and sun exposure.
- Prevent your home from becoming water damaged.
- Keep an old chimney working and looking great, as well as improve the exterior facade of your home.
Searching for a Chimney Repair Contractor Near You in the Annapolis Area? Contact Us Today
Call us at 667-786-4914 to schedule an appointment or click the button below.