Trust Alliance Masonry with all your chimney repair needs in the Duluth 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, addressing water damage and chimney brick flaking is essential early on. If your chimney is not properly maintained and cared for, more severe (and costly) repairs may be needed.
As your #1 choice for stone and brick restorations in the Duluth, Minnesota, area and along the north shore, 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, and the right tools and experts are bringing the project together.
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 repair method 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 any 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, homeowners are recommended to get an annual chimney inspection.
Most homeowners also opt to have their chimneys swept every year, especially if they use their fireplaces regularly. 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.
Looking for a Chimney Repair Expert Near You in the Duluth Area? Contact Alliance for a Free Estimate
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.
Call us at 218-591-8039 to schedule an appointment, or click the button below.