Baltimore Chimney Repair can be a tricky job, and homeowners should never try to do any work on their chimney without professional help. Annual maintenance and inspections are key to keeping a chimney in good condition.
Some chimney repairs are minor, while others require reconstruction. Understanding what is involved with each type of repair can arm homeowners with the information they need to decide whether or not to hire a professional.
Brick is prized for its attractiveness and durability, but over time it can become damaged. Water, ice and seasonal expansion and contraction attack brick walls from the inside out, weakening mortar joints. Regular upkeep on brick walls includes repairing damage and applying new mortar to joints. This process is called tuckpointing and can be done by homeowners with the right tools.
Before beginning the repair process, it’s important to prepare the work area. This means removing any loose or crumbling brick and using a wire brush to clean the surface of the wall. You’ll also want to make sure your pointing trowel will fit into the mortar joint. Once you’ve prepared the site, mist it with water to dampen it. This is a critical step because dry materials suck moisture out of new mortar, preventing it from curing properly.
You’ll also need a bucket to mix the mortar and a pointing tool, which is a small metal trowel designed for filling in joints. It’s best to use a premixed combination of sand, cement and lime for the mortar as it will have the right consistency for the repair. If you choose to mix your own, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and to experiment with mortar pigments until you find one that matches your existing brick color.
Once the mortar is mixed, place a fresh brick in the opening. If you’re replacing a large number of bricks, start with the largest and work your way down. Apply the mortar to the brick with the pointing tool, pressing it firmly into place. Make sure the joints are filled and that there are no cracks or gaps. Once the mortar is in place, brush away any excess from the face of the brick to make it look more natural.
Major brick and mortar repairs require the help of a professional mason, but homeowners can tackle minor issues on their own. Loose and damaged bricks and mortar can be repaired in a few hours with proper tools and technique. However, it’s important to remember that load-bearing walls are almost always a mason’s domain and should not be attempted by DIYers.
Efflorescence
If you notice a chalky white powder on the surface of your brick chimney, it’s called efflorescence. Efflorescence may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but it’s actually an indication of a moisture problem that could lead to major structural and indoor air quality issues. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a professional building contractor, you should understand what causes efflorescence so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening again.
Efflorescence is a naturally occurring process that occurs when water soluble salts move to the surface of porous brick, concrete, stone, stucco or other building materials. These deposits are often white in color and look like a crystalline or chalky powder. When water evaporates, the soluble salts crystalize to form the powdery deposit. This is usually caused by a buildup of vapor pressure, which can be caused by rain, melting snow or ice or the expansion and contraction of moisture in the brick and mortar.
Although it is a cosmetic concern, if left untreated, the salt deposits can cause spalling bricks and other structural damage in your chimney. In addition, these salts can contaminate the surrounding environment and contribute to mold and other health problems. Efflorescence should be cleaned using the appropriate methods.
Removing efflorescence from a new patio is relatively simple, but cleaning 400-year-old frescoes can be a much more difficult task. Art restorers in Valencia, Spain were able to erase the salts and glue residue from the 17th-century frescoes at the Church of Santos Juanes using special bacteria that targeted these substances. This method avoided the use of harsh solvents and protected the fragile painting.
There are several ways to remove efflorescence from masonry walls. One option is to allow it to wash out during the next wet weather, or to scrub it off using a brush or sponge and plain water. Another option is to use a chemical solution designed specifically for the removal of efflorescence. In many cases, however, the best method is to contact a building professional who can evaluate the cause of the moisture intrusion and recommend appropriate solutions.
Leaks
For many homeowners, their fireplace is a cozy gathering place in the winter. However, finding water in their fireplace or in the surrounding walls is not something they want to experience! Chimney leaks are a common problem that can lead to significant damage to your home and should be dealt with promptly.
The most common source of a chimney leak is the flashing. This is the “L” shaped material that protects the joint between the roof and the chimney. This is typically made of metal and it’s held in place with roofing cement. Over time, this can become brittle and fail, leaving a gap where water can easily enter. This gap is usually found in the area where the counter flashing meets the chimney, and it can often be repaired by removing the old cement and using masonry screws or nails to hold the new roofing cement in place.
When water finds its way through the chimney, it can wreak havoc on all of its components and lead to extensive damage to the house. For example, the leaking water can corrode the chimney liner and compromise its safety and integrity. It can also cause water damage to the attic and surrounding walls, resulting in mold and mildew.
One of the most obvious signs that your chimney is leaking is the presence of water stains on the ceiling or walls near the fireplace. If you see these stains, it’s important to schedule a professional chimney inspection right away. The technician can determine the source of the leak and recommend the appropriate repairs to prevent future problems.
Alternatively, you may notice that the ceiling around your fireplace is damp or has a musty odor. These are both clear indications that there is a chimney leak, and a professional should be consulted right away to prevent further water damage.
The best way to protect your chimney from heavy rains is with a high-quality chimney cap and ground-level waterproofing materials. These will help to keep water and debris out of your chimney, preventing damage to the structure. Additionally, a regular chimney inspection can identify any areas of concern and make the necessary repairs before they become a major problem during a heavy rainstorm.
White Stains
White stains or water rings occur when moisture penetrates the protective finish of a wood surface. This can happen from cold or hot items being placed on the surface. Preventive measures can be taken to clean up wet marks before they cause damage by using a Bona All-Purpose Cleaner and one of the Bona Cleaning Cloths for wood surfaces. Toothpaste can also help remove white stains, but be sure to test on a small unseen area to confirm it will not harm the wood finish. If the stains have already occurred, use fine-grade steel wool to scrub them away. Finish by rinsing and blotting the area dry.