Our Company Blog

Chimney Tuckpointing

When the weather warms and it’s time to close out your chimney for the off-season, you should have your system inspected in order to repair any winter damage. Even minor winter damage can lead to water damage after a wet spring, and water damage can lead to substantial costs in the future. This spring, let a certified professional repair your masonry before it leads to a structural problem. The most common type of masonry repair is tuckpointing and it should only be done by a professional.

What is Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is literally tucking mortar into the spaces left behind when mortar cracks and falls out of the masonry. This type of damage can occur over time or due to serious water damage or natural disasters. The structural integrity of the chimney depends on the masonry–the bricks and mortar together–to keep it standing and working properly. When the mortar falls out of the cracks, bricks can begin to fall, leaving holes to allow water inside, and become a hazard as pieces fall to the roof and ground below.

A certified chimney sweep should be able to repair this damage, called spalling. At Chief Chimney Services our technicians specialize in masonry repair, and we’re proud to offer tuckpointing services. All of our sweeps are experts at matching the color, strength, and consistency of the existing mortar with the new. If the mortar is different in strength or consistency it can weaken the integrity of the masonry. By matching the color perfectly, you won’t be able to tell that a repair was even done, except your chimney will be fully restored. Many homeowners schedule tuckpointing services before a refinance or home sale because it restores the chimney to it’s original beauty as well as function.

When Does My Chimney Need It?

Your chimney sweep will tell you if your masonry needs to be repaired, but some obvious indicators include: chipping, flaking, cracking, and falling mortar and bricks. Spring is the best time for these services because the weather is mild and your masonry will be repaired and ready for burn season. There are other benefits to tuckpointing as well:

• Provides structural security to the chimney
• Restores beauty to the structure
• Waterproofs your chimney
• A simple, cost-effective repair
• Prolongs the integrity of your chimney while preventing major repairs

You can enjoy your summer without dwelling on masonry repairs and possible chimney leak. When a masonry expert from Chief Chimney Services repairs your chimney, you can rest assured it’s been done correctly and your chimney and fireplace is ready for your first fire in the fall.

Call us today at 631-863-2460 schedule your inspection today.

Preventing Chimney Water Damage

Spring is in full swing! Now is the best time to assess and prevent water damage. Burning season is busy, and can be long and full of forecasts of heavy rain and snowfall in our area. Over time, even a well-constructed chimney can become damaged if it isn’t properly waterproofed or maintained.

How to Catch Water Damage

It can be difficult to catch chimney water damage. This is because a large portion of the chimney system is out of sight. Consequently, it can often lead to neglect because “what’s out of sight is out of mind.” By the time the average homeowner notices signs of a leak, it’s most likely caused extensive unseen damage.

It’s important to assess your chimney system regularly in order to detect the first hint of a problem. Common indicators of chimney water damage include:

• Dripping in the chimney or fireplace
• Stained masonry in firebox, chimney, and on exterior chimney
• Rust marks and stains on exterior chimney
• Moldy/mildew-like odors
• Leaky ceilings and walls

Any indication of a leaky chimney should be addressed as soon as possible! This is in order to keep your family safe, protect your home, and save you repair costs in the future. You can avoid repairs by preventing damage in the first place.

Protect Your Chimney by Hiring a Professional

In order to avoid water damage through the burning season and year round, you should take certain steps. When preparing your chimney and fireplace for winter, you should hire a professional to inspect and properly waterproof it. When it’s time to close it out for the off-season it should be swept and assessed for winter damage. Minor winter damage can lead to serious water damage, if it isn’t corrected before the wet spring season.

Your neighborhood handyman will not have the expertise and training to assess weaknesses in your system! Chief Chimney Services offers the best preventative care for the Suffolk County area and an expert is standing by to discuss your chimney’s future.

Chief Chimney Services offers water damage prevention. This can protect your chimney year-round by installing chimney flashing, a properly-fitted chimney cap, and applying a ChimneySaver waterproofing sealant. This sealant is designed specifically for masonry, allowing vapors out, but keeping water molecules from entering. A ChimneySaver sealant is the best way to keep water out of your masonry year-round. However, only a professional chimney sweep should apply it! When you hire a professional you get guaranteed work, and a detailed report for your insurance provider.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.