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Plan for Masonry Repairs This Spring

Winter is not yet over, but the weather will become milder in the next few weeks, and it’s the perfect time to schedule necessary masonry repairs. You might schedule masonry repairs if you’ve noticed damage to the masonry, if a professional made a recommended repair, or if you’re looking to raise value for a refinancing. Repairing the masonry will help your chimney work better, will make it safer, and will improve the exterior look of your chimney.

Planning Spring Repairs

First, you need to know what your masonry needs. Schedule a chimney inspection with a certified professional so that you will have a complete report and repair recommendations. Your masonry problems may be minor or major, and need to be assesed as soon as possible. Your chimney professional can help you determine which repairs need to be first.
Second, get ready for your repair. Schedule an appointment with Chief Chimney Services. On the day of your appointment, discontinue use of the fireplace and clear out the area in front of the fireplace opening. Your chimney professional will make the repairs without leaving a mess or damage behind.
Lastly, it’s important to have the financing for your masonry repairs in order before the work begins. If your masonry damage is from a natural occurrence or a fire, your homeowners insurance may cover repairs. Otherwise, you might use your tax refund, savings, or financing from a bank. The repairs we do will be according to code, guaranteed and will be an investment in your property.

Common Masonry Repairs

At Chief Chimney Services, Inc. we see masonry damage during spring for a variety of reasons.

• Water damage is one of the worst things that can happen to your chimney system. During winter, it is even worse. The water that enters damaged portions of the masonry freezes and expands, breaking apart the mortar. Then it melts and runs further into the damaged masonry. This process, called the freeze/thaw cycle, repeats through winter and leads to serious damage within the masonry. Tuckpointing, a tedious process of removing damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar, is used to repair the damage.

• Poor design or incorrect installation can lead to necessary repairs. This problem is most common when a firebox becomes damaged. Have the firebox repaired before using the fireplace to ensure your safety. Chief Chimney can repair the firebox properly by using fire bricks and refractory mortar to keep the fire in its place.

• Wear and tear causes masonry damage over time. When the masonry becomes cracked, this minor damage can be repaired through simple methods.

Other factors that can lead to masonry damage include, environmental changes such as extreme temperatures and natural disasters. Let Chief Chimney Services maintain your masonry throughout the year, and complete your masonry repairs this spring.

Call Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460 or schedule online.

Chimney Masonry Damage and Repair

Your chimney may be the most important system in your home or business. While the fireplace creates a welcoming ambiance to family, guests, and customers, it is the job of the chimney to keep the building safe, the air unpolluted, and allowing the fire to burn effectively. Your chimney is not only a working system, but it can also be a great cosmetic asset to your property. A long winter can bring lots of damages to the masonry, which will affect the working condition of the chimney and how it looks! If you have masonry damage, it’s time to schedule repairs.

Common Masonry Damage

At Chief Chimney Services, we’ve spent the last three decades serving a large area of Suffolk County, Long Island, and New York. Our customers endure long, harsh winters – mineral corrosion due to proximity to the ocean and more. When spring arrives, we receive multitudes of calls about chimney inspections and visual damages that need to be addressed. We always make these repairs promptly, because a small amount of damage today can develop into a devastating structural damage rather quickly.

• Spalling Masonry – When the mortar of a chimney becomes cracked, it gives space for water to enter and damage the masonry from the inside out. Our solution for spalling masonry is a process called tuckpointing or repointing, in which we remove the affected mortar and bricks, replacing them with new mortar of equal strength, consistency, and color as the existing mortar. This will ensure the repaired masonry is strong and long-lasting. And you will end up with not only a safe but a beautiful chimney!
• Chimney Leaks – Oftentimes, a chimney leak isn’t noticeable until spring when temperatures begin to rise, which causes the water in the chimney to thaw and move through the masonry. A chimney leak can damage more than just the chimney, but it can also cause ruined walls, floors, furniture, and more! At Chief Chimney Services, we are capable of  diagnose your chimney leaks, repair the damage, and stop the leak! Many chimney sweeping companies, general contractors, and handymen will repair the damage, failing to fix the root of the problems. We repair your leak and then waterproof the chimney for good measures.
• Flue Fire, Animal Intrusion, Liner Damage – You may have liner damage if you’ve had a flue fire, if an animal has occupied your chimney, or if you’ve noticed pieces of clay tile in your fireplace. If your masonry feels hot to the touch, you may also have a problem with the liner. At Chief Chimney Services, we specialize in chimney relining. We can either replace your liner completely or reline the flue with HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant, the most innovative method to restore or repair your chimney flue.

Whether your chimney damage is a result of a fire, a storm, an earthquake, or merely wear-and-tear over time, Chief Chimney Services can get it back into top shape this spring. Scheduling in the spring means you’ll have plenty of time for an inspection and necessary repairs to get it ready to go for fall. Don’t let spring showers or summer humidity do further damage to your masonry – call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or make an appointment online!

The Benefits Of Refractory Mortar

Did you know your fireplace and chimney may be constructed using only standard bricks and mortar? However, today’s chimney professionals know that there are benefits to choosing refractory materials for fireplaces and chimneys. More than that, it’s required by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC).

Safety First

If you choose an amateur to build or repair your firebox, he may cut corners and costs by failing to use the right materials! This is a dangerous hazard and will result in damage to the masonry and heat transfer to the structural materials of the home. It also lowers efficiency and increases fire risk. Whats else happens if refractory mortar isn’t used, along with fire bricks? There will be recurring damage, which an amateur or con artist may repeatedly repair. This can end up costing you a fortune. A certified chimney sweep who is trained in masonry construction and repair knows the necessary materials to help keep customers safe this winter.

Choosing the Right Professional

When you choose a professional to complete your chimney and fireplace rebuilds and repairs, you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) will use the proper materials that will offer the safest and most efficient fireplace and chimney system. Chief Chimney Services has been operating in Suffolk County for over 20 years! We are aware of municipal codes and industry standards. In addition, we’ve acquainted with general contractors in the area who often work with us.

Using the Wrong Mortar

Using the wrong materials when building or repairing a chimney can mean a devastating fire. Don’t hire a chimney sweep who is inexperienced and uses incorrect materials! Doing so may result in your homeowners insurance having grounds to deny your claim in the event of a fire. Some professionals may cut corners by adding fire-clay to regular mortar. This is not recommended and does not get the same result. Only a refractory mortar, designed to be as strong as fire brick and flue tiles, can withstand the regular high temperatures and abuse of a fireplace and chimney.

Some professionals and homeowners alike think it’s okay to use standard mortar mix, if you only use the fireplace occasionally. This is precisely why it is against residential and building codes! If the home is sold or property is otherwise transferred, the new owner is stuck with the unsafe chimney. Perhaps they will want to light a fire every night, instead of only occasionally. This puts people at risk that can be avoided.

Do you think your fireplace or chimney was constructed or repaired improperly? There is still time to have it inspected by a CSIA certified professional before winter! A Chief Chimney technician can quickly assess your chimney system for problems and plan accordingly. Our sweeps are standing by to talk to you about refractory mortar and more. Call 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

Masonry Repairs and Tuckpointing

Your chimney is designed to outlast your house. However, neglecting maintenance and natural occurrences can cause chimney problems that shorten its life. A long winter, for instance, can damage masonry. This is especially true if the chimney hasn’t been properly waterproofed.

Water and Your Masonry

Masonry is constructed of many materials that are adversely affected by water. Unfortunately, even a small amount of water can cause big damage, especially during winter. When water penetrates the masonry, it is subject to a freeze/thaw cycle that damages the chimney’s structure. The water freezes when temperatures drop, expanding and busting the masonry. Afterwards, melting when temperatures rise, allowing the water to flow deeper into the damaged masonry. This process is repeated until it causes serious damage!

Common Masonry Damage

• Spalling – The freeze/thaw cycle causes spalling. This means the mortar cracks and falls away and bricks flake, thus leaving holes in your chimney.
• Water Damage – Water damage can vary from serious, structural issues to simple stains on the interior or exterior of the chimney system.

Chief Chimney Services has been serving the Suffolk County area for over 20 years. During spring inspections, our technicians often find winter damage that require repairs.

Chief Chimney Services Repairs Your Masonry

• Tuckpointing – Perhaps the most common masonry repair our technicians see is tuckpointing. Our skilled masons remove damaged mortar and bricks and replace them with new mortar for a clean, restored look. This process can be tedious because the new mortar must match the old in consistency, strength, and color. Failing to match the mortar perfectly can mean weaker masonry!
• Rebuild – Less common that tuckpointing, but still important, is the masonry rebuild. For the chimneys that have been grossly neglected or badly damaged due to natural disasters or fire, our masons can rebuild them beautifully.
• Firebox Repair – The firebox withstands the most abuse and often gets the least attention. The firebox keeps the fire in its place, though, so you need it to do its job, and do it well! During your chimney sweep, our technician can spot a problem before it becomes a hazard, and plan accordingly.
• Chimney Crown Repair – The chimney crown also withstands abuse, topping your chimney and keeping out weather and critters. The crown can become damaged because it hasn’t been waterproofed, because of age, or because it wasn’t properly constructed. Whatever the cause, Chief Chimney Services can replace it with a recast chimney crown that is beautiful and functional!

When it’s time to close out your chimney for the off-season, you want to make sure it’s ready for fall. Don’t spend your summer fretting over your chimney repairs. Get your inspection this spring so you can schedule necessary repairs as well. At Chief Chimney Services we put our customers first, and we want your chimney to be ready and safe for fall.

Schedule your appointment now!

Now Is The Time For Masonry Repairs

Spring has sprung! At Chief Chimney Services in Suffolk County we are so excited to gear up for great season of chimney sweeping and inspection. We are sure that every homeowner has a long list of items on their spring cleaning checklist and we are grateful to be able to serve the area for another year.

While you are scheduling your professional chimney sweeping and inspection, consider tackling those chimney masonry repairs you have been putting off. Spring is the perfect time to take care of some basic chimney repairs and it is important to stay on top of any fireplace or chimney damage before they escalate into costly rebuilding. Hiring a professional chimney sweeping and repair company can save you money on costly repairs in the long run.

Winter Chimney Damage

Winter is tough on chimneys. Firstly, the weather is wet and cold, and the harsh elements of winter can wreak havoc on the masonry of your chimney. Bricks can last a long time, but mortar (the cement holding each brick together) is not as durable. Moisture from severe winter weather can seep into the mortar and cause it to crack, break and crumble. If you do not take proper precautions to repair this it can result in the bricks in your chimney shifting and crumbling, which can jeopardize the overall integrity of the structure of your chimney.

Another common chimney danger is when pests make their home in your chimney. Chimneys are typically warm and dry so pests like rats, mice and birds often make their homes in this environment. Some birds build nests right into the mortar of the chimney, which can cause it to crack and break and cause subsequent damage to the bricks. These common winter problems can be held at bay with some simple masonry repair work during spring.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is probably the most common form of masonry repair. Tuckpointing is when mortar is “tucked” into the damaged mortar joints of your fireplace and chimney. The result is an easy repair that reinforces the bricks to avoid potential damage to the overall integrity of your chimney.

We have had a severe winter with a lot of wet weather and this can be particularly damaging to the mortar and masonry work of your chimney. Be a proactive homeowner by schedule a routine masonry repair to keep your chimney intact and your home looking beautiful.

Additional Benefits Of Tuckpointing

• 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

Tuckpointing and other types of simple chimney masonry repair are the best ways to prevent costly modifications to your chimney. Because the weather is so mild during spring, this truly is the best time to schedule a chimney inspection and masonry repair. A professional technician like those at Chief Chimney Services, Inc will come to your home, thoroughly inspect your chimney and answer any questions you may have about basic repairs. Schedule your chimney inspection and masonry repair today.