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.

Have Your Heating System Inspected After Cold Weather

Spring has sprung in Suffolk County! While you are busy breaking out your shorts and sandals and prepping your home for outdoor entertaining with family and friends, make sure your spring cleaning checklist includes having your chimney and heating system inspected. We had a long, cold winter this year and the type of weather we endured can take its toll on your chimney. At Chief Chimney Services we are happy to come to your home and do a thorough chimney inspection.

Why Have Your Chimney Inspected After Winter?

During winter a lot of things are happening outside that can affect what happens to your chimney on the inside. For example, when the weather freezes and thaws, this can cause the mortar in your chimney to expand and contract. The result of expanding mortar is often cracked and broken bricks inside your chimney.

A lot of simple masonry damage can remedied with some tuckpointing once the weather breaks. A professional chimney company can come to your home and tuckpoint, or force fresh mortar into the joints of your bricks in order to preserve the integrity of the chimney and prevent further breakage.

Another way winter weather can take its toll on your chimney is by water damage. If your chimney has not been properly capped, or if your chimney cap is broken then you may notice some water damage inside your chimney. Water can cause creosote build-up and can cause your fireplace or woodstove to work ineffectively. Having your chimney inspected after the long winter months can make sure any water damage is not extensive and can also remedy the problem before it becomes too serious.

During winter months, critters like birds and squirrels look for any place warm and dry to call home. Your chimney may have become home to these types of pests when the cold weather was here, and a professional chimney inspection and sweeping can remove these critters so they don’t wreak havoc on your chimney.

Hiring A Certified Chimney Sweep

The best way to prevent chimney damage is to have a professional, certified chimney sweeping company come to your home and take a look at your chimney. CSIA certified chimney sweeps are held to the highest educational standards in order to offer premium chimney sweeping services. Our certified chimney sweeps will come to your home and provide a thorough inspection and sweeping of your chimney just in time for the warm weather. Some things our technicians look for include:

• Rusting components such as dampers and flues
• Sticks, leaves and other debris
• Bird and squirrel nests
• Brick and mortar damage
• Shifting chimney structures

Contact Chief Chimney Services in Suffolk County today for more information about how we can inspect your chimney and fireplace as part of your spring cleaning. Tackling chimney care as part of your home maintenance can keep the integrity of your chimney intact, which can make starting fires in your wood-burning heating appliance that much easier next winter. Call the professionals and have your chimney inspected and swept by the best in the business today.