Is Your Masonry In Need Of An Update?
As your fireplace and chimney age, there are a number of things that can cause damage to its masonry. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with unsightly damaged or deteriorating masonry; masonry repairs, repointing, restorations, or rebuilds can update your masonry and get it back to looking new!
Causes of masonry damage
Whether your chimney is old or new, there are a number of things that can cause masonry damage. Below are a few of the most common causes of masonry damage.
- Weather: Strong winds, hail, rain, snow, and ice can all cause damage to masonry or structural damage to a chimney.
- Settling: All homes settle over time; however, settling can cause your chimney to shift or crack. Damage caused by settling is often seen as large cracks in the chimney or firebox or a shifting or leaning chimney.
- Water: Water can be an extremely damaging force to your masonry. Moisture from weather – as well as sprinklers and hoses – can cause masonry to prematurely crack and spall.
- Improper construction: Fireplaces and chimneys that are improperly constructed, such as those built by a contractor instead of a mason, are more prone to deterioration and structural damage.
- Chimney fire: Even small chimney fires can cause extensive damage throughout your chimney system – if not the rest of your home. Because of this, chimney fires often result in chimneys needing to be torn down and rebuilt.
Common masonry repairs
Depending on the level of damage to your chimney or the look you want to achieve, Clean Sweeps of Michigan can help update and repair your chimney. The following are some of our most common masonry repairs.
- Repointing: The masonry joints of your chimney are likely to deteriorate faster than the surrounding brick. However, with repointing it is possible to repair the mortar without damaging the masonry. Our masons custom mix mortar for every home to ensure its color and texture match your existing masonry, creating a flawless finish.
- Restoration: If age or the elements have left your chimney looking worse for wear, our masons can restore it to prime condition. By patching damaged areas with bricks and mortar that match the existing masonry, we can create a seamless repair that restores your chimney to its former glory.
What if my chimney can’t be repaired?
If your chimney has been extensively damaged from a natural disaster, chimney fire, or other structural damage, it may not be able to be repaired. In cases like this, a chimney rebuild is often recommended. While chimney rebuilds are major construction projects, they can eliminate the safety concerns that come with a structurally-unsafe chimney. Likewise, a new chimney can add value to your home and provide a high return on investment.
You don’t have to live with unsightly masonry; if your masonry is in need of an update, Clean Sweeps of Michigan can help! Contact our staff today to learn more about how we can update and repair your masonry or to schedule an appointment.