The two materials that make up your chimney masonry structure are bricks and mortar. These materials have been found to be the best materials to construct strong and safe chimneys. However, neither bricks nor mortar last forever. We know that bricks can be replaced, but what is necessary when the mortar between the bricks begins crumbling and making the structure unsafe?
The process to address failing mortar is called tuckpointing. National Chimney Service provides expert chimney repairs throughout Morris County NJ and Fairfield County CT to restore strength and longevity to our customers’ chimneys.
What Is Tuckpointing?Tuckpointing is a process whereby our technicians remove crumbling, decayed mortar between the chimney’s bricks and replace it with a strong new mortar compound. The work is fairly straightforward – for chimney professionals who have been correctly trained and have hands-on experience.
You should never attempt tuckpointing on your chimney or hire anyone to do it who isn’t licensed, insured, and trained. Major damage at the time of the work or down the line could occur.
If crumbling or missing sections of mortar in your chimney aren’t addressed, catastrophic problems could be on the way. When sufficient mortar is missing in between brick sections, the chimney can begin to lean to one side. Leaning chimneys don’t right themselves; rather, they collapse eventually.
Every mortar issue is unique, just like every chimney repair project is unique. In some cases, mortar joints can be compromised to the point that water from rain and melting snow can move into the system and cause internal chimney damage, which can result in expensive chimney repairs.
Incoming water will begin a rotting process – not only of otherwise good bricks and mortar but also of building materials of the home if the water reaches that far.
Once water is inside hidden areas of the chimney, damage normally won’t be noticed by the homeowner – at least at first. There are certain leaky chimney signs you should know about and watch for:
Any time moisture is allowed to collect inside a chimney structure, serious mold growth is very possible. Mold thrives in dark, unventilated areas, and the inside of the chimney is one of those areas.
Many types of mold are known to be harmful to humans, particularly black mold, which can cause major health problems including cancer.
Tuckpointing is the Way to Prevent these IssuesIf you notice any level of deterioration in your chimney’s mortar, call us for a thorough chimney inspection. We’ll find out how extensive the problem is and then get to work to resolve it.
Tuckpointing can save the life of a chimney and prevent major internal system damage and damage to materials of the home. Annual chimney inspections are the best way to stay on top of all possible issues in your chimney’s masonry structure.
National Chimney Service works throughout Norwalk CT, Chester NJ, Fairfield CT, Dover NJ, and all other communities in Morris County NJ, and Fairfield County CT.
We’re here to keep your chimney safe, strong, and fully operational. Speak with a chimney repair and rebuilding expert today. In Fairfield County Ct call (203) 614-9765 and in Morris County NJ call (973) 270-9295.
