Is Your Chimney Masonry In Need of Repairs or Replacement Parts?

When it comes to masonry damage, there’s one thing that stays consistent across the board, no matter where you live or what type of system you have – the sooner you act, the better. And by “act,” we mean call in a qualified chimney sweep to handle the task.

Why is acting fast a must? Once your masonry starts to deteriorate, it doesn’t stop. It will keep breaking down until you eventually find yourself with missing bricks, crumbling mortar, discoloration, and more. And once your masonry is compromised, it won’t be long before other areas of your system start to suffer too.

In the end, masonry repairs and restoration work can seem like a daunting task, but that’s what’s so great about working with a quality crew like ours… All you have to do is leave it in our hands. Once you book your appointment, we’ll take it from there – it doesn’t get easier than that.

Tuckpointing: What It Is & Why It’s Important

One of the more common masonry repairs we’re asked to complete for our customers in Lackawanna County is tuckpointing. This is done when the old mortar joints are damaged, crumbling, and falling out, thus weakening the chimney system and leaving it vulnerable to water damage and inefficiency.

What does tuckpointing entail? First thing, all of this old mortar will be removed. If it’s no longer contributing to the structural integrity of the chimney, there’s no reason it should continue taking up space.

Next, new mortar is mixed that matches the old in color, texture, and composition. This is the part where trusting a professional is really important. Sometimes homeowners will opt to buy some caulk and attempt this job themselves, but if things don’t match up just right, both the strength and the look of the chimney will suffer.

Trust us – unless you’re prepared to invest in even more repairs shortly down the line, this is one job best left to an expert. Matching things up just right is no easy feat, and it takes in-depth knowledge and plenty of patience to get it right (especially if the chimney is on the older side).

Once the new mortar mix is ready to go, all that’s left to do is fill in the missing gaps, and then wait for it to cure. Because these materials cure best in warmer weather, it’s always recommended to have these services completed in the off-season (spring and summer) when temps are higher and your system is not in use.

Preventing Damage… What Can Be Done?

So, you’ve gotten your damages addressed and your chimney is all set and ready to be put to use come fall and winter. Great! Now… how can you make certain these issues don’t pop up again down the line?

Well, the biggest thing we can recommend is chimney waterproofing. Waterproofing is what protects your brickwork from absorbing water, ensuring it merely beads up and rolls off, rather than getting sucked inside. And trusting a pro guarantees it’s done right and that your brickwork can still breathe at the end of it all (an important quality when it comes to chimney longevity).

You’ll also want to ensure you’re set up right to avoid water damage by investing in our leak repair services. Having a reliable chimney cap and a well-built crown or well-fitted chase cover is imperative for keeping water at bay and your masonry healthier.

We’re a Quick Phone Call Away

As stated above, shedding your masonry-related worries is as easy as calling up our crew and setting an appointment.

Our techs are Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified, experienced in the field, and we will always put your safety above everything else. Reach out today at 570-221-4113 to get started.

Chimney relining is not a chimney repair that’s obvious to the naked eye. Our pros can tell you if your chimney needs to be relined, so give us a call today.