Chimney Repair: Why Time Is Of The Essence

Out of sight, out of mind: this statement could not be more relevant than when it comes to a masonry chimney being one of the most overlooked components of a home. While masonry chimneys are durable and persistent, they, just like anything else, are susceptible to failure when not properly maintained. Routine inspections and frequent chimney cleaning are an absolute must when it comes to maintaining masonry structures. If you're in need of an inspection or are certain that one of the following warning signs are present and require addressing, Lennox Masonry of Victoria BC can help!

What To Look For:

Missing or deteriorating mortar joints, crumbling/spalling brick , smoke entering into living spaces: these are all warning signs that your chimney is in need of urgent repair. Acting quickly and taking the necessary steps to insure that the issues are dealt with is crucial to preventing further damage to your chimney and by extension your home. Not to mention, saving you thousands in the long-run.

Why Chimneys Eventually Fail:

1) Freeze/Thaw Cycles: One of the masonry chimney's greatest foes is the yearly freeze/thaw cycle, in that the water and moisture contained within the brick and mortar freezes and thaws, expands and contracts, forcing apart the bricks from the mortar joints which secure the structure itself. As the years progress, so does the damage and the costs associated with fixing them.

2) Faulty Flashing: Whether it be the cap, step, or base flashing involved with your chimney, once the seal is compromised, erosion begins to take its toll, rapidly. Especially in coastal climates, such as Victoria, B.C. Flashing is the doorway between the roofing material and a masonry chimney. Once the doorway is open, all kinds of trouble are free to waltz right in and wreak havoc as they please. And they will, undoubtedly, do just that.

3) A Damaged or non-existent chimney cap/flue cover: One of the most important factors in regard to protecting your chimney's life-span is ensuring that a concrete cap or crown is present. This cap helps to divert rainfall away entering the top of the chimney as well as the brick or stonework that is holding your chimney together. Chimney pots (think of small concrete houses that fit overtop of the flue liner) not only prevent animals and birds from turning your chimney into a humble abode, but they are also the first defense against rain and snow. Chimney pots also help to divert rainfall and snow from entering the flue liner and wreaking havoc with the internal elements of a chimney.

If one or all of the aforementioned warning signs are noticeable, it does not immediately suggest that your entire chimney is now subject to an overhaul from the ground-up. Just like rot in a home, it is only a matter of cutting out the affected areas, replacing them with new materials, and preventing further damage from occurring. Whether this includes re-pointing mortar joints, replacing spalling bricks, weather sealing, installing new flashing or a chimney cap, Lennox Masonry of Victoria BC is here to help!

With years of experience in this field, Lennox Masonry is well equipped to assess and address your chimney's needs.

Give Us A Call At: 778-968-6574

As always, if you have any questions, please, comment below or write to us at sean@lennoxmasonry.com

To check out some of our other Blog Posts and obtain information for a wide-variety of additional Masonry applications, please click here.

Sean Lennox,

Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Victoria, BC

Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors!

If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!