Do I Need To Repair Chimney Cracks If Theres No Fireplace

Cracks in chimneys unremarkably occur because of freezing – thawing weather issues, footing and soil issues or lack of maintenance. Areas with earthquake trimmers will besides experience more cracking than stable areas.

The cracking in brick or stone chimneys may be in the brick or stone itself, in the mortar or both. Overall, brick and stone chimneys are very durability and usually terminal for many years when compared to other materials.

Maintenance

Generally small-scale cracks and mortar deterioration are considered to exist a maintenance result and tin easily be repaired. Information technology is a expert exercise to keep cracks sealed and then that moisture does not penetrate into them, especially in cold climates where the water penetrates into a crack and so freezes. This is because when h2o freezes, it expands and this will cause the brick or rock to spall or to have additional cracks.

Vines growing on chimneys take pocket-size roots that volition penetrate cracks. This penetration cause the brick or mortar to become damaged and over time tin create pregnant damage. Although people may like the expect of vines on a chimney and think that they add together charm; in reality the vines may be damaging their chimney.

Crack causes

Motility of pad or footing relating to soils

If the soils under the chimneys pad or foundation has a poor load bearing chapters, is expansive or has settled, then there is a fair chance that keen of the chimney will occur.

Lack of proper maintenance

Grout joints and brick require maintenance periodically. Failure to practice proper sealing or re-pointing from time to time can contribute to nifty.

Freezing and thawing

Atmospheric condition in cold climates where in that location is freezing and thawing is hard on brick and stone fireplaces. One time h2o migrates into minor cracks and freezes, the cracks usually get larger and larger. Keeping cracks properly sealed is an of import office of maintaining a fireplace chimney.

Earthquakes

In major earthquakes the news channels ofttimes accept film footage of chimneys that have fallen over; sometimes on cars or onto neighbors holding. What they don't prove y'all is that pocket-sized trimmers can generate cracks and damage to chimneys, but the chimneys are nevertheless continuing.

Thermal damage

Large hot fires in a fireplace with no liner or a damaged liner may cause cracking. Another source of extreme heat may exist from a chimney that has a creosote buildup that catches burn. Estrus from grass and tree fires or a house fire can likewise crusade cracking.

Trees, antennas

Tree with large roots systems tin can crack or harm a pad under the chimney. Large branches that crash against a chimney during a storm can crusade damage. Homes with big or loftier antennas on the chimneys can generate a lot of force per unit area, peculiarly on tall chimneys during wind storms.

Poor drainage

When the area nearly the chimneys footing allows water to puddle or doesn't slope away from the chimneys base of operations, so settlement or expansion issues may arise. This may cause the foundation to movement and cracking to occur.

Pregnant Cracks

Cracks that appear to exist astringent should be looked at by a chimney specialist to determine if they are serious or but a maintenance or cosmetic issue.

Ones that are offset, wide or that has smoke stains should especially be reviewed. ( Read about CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS AND INSPECTORS )

Tip

Surprisingly, buyers and homeowners, tin do two easy things that will greatly help reduce damage to their chimney.

Make certain that h2o does not stand or pool well-nigh the chimneys pad or footing. Ideally the soil or area next to the chimney should gradient away with a drop of approximately 6 inches in ten anxiety.
Sealing and maintaining the brick and grout to reduce h2o penetration into the brick and mortar.

Who to consult? Fireplace contractors and brick and stone masons.

Abode owners volition often touch-upwardly or seal cracks in their chimney. Fireplace contractors, qualified handymen and brick masons are frequently skilled at working on chimneys.

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