TIPS FOR BRICK, STONE, AND CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE

EXPERT TIPS ON BRICK AND STONE MAINTENANCE & INPECTIONS

If you have a masonry structure in your home or business, such as a brick wall, a stone fireplace, or a chimney, you know how durable and attractive it can be. However, over time, they may require repairs to maintain their structural durability and attractiveness. Exposure to weather, moisture, fire, and smoke can cause cracks, stains, crumbling mortar, deterioration, and other problems that affect the appearance and function of your masonry. You can prevent or fix most of these issues with proper maintenance and repair. In this blog, we will share some tips on how to keep your masonry in good shape and when to call a professional for help.

Brick & stone are common materials for walls, fireplaces, patios, and other features in homes and businesses. They add warmth, character, and value to your property. However, they can also suffer from various types of damage, including:

BRICK AND STONE MAINTENANCE

• CRACKS - When cracks occur it is usually due to settlement, thermal expansion, and contraction, or impact allowing water to seep into the masonry and cause further deterioration. Repairing cracked mortar is done using a process called tuckpointing, which is removing the old mortar and replacing it with new.
• CRUMBLING MORTAR OR SPALLING - When the surface of the brick or stone flakes off or crumbles due to moisture penetration, such as the weather. When repairing the affected bricks or stones they should be removed and replaced with new ones that are resistant to moisture.
• STAINS - Stains occur due to dirt, mold, algae, rust, or smoke. To remove stains you should clean with a mild detergent and water or a specialized masonry cleaner that is suitable for the type of stain and the material. 

CHIMNEYS

Chimneys are essential for venting smoke and gasses from your fireplace or furnace. However, chimneys are exposed to high temperatures, corrosive substances, and weather elements that can cause damage and deterioration over time. The most common chimney problems include:

• LEAKS - Leaks can occur due to cracks in the chimney crown, the chimney shell, or the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Leaks lead to water damage to your ceiling, walls, floors, and furniture, and also create a fire hazard. 
• CREOSOTE - Creosote is a black or brown substance that builds up on the inner walls of your chimney due to incomplete combustion of wood or coal. Creosote is highly flammable and can cause chimney fires if it ignites. It also reduces the draft of your chimney and affects its performance as well. Creosote should be removed by a professional who has the proper tools and techniques. 
• STRUCTURAL DAMAGE - Structural damage can occur due to weather and can cause your chimney to lean, collapse, or detach from your house. Structural damage can pose a serious threat to your safety and property and should be repaired by a professional licensed mason.