Chimney Deterioration

Ryan Long • May 11, 2023

What is Chimney Deterioration?

A properly constructed chimney has a very long life span, however, even a well-built chimney may periodically require maintenance and repair. Some common signs that your chimney is deteriorating are cracks in the bricks, cracks in the mortar joints, missing mortar from the joints, rubble around your chimney or on the roof, discoloration, and water leaking into your home. Of course, if you are like most homeowners and do not spend a lot of time on the peak of your roof looking at your chimney, you may not even notice the damage.

This brick chimney has seen better days. Here an entire brick has crumbled leaving room for water to enter and cause a leak.
Button
This chimney has spalled and left rubble all over the roof.
Button

The best way to be sure that your chimney is not developing an expensive problem is to have a qualified technician do a multi-point inspection and make honest recommendations on any required repairs. If you are curious about the major causes of chimney deterioration, we recommend you read about the freeze-thaw cycle over at our blog.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Search the Outpost

BUCK MODEL 81 WOOD STOVE & WOOD INSERT

30 May, 2023

BUCK MODEL 81 WOOD STOVE & WOOD INSERT

Chimney Problem Solver

By Lilah Utzurrum • 23 May, 2023

Welcome to Chimney Works’ Chimney Problem Solver™ This tool will help you find solutions to common chimney problems. Each problem is presented as a question we get from customers on a regular basis. An answer is provided, explaining why it happens and what can be done about it, along with references (links) to expert resources that will give you additional details. If we feel your problem is critical, we’ll display a warning like this: | Warning | Depending on the issue, we may recommend you stop using your fireplace or heating appliance right away and contact a professional.