The weather in Southern Maryland means moisture year-round. Snow in the winter, rain in the spring, and high humidity. This means that your masonry chimney can be affected by moisture no matter what time of year it is. Masonry is constructed of many materials, all of which are adversely affected by moisture. This can turn your beautiful chimney into an inefficient eye sore rather quickly.
Your Solution for Cracking and Crumbling Brick
Tuckpointing is a tedious process. It’s when a certified chimney sweep removes damaged masonry brick by brick, chipping away the damaged mortar, and replacing it with new. This type of repair is essential when the damaged masonry is allowing moisture to penetrate the chimney. Water in a chimney can cause extensive damage, lowering system efficiency and raising fire risk. Your chimney also needs tuckpointing if your cracking masonry results in holes and falling bricks.
Many homeowners even decide to schedule tuckpointing services as cosmetic repairs to beautify their home in a case of spalling brick. This is a term used to describe brick that is loosening in the mortar, even falling out. This type of chimney face-lift can bring up the value of the home for appraisals, sales, and general curb appeal. When the tuckpointing job is complete your chimney will look just like new.
The Importance of Choosing a Certified Professional
For all of your chimney needs you should schedule services with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). Only a certified chimney sweep has the training and expertise to perform all chimney and fireplace maintenance needed during the life of your chimney. The task of tuckpointing requires the specific skill of matching the new mortar with the old in consistency, strength, and color. You don’t want your masonry repair to be obvious. The chimney sweep’s job is to restore the chimney back to function and beauty. Doing so in such a way that you never know there was a problem to begin with!
Avoid Water Damage and Costly Repairs
You can avoid water penetration and damage, however, by having your chimney system inspected annually. This is recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). You can also ask your chimney sweep about waterproofing services. These will protect your masonry from the start with a special treatment which allows the vapors to escape through the masonry, but prevents water molecules from entering. This type of treatment is only available to industry professionals. Therefore it can be applied during one visit from your chimney sweep. Waterproofing your chimney can prevent the need for tuckpointing altogether.
Our sweeps at Chesapeake are trained and experienced in chimney inspections, waterproofing, masonry repairs, and especially tuckpointing. If you have concerns about your cracking or spalling masonry contact Chesapeake Chimney today. A tuckpointing expert is standing by!
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