Reasons You Might Need a Mason to Repair Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace in your home, there is a chance that it might need some repair work. It is important to have repairs done so that your fireplace is safe for you and your family.

Masons are skilled craftsmen who can help you get the job done properly and safely. They have the knowledge and skills to repair a variety of masonry problems, from a chimney to an exterior wall or foundation.

Damaged Chimney

Regardless of age or design, all chimneys will need some repair and maintenance from time to time.

When this occurs, you’ll want to call a professional who specializes in chimney masonry repair to fix the problem. This is because a poorly-done job can make future problems worse.

Damaged mortar joints, which are spaces between bricks or stones that hold the chimney together, can increase the risk of the structure collapsing on your home and its contents.

Cracked mortar joints are especially susceptible to this damage in cold weather climates.

The best way to prevent damage is to have a reputable mason repair the mortar joints on a regular basis. These repairs are typically a simple process that involves scraping out deteriorated mortar and filling it in with a strong new mortar compound.

Leaking Chimney

If you have a leaky chimney, it is very likely to cause damage to your fireplace and surrounding walls. This can be especially dangerous for children or pets, so it is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible.

The first thing to do is to find the source of the leak. It can be difficult to do this on your own, so we suggest hiring a professional who is familiar with your fireplace and its components.

A common issue that causes water to seep into the chimney is deteriorated mortar joints on the exterior of your chimney. These joints often need to be repaired with repointing or tuckpointing.

Chimneys are exposed to the elements all year round, which can make them prone to damage and breakdown. The best way to prevent this from happening is by having your chimney inspected regularly. This will help you catch any problems before they become a problem that can be very expensive to fix.

Cracked Chimney

When chimneys crack, they can cause serious damage to your home and fireplace. They may allow gases and soot to leak into your house, creating a health hazard for you and your family.

You’ll want to inspect your chimney for signs of damage every one or two years. Look for loose or missing flashing — the metal sheeting that keeps water out of the join between your roof and chimney, and cracks in the mortar or masonry.

During heavy rainstorms or earthquakes, the bricks on your chimney can shift and break. It’s important to catch these issues early on so they can be repaired.

It takes a few weeks for the mortar on your chimney to reach its full strength. This process is known as curing.

Strong winds can exert a considerable force on the mortar as it cures. This tension forces the mortar to crack and can be especially common in new chimneys.

The best way to protect your chimney from damage is to get it inspected by a professional chimney sweep or mason. These professionals will evaluate the problem and recommend a solution that will prevent further problems.

Damaged Fireplace

If your chimney is damaged or no longer working properly, you might need a Mason to repair it. Chimneys are complex structures, with numerous parts that function to ensure safety.

Masonry fireplaces consist of a firebox (where the flames travel), a hearth (where the burning fuel is placed) and a flue, which exhausts the smoke, heat, and combustion gases upward through the top of the chimney.

A fireplace’s other components include a damper and flue cap, which are designed to control venting. These pieces seal when the fireplace is not in use to prevent rain, debris, birds, squirrels, and other unwanted animals from entering the chimney and causing a fire hazard.

A masonry fireplace can last over 100 years with proper care and maintenance. However, it is common for masonry to crack or deteriorate over time. Luckily, masons can repair a wide range of masonry issues and ensure the strength and integrity of your fireplace.