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Firebox Cracks Repair a Complete Guide The more you know about what makes your home safe, the better! One of the most important things to remember is that firebox cracks are something that should be taken seriously. If you want to learn more about why this is and how it will affect your home read the whole post to inspect and find our if you need firebox cracks repair services or not.  Causes of Firebox Cracks Firebox cracks can basically be caused by three things: heat, age, and wear and tear. Heat is one of the biggest causes of firebox cracks, as intense heat causes the steel in your firebox to expand and contract. This results in cracks forming over time. Age also plays a big role, as older fireboxes tend to crack more easily because they are made from thinner materials. Additionally, while it may not come as much of a surprise, wear and tear can lead to cracking and is worth mentioning here. If you want to ensure that your family remains safe from a fire when in the house, it is vital to look for signs of damage to the fireplace firebox. Here are some areas that need inspection to determine if a repair is needed: Cracks in the Mortar Cracks in the mortar between bricks could lead to smoke leakage into your home. They can also result in lint and creosote buildup on the brick surfaces, which ultimately increases the risk of an accidental fire occurring at home. Broken or Loose Bricks If there are any broken or loose bricks around your fireplace, these need immediate attention, as broken pieces could fall and cause serious injuries. Loose mortar between bricks can also allow smoke to enter your home or compromise the structure’s integrity. Discolored Area on the Front of the Firebox Any discoloration on the outside of the firebox could indicate excessive heat escaping from the fireplace, which requires urgent repair. This color change, known as spalling, usually occurs when too much direct heat seeps through. Tilting Hearth This is a major issue because not only does it make cleaning more difficult, but it can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. If the hearth tilts to one side or moves up and down, you should contact a mason to fix the problem immediately. Firebox Cracks Repair If you suspect you already have cracks in your fireplace or are experiencing smoke issues related to the firebox, it’s crucial to contact a chimney repair professional. A professional can inspect your home, identify the root causes, and help resolve these issues. Remember, for serious issues like these, hiring an expert is always the best option! So there you go! I hope these tips will be helpful if you ever need firebox crack repair services. The main thing to remember is to take these issues seriously. Every year, many fires start because of firebox cracks, so taking the necessary steps to resolve these problems is essential before they get out of hand! Get Your Firebox Crack Repair Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Stone Veneer for fireplaces what are the benefits? A stone veneer fireplace is a great addition to any home. It creates an ambiance that can’t be matched in any other way. Stone has been used for centuries, and with the modern advances of technology, it’s easier than ever to update your old fireplace or install one into your new home.  The stone veneer is an extremely versatile, very attractive and low maintenance way to decorate your fireplace. The flexibility of this medium means that it can be applied to virtually any surface. The beautiful appearance of these stone veneer fireplaces make them a great addition to almost any room in the house. They are also very affordable which makes them one of many popular choices for homeowners looking to improve their home without having go over budget. Stone Veneer Fireplace Benefits There are many reasons why people choose stone veneer fireplaces, but here are our top five: Easy Customization Stone veneer fireplaces enhance the look and feel of rooms. Veneer stones come in numerous colors, providing anyone with an opportunity to make their fireplace stand out. They are often lighter in color than actual stone, which is ideal in situations where the existing surface is either dark or very light, thus contrasting with the natural color of the new stone veneer. Budget Friendly It is generally less expensive to use stone veneers as opposed to other options that offer comparable aesthetics and durability. The cost-saving properties of this type of material often make it a popular choice for smaller projects like interior fireplaces, as it is easy to install and affordable. If you want to give your fireplace a facelift without spending a lot of money or undertaking a huge project, stone veneer can be a perfect choice. Stylish Appearance A quality stone veneer will give any room a more stylish appearance at a fraction of the price of traditional building materials, which is why it is popular among both homeowners and masonry contractors. More advanced techniques can be used when applying these products to ensure they are extremely durable and long-lasting. One example is using the thinnest mortar for installation, which allows for minimal “settling” after installation, reducing the chance for chipping or cracks in the future. Increase Value Having a stone veneer fireplace in your home can make it more appealing and valuable when the time comes to sell. Buyers appreciate aesthetic details, so a stone fireplace may enable your home to sell faster and for a higher price. Thickness A further advantage of veneered stone is that it comes in different thicknesses, making it easier to use in nontraditional applications. Typically, the thickness of stone veneers ranges from one to eight inches. Depending on the application, some stone veneers may also accommodate several inches of additional thickness. This advantage over other stones gives homeowners more flexibility when working on projects like indoor fireplaces that require thicker materials. Get Your Stone Veneer Fireplace Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

A guide about stone veneer fireplace It is impossible to imagine anything more inviting during the chilly winter months than the cozy glow of a fireplace. With beautifully designed fireplaces you can make these days classier and memorable. It’s why stone veneer is becoming a popular design feature in new homes. Homeowners are not restricted to stone surfaces only when they build or update hearth areas; stone veneer can be installed instead of natural stone for much less cost and maintenance. Thanks to high-tech products, homeowners can now easily create fire features within virtually any structure without confined spaces or large free-standing hearths. In many parts of the Canada including Fredericton, wood fireplaces have been replaced by gas or electric fireplaces as the main source of heat for a home. In some cases, they may even be non-functional or used merely for visual appeal rather than to provide warmth and ambiance. The thing is, even if you don’t plan on ever building a fireplace in your new home design –or updating your existing one – installing a veneer over concrete or another substrate can still be a great idea that provides instant curb appeal and enhances any room’s decor. With today’s high energy costs, homeowners are more aware than ever of their environmental footprint; using stone veneers instead of natural stone is an easy way to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills by reusing materials that have already been quarried. Stone Veneer Fireplace Requirements During the veneering process, custom curved profiles are created by heating the surface of stones with a propane gas flame until they become soft and pliable enough to bend. While this unique approach to stone fabrication is ideal for creating gentle curves around glass doors or other architectural details in your home’s design, it is not suitable for every installation. For example, if you don’t want large overhangs protruding from above your fireplace opening or vents where they do not belong because of code restrictions or physical obstructions, you need to choose another type of stone or wood product instead of fabricating your own stone veneer. Strength Stone fireplace veneers are manufactured with high-strength adhesives that offer high shear and peel strengths to ensure they won’t crumble or detach from the substrate, even after years of direct heat exposure. Firing temperatures for stone veneers range up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on their thickness. Just remember that the thicker the material you choose, the more heat it will be able to withstand without breaking down or warping. Appearance The overall color and appearance of a stone veneer is determined by the chemical makeup of its natural stone materials as well as other factors such as coating additives, glues used in fabrication, firing temperatures and dyes. Each manufacturer will have a unique formula that not only creates amazing natural stone looks, but also differentiates between its product and other veneer materials. You can choose from a variety of colors or textures, including sandstone, slate, granite and limestone. Do you have a plan to upgrade your fireplace with stone veneer this winter? Just give a call to Atlantic Brick and Stone for a free consultation about all the ways to upgrade your fireplaces. We also provide fireplace repairs, masonry repairs, and other building construction services. Get Your Stone Veneer Fireplace Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Try these popular fireplace makeover ideas? The beauty of a fireplace can instantly transform a room. No matter if you are remodeling or just want to update your space, here are some ways to modernize your fireplace and make it look great before colder weather hits Fredericton. To improve the appearance of your home, why not try one of these 14 fireplace makeover ideas? 7 Makeover Through Addition Build Shelves into Both Sides of the Fireplace The sight of a fireplace standing alone on a wall can be somewhat lonely. Add shelves on both sides of a wall to increase storage in your home and to fill it with more visual appeal. It will also make your room seem larger and more spacious. Install Tiles on the Hearth The mantels come and go. It is the hearth that has always been there, a decorative barrier between the fire and the shag carpet. Try adding some colorful tiles to spice things up. Changing the entire look of a fireplace — and a room — takes just a few weekends by installing new tiles. Install Tile Around the Fireplace Adding a tile edge around the fireplace instantly updates it. This is an easy project and the results are astounding. The existing tile might need to be tiled over or the whole tile could be pulled out. There are many options for ceramic flooring, including glass mosaics and marble herringbone tiles. You can incorporate a personal element into your fireplace design by working with an interior fireplace contractor. Remodel the Mantel to Fit Your Style A simple mantel surround made of MDF and wood becomes a charming addition to a small fireplace. You will love the new look of your fireplace after building a new mantel. Add Columns to a Fireplace Mantel If your fireplace already has a mantel, this fireplace makeover idea will work well. Make your fireplace more impressive by installing columns along the mantel. Hang Wood Planks Above the Fireplace The installation of plank wood above your fireplace will give the illusion of a bigger fireplace and higher ceilings. A dramatic look can be achieved by painting the planks in any color to match the decor. Herringbone tiles and white planks can add a beautiful touch to your fireplace. Install Stone Veneer Over Brick Do you want to replace an old brick fireplace? Install stone veneer or stone wall tiles to cover it and extend to the ceiling. Adding a custom fireplace mantel to a room with high ceilings will make this makeover even more dramatic! 6 Makeover Through Paint Whiten Your Brick Fireplace A whitewash is a reasonable intermediate step between painting and leaving a brick fireplace untouched. The rustic look and color of the brick will still remain, but if you don’t like the colors, they’ll be softened to give you a fresh look. Use a Bold Color to Paint the Brick Fireplace Whitewashed brick fireplaces that look beautiful are not the only choice, as you can choose other colors as well. Consider painting your fireplace black to give it a contemporary appearance. You may also combine it with a wooden mantel for a chic look! Vibrant colors, like teal, can also bring out the best results. When you want to redecorate it in the future, you can easily paint it another color. Turn a Painted Fireplace into a Brick-Looking One Perhaps you bought a house where the previous owner painted over the bricks, and you don’t like the appearance. You can paint the bricks so they look like bricks! This also allows you to choose the brick color that suits your decor. Keep the Brick Fireplace Stained If you don’t want to paint, consider staining your fireplace. For example, a gray fireplace stained with a traditional red can create a warmer, inviting look. Spray Brass Accents Brass is becoming popular again, but if brass accents on the fireplace aren’t your style, simply spray them away for an updated look. Overlap Old Tiles with Fresh Paint Painting over a fireplace surround you don’t love is an easy way to upgrade your heating system temporarily. Consider a trendy black paint or use a stencil to create a mosaic look, like a Moroccan tile effect. 1 Makeover Through Rebuilding Convert Your Fireplace into a Concrete Fireplace This project involves a bit of work, but the results are fantastic. With the help of Atlantic Brick and Stone, you can turn your brick fireplace into a concrete one for a modern, sleek look. This fireplace makeover idea is budget-friendly and transforms your fireplace entirely. It’s no longer necessary to live with a dated fireplace with these makeover ideas at your fingertips! Are you planning to give any of these fireplace remodel ideas a try, or looking for more inspiration? Contact the Atlantic Brick and Stone team, and we’ll be happy to assist in transforming your fireplace into a more modern look. Get Your Stone Fireplace Design Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Professional Fireplace Mantel Designs Ideas A fireplace’s mantel is often the first thing that comes to mind when most people picture it. The display area is where keepsakes, family photos, and other decors can be found. One of the best things about this place is that the seasonal decorations come out every year to evoke fond memories. Many homes have a mantel as the focal point of the room. In this post, we will share with you some professional fireplace mantel designs ideas. Mantel is Not Necessary It was historically necessary to have a fireplace mantel to prevent smoke from escaping the grate. A mantel is no longer a necessity with modern fireplace technology. Though it doesn’t seem necessary today, many people like to incorporate this time-honored characteristic when creating mantel designs. Fortunately, since the mantel no longer serves any functional purpose, there is design freedom to give a unique look. Whatever trend is prevalent in living room design, you can build a decorative mantel that fits. Stone Texture Creating a mantel from the stone around the fireplace is an excellent idea. Build a shelf above the grate by extending or rotating the pieces. A smooth shelf or one with a playful irregularity can be produced by the type of stone used. A uniform mantel can also be created by incorporating a large horizontal stone piece. Regardless of how the mantel integrates, it will create a visual texture that is elegant and pleasing to the eye. Luxurious Rustic Design Materials and colors combined will transform any house into a unique and appealing space, so if rustic luxury is the look you’re after, a mantel might be the right choice as part of your decor. You can create a simple, natural mantel using a single beam of wood. In different shapes, you can convey a heavy, bold theme or a sleek, streamlined one. Consider leaving the wood rough-hewn or adding a live edge to give the space a more rustic feel. The contrast of the wood makes a sophisticated appearance when it’s combined with other materials like marble, wallpaper, or slate. Turn the Corner Do not limit the mantel to just one wall when designing a three-sided fireplace or corner fireplace. Mantels that wrap around one or two corners can create an eye-catching look, especially when coordinated with the other elements of the room. Using the shelf to display items might also be appealing if you have extra surface area. Artistic Elegance Design freedom is yours, so why not use it? Utilize a variety of materials to create a sculptural mantel, such as driftwood, metal, plaster, brick and stone. You can create a look that is unique, regardless of whether your tastes tend toward the sharp edges of modern art or the organic curves of natural materials. A Playful Pattern A fireplace mantel gives you the opportunity to express yourself. You can incorporate a personal element into your fireplace design by working with an interior fireplace contractor. Maybe you told them about the intricately patterned tiles you saw on your last trip to your friend’s home in Fredericton. Perhaps you want to remember your colorful living room from your childhood. Your mantel design should incorporate imagery that brings a smile to your face every time you look at it. Mantels may not be necessary anymore, but that does not mean they should be permanently removed. Make the most of the opportunity to create a look that is uniquely modern and luxurious. Start with a clean slate and see what ideas develop; your imagination and creativity are the only limits. If you are still confused about how you can bring the best look to your fireplace mantel, call Atlantic Brick and Stone fireplace interior expert to find out more. We have an experienced team of designers who can help you choose some of the latest mantel designs. Get Your Stone Mental Installation Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Best way to clean your old brick fireplace Fireplaces provide the perfect focal point for living rooms, but they aren’t easy to clean. Even the best-maintained brick fireplace will accumulate some soot over time. Because bricks are porous, and they have small holes — cleaning them isn’t just a matter of wiping the soot away. Cleaning brick, however, can be made much easier through a few helpful tips. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning soot from a brick fireplace. Remove All Ashes from the Fireplace Let the fireplace become completely cold before starting. Whenever you’re ready to clean up, remove the grate and any leftover ashes. Remove the soot and dust manually by using a vacuum with a brush attachment. Wet Your Bricks There’s one trick to cleaning brick fireplaces: first wet the bricks with water, and then apply a cleanser and scrub them. As you will be working inside your home, make sure you put down a waterproof drop cloth first. By absorbing the water, the porous brick will block the absorption of soap and other cleaning solutions, so the soap will remain above the surface instead of sinking. The bricks can be wetted down using a masonry sponge, available at most hardware stores. Prepare Cleaning Solutions There are several options available; you can use many ingredients for this purpose, and most of them are easily available in your kitchen like vinegar, dishwashing detergent, lemon, or you can buy a readymade, more robust cleaner from any mart. But we will share with you the method to clean your brick fireplace with a vinegar solution. It is the best option to use diluted white vinegar, although it is acidic enough that it might damage bricks older than 25 years, so care must be taken. Make your cleaning solution using warm water and vinegar in equal parts. If you want, dishwashing detergent can also be added, but only a small amount—about two tablespoons per gallon is enough. Get the Bricks Clean In a spray bottle, put the gentler cleaners and spritz them directly on the bricks. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can use a sponge or paintbrush to apply the cleaning solution to the bricks. To avoid streaks on previously cleaned areas, make sure you work from top to bottom. Keep dry bricks under control by scrubbing the surface in circular motions with a firm, plastic-bristled scrub brush. After a few minutes, lightly reapply the cleaning solution and clean the soot stains. Wash with Water Before you move on to the next area, rinse the area you’ve just scrubbed. Each spot should be washed several times with a sponge dipped in clean water. The water needs to be changed if the rinsing bucket gets dirty or soapy. Remove Any Remaining Stains with a Spot-Cleaning Solution If there are stubborn soot stains on any large surfaces that have been cleaned with the solutions above, you may have to go back and clean those spots separately. To accomplish this task, either baking soda or cream of tartar mixed with water should be used. Let it sit for five to ten minutes, and then apply it to the remaining soot. After that, scrub with a stiff toothbrush or small scrub brush, then rinse with water. This is all you can do to clean your old fireplace’s brick. Don’t you like your old brick fireplace and want to upgrade your interior fireplace? You can call Atlantic Brick and Stone. We have a skilled team of fireplace interior designers that can guide you to transform the appearance of your old brick fireplace into a modern one. Get Your Fireplace Renovation Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Chimney Leak do you know these 4 main causes? In Fredericton, severe weather is more frequent throughout the year. It means there is a lot of rain, high winds, and lightning that could lead to damages and leak in your chimney. Despite the fact that the weather cannot be controlled, there are things you can do periodically to help prevent chimney leak. In this guide you will find information that what the 4 main causes of a chimney leaks are. 1. Damaged Chimney Caps It is essential that you keep water out of your chimney by using chimney caps. Water won’t flow down the chimney flue because these fittings cover the opening on the chimney’s exterior. Additionally, caps keep debris and animals from building up and prevent downdrafts. And they also keep stray sparks from landing on your roof. Despite the strength of chimney caps, any chimney cap can be damaged or blown off during bad weather. It is easy to replace a chimney cap when it is broken – simply call a professional to do it! There are a number of affordable caps available, and they provide unparalleled protection. If you require repair or replacement, do not hesitate to get in touch with our chimney repairs contractor in Fredericton. 2. Cracked Chimney Crown Crowns are made primarily for the purpose of keeping out the rain. A cracked crown can be caused by a shift in the structure or shrinkage. As a result, water can flow directly into the chimney. In most cases, a coating material can be used to fix this problem. Our team can help you replace or repair a damaged chimney crown. For a complete chimney inspection, you can call our Atlantic team at any time. 3. Rusted Chimney Flashing When the flashing is rusted off or pulls away from the chimney, water can seep into the structure and cause damage. To ensure the flashing around the chimney is in good condition, check the areas around the base of the chimney. A rusted flashing or one that is pulling away from the roof’s surface will have to be replaced. Flashing can be damaged by harsh winds and ripped away from a chimney easily, causing a chimney leak. 4. Damaged Masonry In most cases, water penetration damages masonry. Your leaky bricks and mortar joints can become brittle as they absorb water, causing cracks and crumbles. A freeze/thaw process is responsible for major leaks and water penetration, which will ultimately compromise the structure of your chimney. Be proactive when you suspect your chimney system is deteriorating, instead of allowing it to lead to costly chimney damage. You should call your nearest masonry repairs to fix the problem as soon as possible. If you suspect that your chimney has a leak, Atlantic Brick and Stone is here to help. We are experienced in the masonry industry and can help you solve any type of chimney problem. Get Your Chimney Repair Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

What is Chimney Crown and how to protect it? Crowns are the uppermost portions of chimneys. Its purpose is to vent smoke and fumes through the flue, preventing moisture from entering. It is designed for long-term stability and durability using cement and a wire mesh reinforcement. In order to prevent water from entering the chimney, the crown should have a sloped lip. In this article, we will discuss the chimney crown and how you can protect it. Chimney Crown Importance Chimney crowns are caps that cover the bricks, mortar, and stones used to build the chimney’s structure. In this way, moisture cannot penetrate the masonry of the chimney, which is at its most vulnerable point. Furthermore, it extends over the edge of the chimney by a couple of inches to divert rainwater or snow onto the roof or the ground rather than straight down to the base of the chimney, causing extra damage to the flashing. Why Crowns are Damaged The concrete is highly durable, but it isn’t impenetrable. Homeowners without annual chimney inspections by certified chimney services are unaware of possible chimney crown problems until they notice water inside their chimneys. Under the pressure of Mother Nature, exposed shingles can crack under the force of pounding rain, sleet, and snow. Cracks appearing on the crown of a chimney can allow moisture to enter the interior. Repairs are necessary for the crown to avoid further deterioration. Stacks in decline are at an increased risk for cracks in bricks and weaker mortar joints, which could compromise the chimney’s structural integrity. Chimney repair contractor may recommend repairing or sealing the crown of a damaged chimney, depending on the extent of the damage. Main Factors Leading to Chimney Crown Damage 1. Normal Wear and Tear The chimney cap waterproofing sealant will wear down with time. If the crown is not sealed again, water can penetrate the concrete. In a freezing and thawing cycle, concrete cracks and moisture penetrate through the masonry. 2. Poor Construction The chimney crown is more likely to crack or break if it does not have a steep enough slope or is not made from the right materials. 3. Settlement and Shifting of Homes It happens as homes settle and as the ground shifts. During this process, a chimney crown could break or crack. 4. Concrete Deterioration As concrete dries and ages, the moisture content in it evaporates, causing the concrete to shrink. A crack in the crown can result from severe concrete shrinkage. Chimney Crown Protection It is recommended to install a chimney cap to protect both the crown and the chimney. Basically, the cap serves as an umbrella and keeps the surface beneath dry. This cap is made of wire mesh which allows smoke and contaminants to vent while keeping small animals, pests, and debris out. In addition, a spark arrestor prevents embers from flying out of the vent and damaging the roof or surrounding area. Get Your Chimney Crown Repair Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Importance of Chimney flashing and when it needs to repair? As the chimney is constantly exposed to rain, snow, and hail, it is susceptible to corrosion and rust. Because of all the precipitation attacking your chimney, moisture is on the list of leading causes of masonry chimney damage. Water intrusion is prevented by many different mechanisms that are used in chimneys and homes. As you probably already know, your chimney cap and crown protect your home against moisture, but chimney flashing is another vital component. This blog aims to give you a better understanding of chimney flashing importance and when to repair it. What is Chimney Flashing? Flashings used in chimneys are metal sheets that are installed at the point where the chimney meets the roof. A metal barrier keeps moisture out of your roof and chimney, preventing it from getting into your house. Now you understand how important these little pieces of metal are. However, it’s important to understand that chimney flashing isn’t completely perfect. Wear and tear on flashing over time will require its replacement. You might find that it lifts or begins to rust. It is possible that pieces will break off. Or, even due to poor installation, you may face a water leakage. The flashing could be damaged or compromised at any time. Therefore, you need to maintain it and know what to do when it needs to call the technician for repairing it. Flashing Material For flashing, materials such as galvanized metal, copper, and stainless steel are commonly used. Galvanized metal is generally less expensive, but it is less resistant to corrosion and rust. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel and copper is higher. So it is up to you what type of material you want to choose for it. In order to ensure proper installation and sealing of flashing, it should be installed in layers. The seams should be caulked to provide extra protection. Flashing installation is technical work, so it is recommended you should always hire the best chimney repairs in your area. Regular Inspection Visually inspect your flashing on a regular basis. By that, I mean climbing up onto the roof and examining everything around the masonry chimney to check for any signs of damage. Make sure nothing is loose on the flashing. Moreover, make sure to visually inspect your flashing after severe weather. We recommend you should inspect your chimney at least twice a year. If you are not sure how to inspect the chimney, call your nearest professional services for proper inspection. Flashing Repairs Some of the most common repairs are to replace torn or damaged flashing caused by bad weather or animals. Some flashings were installed improperly from the beginning, so these need to be reinstalled by an experienced professional. This could have been due to the flashing materials being ineffective or the caulking wearing out. Flashing can be repaired in any season, but summer is an ideal time to address these issues. Performing flashing repairs is easier and smarter now than ever before. At Atlantic Brick and Stone, our technicians are ready for the sweat now, so your chimney works smoothly later on. With 15 years of experience in Fredericton, we have earned your trust. Atlantic Brick and Stone can solve your chimney flashing problems quickly by complying with industry standards and following the best practices in the industry. Installing or repairing your flashing will help prevent the penetration of water or critters as early as possible to avoid a major issue. Get Your Chimney Flashing Repair Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate

Crumbling chimney masonry – never ignore these signs On traditional homes, masonry chimneys look stately, but they are highly susceptible to damage from moisture and day-to-day wear. When chimneys are continually exposed to the elements, deterioration will only accelerate unless they are routinely maintained. It can be difficult to detect the conditions that lead to crumbling chimney masonry. Annual chimney inspections by a professional chimney service can tell them if chimney repair is necessary to prevent widespread crumbling of the brick and mortar. Here are some signs of crumbling chimney which you should never ignore. Why is it Crumbled? We are referring to the crumbling of bricks and mortar here. Several factors can contribute to this, including: Hailstorms Heavy thunderstorms Earthquakes Flooding Old Age Poorly constructed chimneys Repeated bad weathers Poor or no maintenance Some of these damage types can’t be prevented, but repairs can be made to any type of masonry damage. It is quite common for masonry to crumble as a result of water infiltration. Chimney Leak Inspection There are a few signs you should watch out for if you suspect a leak in your chimney: Crumbly roof masonry Badly discolored ceilings or walls Loose or cracked bricks A cracked chimney crown Near the chimney, water dripping into the firebox Bad smells coming from the fireplace Efflorescence on the chimney exterior Damaged chimney liners or damaged internal walls A chimney professional should be contacted if any of these signs are visible. A chimney flue inspection may be necessary to evaluate problems inside this structure. Repair Leaky Chimney Water will find its way in through cracks in the mortar joints and bricks of your chimney during rain and melting snow. As the moisture rests there, the materials begin to erode slowly. When moisture freezes and expands, it causes damage rapidly during cold weather. Early detection of this problem can help repair it and prevent it from recurring. Water repellents can be used to fill small cracks in the chimney structure, which will hinder water from entering the system. The process of tuckpointing can often resolve significant crumbling and brick problems, which involves scraping away decayed mortar and replacing it with a new compound. It might be necessary to rebuild the chimney completely or partially in cases of significant damage to restore safety and performance. Pro-Tips One of the most effective ways to prevent significant damage is to have your chimney inspected each year by a skilled chimney technician. Rather than relying on yourself, a professional can evaluate the extent of damage, what caused it, and where the damage actually is. Many chimney contractors can also handle chimney cleaning as well as chimney repairing and rebuilding. It is important to perform minor repairs as needed in order to maintain your chimney’s performance. You should not ignore crumbling chimney masonry as it is an early warning sign of a problem. Atlantic Brick and Stone offers chimney inspection, repairs, and rebuilding services in Fredericton. We also provide a free consultation. If you are looking for quality chimney services, give us a call. Get Your Chimney Repair Estimate Online Now! 506-304-0771 atlanticbrickandstone@gmail.com Request an Estimate