Chimney Restoration and Repair
Masonry Chimneys can fail in a number of ways and for a number of reasons. Weather is a major contributing factor to the wear and tear on chimneys. Our Wisconsin climate subjects chimneys to a continual cycle of freezing and thawing which can be brutal on a chimney. When restoring a masonry chimney, we want to not only fix the chimney, but solve the problem of why it failed in the first place. Know that your chimney professional is certified and regularly receives classroom and on the job training. We are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), which is an accredited institution in the industry
A simple crack at the top of the chimney (called the masonry Crown, or concrete Cap), can allow water intrusion into the interior of the chimney wreaking havoc inside the chimney and eventually inside the house. Cracks can be caused by weather related issues such as severe temperature fluctuations, wind, lightning or just wear and tear over a long period of time. It can also be caused a failed clay chimney liner. This is referred to as the Flue Lining System.
The function of a liner is to efficiently transport the excess heat from the home and protect the masonry from exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations. A failed liner will allow flue gases such as carbon monoxide along with acidic moisture to come in contact with the masonry section of the chimney. This causes the masonry’s temperature to drastically rise and fall. During our winter months this will compromise the integrity of the masonry at an accelerated pace and breakdown the masonry from the inside out. Best analogy for this is, imagine trying to drink something through a straw that has several holes in it. You will not get the ultimate performance unless that is fixed or replaced. A Chimney always wants to draft. If there is a failed lining system then more damage will be done to the chimney. Using the correct mortar will add longevity to the life of the chimney. For stone chimneys, Type “S” is used. For brick chimneys Type “N” is used. If the wrong mortar type was used originally, that may be a contributing factor as to why the chimney has failed.
Once your chimney professional has diagnosed that the problem relates to the masonry-work, we can suggest proper repair operations appropriate for your specific needs. In some instances your chimney may need “tuck-pointing”, which is the grinding away of deteriorated mortar joints and filling back in with the correct mortar. The most common restoration is usually rebuilding your chimney from the “roof-line”. That is the area where all 4 sides of the chimney are exposed to the elements. Years of on the job training and classroom instruction have enabled your Chimney Professional to properly rebuild your chimney to code. We follow the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 211). Wisconsin has adopted this standard as state code when building chimneys and fireplaces.
We have over 25 years of experience in the chimney industry. We specialize in the tough, hard to access jobs and historical chimneys. However, no job is too small. When inspecting and diagnosing your chimney we will tell you exactly what your options are. Your Chimney Professional takes great pride in restoring your chimney and treating your chimney like their own. We love to involve the homeowner (you) in every step of our process. We ensure that we get the closest match possible to bricks and stone and always try to get a perfect match on mortar color. We can handle all your masonry chimney needs from the ground up.
Chimney Restoration and Repair
Masonry Chimneys can fail in a number of ways and for a number of reasons. Weather is a major contributing factor to the wear and tear on chimneys. Our Wisconsin climate subjects chimneys to a continual cycle of freezing and thawing which can be brutal on a chimney. When restoring a masonry chimney, we want to not only fix the chimney, but solve the problem of why it failed in the first place. Know that your chimney professional is certified and regularly receives classroom and on the job training. We are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), which is an accredited institution in the industry
A simple crack at the top of the chimney (called the masonry Crown, or concrete Cap), can allow water intrusion into the interior of the chimney wreaking havoc inside the chimney and eventually inside the house. Cracks can be caused by weather related issues such as severe temperature fluctuations, wind, lightning or just wear and tear over a long period of time. It can also be caused a failed clay chimney liner. This is referred to as the Flue Lining System.
The function of a liner is to efficiently transport the excess heat from the home and protect the masonry from exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations. A failed liner will allow flue gases such as carbon monoxide along with acidic moisture to come in contact with the masonry section of the chimney. This causes the masonry’s temperature to drastically rise and fall. During our winter months this will compromise the integrity of the masonry at an accelerated pace and breakdown the masonry from the inside out. Best analogy for this is, imagine trying to drink something through a straw that has several holes in it. You will not get the ultimate performance unless that is fixed or replaced. A Chimney always wants to draft. If there is a failed lining system then more damage will be done to the chimney. Using the correct mortar will add longevity to the life of the chimney. For stone chimneys, Type “S” is used. For brick chimneys Type “N” is used. If the wrong mortar type was used originally, that may be a contributing factor as to why the chimney has failed.
Once your chimney professional has diagnosed that the problem relates to the masonry-work, we can suggest proper repair operations appropriate for your specific needs. In some instances your chimney may need “tuck-pointing”, which is the grinding away of deteriorated mortar joints and filling back in with the correct mortar. The most common restoration is usually rebuilding your chimney from the “roof-line”. That is the area where all 4 sides of the chimney are exposed to the elements. Years of on the job training and classroom instruction have enabled your Chimney Professional to properly rebuild your chimney to code. We follow the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 211). Wisconsin has adopted this standard as state code when building chimneys and fireplaces.
We have over 25 years of experience in the chimney industry. We specialize in the tough, hard to access jobs and historical chimneys. However, no job is too small. When inspecting and diagnosing your chimney we will tell you exactly what your options are. Your Chimney Professional takes great pride in restoring your chimney and treating your chimney like their own. We love to involve the homeowner (you) in every step of our process. We ensure that we get the closest match possible to bricks and stone and always try to get a perfect match on mortar color. We can handle all your masonry chimney needs from the ground up.