Emerging Trends in the Chimney Repair Industry

Chimneys must be constructed of sound bricks or concrete blocks in order to keep moisture and smoke out of homes. A damaged chimney could allow moisture and smoke to leak in through gaps between its bricks or blocks and leak into homes, leading to dampness or smoke entering homes through leakage.

Cracks in chimneys can be repaired using high-heat mortar. Simply mix up a batch and apply using a tuckpointing tool. And also look for the reliable chimney repair companies.

1. Waterproof Chimneys

Waterproofing chimneys is a critical component of protecting them against rain, snow and sleet. Masonry materials used in chimney construction contain pores which absorb moisture quickly – leading to cracks, gaps and other forms of deterioration over time. Waterproofing protects against this by sealing it against moisture penetration into the structure.

Professional waterproofing services have the knowledge and skills required for an efficient waterproofing process. First they will remove any debris that has accumulated on the chimney before cleaning it in preparation for waterproofing; once this step is completed they will then apply waterproofing material.

When selecting waterproofing material, it is crucial that it is breathable as non-breathable options may cause the masonry to spall and crumble. Furthermore, selecting one suited to the condition of the chimney chimney would also be wise – clear sealer provides additional protection from UV rays and pollutants in the air that damage masonry over time.

2. Concrete Sealers

Concrete sealers prevent the absorption of water, ice and salts that cause surface damage or corrosion and provide more even appearance on concrete surfaces. There are various forms available to meet specific needs and circumstances.

Topical and penetrating sealers are two primary categories of concrete sealers. Topical or film-forming sealers create a protective film over surfaces using acrylic resins, making application simple and providing exceptional protection. Although these are cost-effective solutions that offer good coverage, their soft nature means that they may require periodic replacement due to wear-and-tear. Penetrating sealers typically offer longer-term solutions.

Penetrating sealers penetrate and react chemically within the capillaries of a substrate to form an impenetrable barrier within. Made up of either silicates, silicones or silica chemistries and water or solvent based versions. Penetrating sealers provide excellent protection for dense and porous concrete blocks, stucco walls and mortar surfaces while still being breathable – ideal for outdoor conditions due to protecting against harsh exposure conditions.

3. Brick Repair

Chimneys can deteriorate over time. Cracked brickwork may become an issue and, if left unaddressed, may necessitate extensive masonry works to repair.

Cracked chimney crowns allow water to seep between bricks, down the flue and into your home through any gaps between bricks or along its perimeter. A chimney relining company can apply crown sealer, which is an elastomeric coating which prevents existing cracks from widening while stopping future ones from appearing.

Chimney repointing companies offer effective repairs for cracked mortar joints by employing tools known as tuck pointers to remove loose fragments before buttering the new joint with a trowel – this ensures the new mortar binds properly with brick. Once filled, misting it with water to help cure it properly and lower the likelihood of future crumbling or dissolution of new mortar on walls of chimneys.

4. Flue Resurfacing

Chimney flues are designed to safely convey combustion by-products away from combustible materials in your home. Unfortunately, chimneys can become damaged through various means, including natural house settlement and sudden weather events that cause bricks to separate or crumble and the mortar that holds these bricks together to degrade over time.

Having open mortar joints or fractures within your chimney flue lining may allow carbon monoxide poisoning into the home or heat and creosote transfer from fireplace to framing in your house, potentially leading to chimney fires that cause structure damage, health concerns and even the possibility of loss of life.

There are various solutions to fixing these issues without incurring the costs associated with replacing a chimney liner, including joint repair services. A joint repair service involves using a foam applicator blade designed specifically to fit into your chimney and placed directly below each gap or crack to apply HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant mixture by way of applicator tool. When finished, smooth surface coverage is then achieved as blade is pulled upward.