How Freezing Water Will Damage Your Chimney

Water in its normal state can cause all sorts of damage to a masonry chimney. When water freezes into ice within the masonry, serious problems are guaranteed.

Chimney Solutions of Chattanooga, TN, would like to share some information about the dangers of freeze-thaw cycles where your chimney is concerned. We’ll discuss:

• What freeze-thaw cycles are
• The types of damage they can do
• How to resolve the damage
• How to prevent damage in the future

What is a freeze-thaw cycle?

Freezing and thawing occur throughout regions where air temperatures cycle above and below the freezing point. When talking about chimneys, a freeze-thaw cycle refers to water moving into the bricks, freezing, expanding, and then melting.

After the ice melts, more water can get into the expanded cavity. Another round of freezing will cause more expansion and thus more internal damage. This can go on throughout the cold months; hence, the term “cycle.”

How freeze-thaw cycles damage chimneys

Some level of internal damage is unavoidable when water freezes in bricks. Pronounced damage can cause the mortar between the bricks to deteriorate, thereby weakening the structure.

If a water leak is allowed to move into the chimney system, you can end up with damage to the chimney liner, interior masonry, the fireplace damper, the firebox, and other parts of the system. Damage to parts of the home structure is also possible.

Early warning signs of chimney damage

Watch for:

• White staining on the bricks, which means water is getting into them
• Small cracks in the bricks
• Crumbling sections of mortar
• Deterioration in the concrete chimney crown, which is also susceptible to freeze-thaw damage
• Leaks in the attic; water stains on ceilings or walls
• A chimney that leans to the side

These signs can point to freeze-thaw-cycle damage and other types of damage. If you spot any of them, schedule a chimney inspection.

Resolving chimney damage from freeze-thaw cycles

A chimney that’s been damaged by freezing, expanding ice can be repaired. Qualified chimney service companies offer:

• Brick replacement
• Tuckpointing to replace sections of missing mortar
• Chimney crown repair and rebuilding
• Repair of collateral damage caused by a leaky chimney

Only a licensed and certified chimney technician should perform these repairs. They’re not jobs for a handyman or a homeowner.

Preventing future water-intrusion problems

After repairs are complete, have your technician apply a waterproofing sealant to the chimney’s masonry. This will keep water out of the inevitable small cracks in the bricks that show up over time.

You can also waterproof the chimney crown at the top of your chimney to keep water out and protect the bricks below.

Is it time to have your chimney looked at?

If you’ve noticed any of the freeze-thaw-cycle damage signs listed above, it’s time to call Chimney Solutions of Chattanooga, TN. It’s also time to contact us if you notice anything odd about the way your chimney operates, looks, or smells. We have the tools and training to solve every chimney problem the right way.

You can reach an experienced chimney technician by phone or through our contact form.