Brick Mortar Repair for Chimneys

The mortar between masonry has a much shorter lifespan than the bricks—25 years max as opposed to a century or more. Brick mortar repair for chimneys is often required sooner than other parts of a masonry structure due to constant exposure to harsh outdoor elements. This is one of the many excellent reasons to schedule annual chimney inspections, as recommended by leading fire safety experts. Keeping a diligent eye on chimney mortar means the difference between paying for mortar replacement and facing the cost of a full or partial chimney rebuild.

The Dual Purpose and Makeup of Brick Mortar

Brick mortar for chimneys performs two essential functions. First, mortar binds individual bricks together, acting as an adhesive to ensure a robust chimney structure. Secondly, chimney mortar seals gaps, thereby preventing the intrusion of moisture and outdoor air.
Sand, lime, and water are the primary ingredients in mortar. The porous nature of brick mortar enables it to absorb and release moisture without compromising the structural integrity of a chimney.

What Causes the Deterioration of Brick Mortar?

Besides cracking and flaking due to normal wear and tear, what else causes the deterioration of mortar? Moisture is the primary contributing factor leading to a need for brick mortar repair for chimneys. The chimney crown, chimney cap, and chimney flashing are all part of the effort to keep moisture out of the chimney masonry system. When any of those chimney components fail, the deterioration of mortar can be accelerated.

Once water gets into masonry, a destructive process begins that affects the mortar and much more. For instance, if salts are in the makeup of bricks, moisture will dissolve them. The salt moves to the brick face, resulting in white, powdery staining of the chimney. Mortar can absorb the salt, contributing to its breakdown.

The freezing and thawing cycles of winter cause moisture inside bricks to expand and contract. This movement eventually results in the breakdown of the bricks, which go flat if they aren’t replaced quickly enough. The chimney could begin to lean. These events also cause mortar to lose effectiveness.

Brick mortar joints might crack, and mortar can crumble due to external impacts, such as lightning strikes, excessively high winds, and falling tree branches.

What Can Happen When Mortar Deteriorates?

Flaking, cracking mortar joints are unsightly, but that’s not the worst that can happen. Gaps in the mortar between bricks provide an entry point for moisture, leading to potential damage to the home interior, mold growth in the chimney, wood rot, and a need for brick replacement. A draft can enter your home, increasing energy costs. Damaged mortar can decrease the value of your home because a chimney in poor shape signals potential problems that could turn prospective home buyers away.

Act Quickly to Benefit from Tuckpointing

If mortar is the only potential problem with your chimney, it is possible to schedule tuckpointing, also known as mortar replacement. Professional chimney sweeps can remove the old mortar and replace it with fresh mortar—and there is no need to dismantle your chimney. When the job is completed, your chimney will have like-new structural integrity.

You can have your chimney waterproofed as an extra layer of protection against moisture. Waterproofing of your chimney should be performed by chimney sweeps who will know the correct type of waterproofing product to use and the best application method.

However, once moisture has infiltrated your chimney system, a partial or full chimney rebuild becomes your only option. Only then can your chimney be waterproofed.

Is Your Mortar Deteriorating? Call Chimney Solutions Chattanooga

The uniformed experts at Chimney Solutions in Chattanooga TN are CSIA-certified and, in addition, have certifications from the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Georgia Chimney Sweep Guild. In our unregulated industry, you must entrust your chimney to those with proper training, the best industry equipment, and a dedication to professionalism. Brick mortar repair for chimneys is a job for trusted pros. Contact Chimney Solutions in Chattanooga today if your mortar is crumbling or if you need any other chimney repair or fireplace installation services. Call us or fill out our online form today.