Though we tend to think of a masonry chimney as a permanent, solid thing, time and weather can cause cavities to form in the brickwork, especially in the mortar. When this happens to your Rochester home, chimney tuckpointing needs to be completed to prevent further damage to the chimney structure. But how do you know if your chimney needs tuckpointing as part of the repair process?
How to Tell When Your Chimney Needs Tuckpointing
Here are some common signs that tuckpointing may need to happen on your chimney:
- Cracks or gaps have formed in the mortar. As the mortar ages, weather takes a strong impact on it, causing erosion, as well as freeze-and-thaw damage.
- There is water leaking into the chimney. This is a sign that you may have water infiltrating all the way through into the interior of the chimney.
- The mortar has a soft, powdery feel. As mortar ages, it begins to break down, which is the source of this feeling, as the sand, cement, and similar materials spall off the surface.
- There is staining or discoloration on the bricks. As crevices, cracks, and gaps form, they funnel water down specific areas of the brick, causing the brick to discolor inconsistently.
- It’s becoming hard to see the original brick pattern. Mortar often provides a contract to the color of the brick, so this sign shows that the mortar is receding from the face of the brick.
- Pockets or crevices are forming in the mortar or masonry. These are a serious issue, as they can cause water or moisture to build up causing additional damage from freezing and thawing.
- Gaps are forming between the bricks. These features form as the masonry continues to erode, and if not repaired, can cause significant damage to the chimney structure.
By understanding when you need to have chimney tuckpointing and repairs for your Rochester home, you can stay on top of maintenance that needs to be done and you can prevent damage to the chimney itself. If you have a chimney that may need tuckpointing or other repairs performed, the friendly professionals at Four Winds Chimney can help. Please feel free to contact us today with any questions or to schedule a consultation.
