As we find ourselves at the start of yet another year, for many, that means several months of cold and wintry weather ahead before spring. Those of you who are fortunate enough to have a fire or stove, will know just how great these things are during the cold weather.
Of course, to keep a fire burning efficiently, you must ensure that the chimney is in a perfect state of repair and that it is functioning as it should. A fully functional chimney will not only improve the draw of your fire and ensure that it burns hotter, but more importantly, it will ensure that the fire burns safely.
One of the most common issues that people face when it comes to chimney maintenance, is a chimney crack. Once a chimney is cracked, the problem will only continue to get worse, which is why you need to act fast. In order to repair, resolve, and prevent cracked chimneys, you need to understand what causes them.
Here are the top 5 causes of chimney cracks and what you can do to fix them fast.
What are Chimney Cracks?
We won’t go into too much detail here because a cracked chimney is fairly self-explanatory. Despite this however, it’s important to understand the different types of chimney crack and what to look out for.
Hairline cracks, for example, are small and extremely thin cracks in the chimney. Sometimes they’re so small that they’re barley visible to the naked eye. There are other types of crack that can affect chimneys as well, including horizontal, vertical, and corner cracks, as well as step-stair cracks. These get their name from the fact that, when they split the masonry, they create a pattern not too dissimilar to a set of steps or stairs.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor hairline crack, or a group of different cracks affecting different parts of your chimney, knowing what causes them and how to fix them will save you a considerable amount of time, effort, stress, and money down the line. As if this wasn’t enough, it’s also much safer and could literally save lives. Yes, a cracked chimney really is that serious.
Top 5 Causes of Chimney Cracks
For anybody with a chimney looking to prevent cracks and keep it in the best possible condition, here are 5 of the top causes of chimney cracks and what you can do to fix and prevent them.
Age
As great as chimneys are, like everything else, the older they get, the more maintenance they require to keep them in great condition.
Older chimneys, for example, have been exposed to more fires, more smoke, and more harsh weather, which means that they are far more likely to crack and become damaged.
Older chimneys can work just as well, if not better, than newer chimneys with a more modern design, but they do still require a lot of maintenance. This is because the materials used in the construction of the chimney can begin to degrade and break down over time. As they become weaker and more brittle, this leaves them more susceptible to cracks and other similar types of damage.
The easiest way to prevent older chimneys from becoming cracked and damaged is to have them inspected regularly, and to maintain them regularly. If you notice any chips or cracks in the mortar, don’t leave them to get worse, take care of them right away before they have chance to spread.
Moisture
Perhaps the most common cause of a cracked chimney is excess moisture regularly finding its way into the chimney.
If water is able to make its way into the chimney, it can weaken the mortar and lead to cracks and breaks. Ironically, these then allow yet more water to get inside, resulting in yet more cracks and more damage to the chimney. This is especially true during the winter months if the water freezes.
The best way to prevent moisture from getting into your chimney is waterproofing it sufficiently. Ensure the chimney crown/cap is working as it should, ensure the flashing and seals are watertight, and consider using a waterproof masonry paint.
Poor Construction and a Lack of Maintenance
If your chimney has been built and installed incorrectly, or using cheap materials, this also makes it far more susceptible to cracks and damage.
Even if your chimney has been designed, built, and fitted correctly, if it hasn’t been maintained regularly or correctly, cracks can still appear.
If you are having a brand-new chimney built and installed, make sure the correct materials are used and that the work is carried out by qualified professionals. As far as maintenance goes. Inspect your chimney regularly and if there are any issues, take care of them immediately.
Weathering
Because of the fact that external chimneys are constantly exposed to the elements, they are of course prone to weathering.
Depending upon the climate in which you live, the rate of degradation due to weathering will vary. Heavy wind, rain, snow, and ice for example, are all prime culprits when it comes to chimney cracks, though harsh sunshine can also be a problem as it may weaken the mortar.
The easiest way to prevent chimney cracks caused by weathering is to weatherproof your chimney as much as possible. This includes things like sealing and waterproofing, providing shade whenever possible, installing weatherproof caps and crowns, and maintaining your chimney regularly.
Expansion and Contraction
Finally, because materials are constantly contracting and expanding within a chimney, expansion and contraction can lead to chimney cracks.
As you burn the fire and the chimney heats up, materials expand. As they cool they contract. The opposite applies when it comes to freezing temperatures and moisture. Constant expansion and contraction can weaken the mortar and joints, opening up small cracks which only continue to get bigger.
While you can’t do anything about temperature fluctuations, you can ensure that the mortar is in good condition and that any gaps or cracks are filled.