As the days grow longer, the air becomes warmer, and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s clear that spring is now upon us, which means that summer is right around the corner. Spring is the perfect time to tackle those jobs you’ve been putting off over the cold, dark, winter months, particularly if you own an open fire or stove.
During the winter, a stove or fireplace will quickly pay for itself. They give off an enormous amount of heat, they add value to a property, plus they’re great focal points as well. Unfortunately, they do need a lot of looking after, especially when it comes to your chimney.
Chimneys are vital for ensuring that fires in the home work as they should. Not only do they help the fire to draw correctly, they also exhaust smoke and harmful materials out of your house. Unfortunately, the more they’re used and the older they are, the more maintenance they’ll require.
One of the most common signs of chimney damage is spalling bricks. But what are spalling bricks and what do they mean for your chimney? Let’s take a look.
What are Spalling Bricks?
A chimney isn’t just functional, it can also work wonders when it comes to the overall aesthetics of your home as well. The problem is, because chimneys are constantly exposed to the elements, and because they’re used so much during the winter, they can begin to deteriorate and breakdown.
Spalling bricks basically refers to damage to the bricks, usually cosmetic. If you notice the bricks on your chimney starting to look flaky, chipped, cracked, or damaged in any form, this could be down to spalling.
A little spalling damage is perfectly normal with chimneys exposed to the elements, especially where the weather can be pretty severe. It can begin with a few chips or flakes here and there, or a little loose mortar. If you act fast and patch any obvious spalling issues up, you can nip the problem in the bud nice and early. However, failing to act quickly can leave the chimney susceptible to a wide range of other problems, as the issues will only continue to get worse as time goes by.
What Causes Spalling Bricks?
While excess use, general wear and tear, and age are all factors when it comes to chimney brick spalling, the primary culprit is of course moisture.
A chimney is constantly exposed to the elements 24/7, all year round. That means that the weather can potentially cause a lot of damage, especially if it’s damp. Rain, sleet, snow, and ice for example, can allow water to penetrate into the brickwork and seep inside. When this occurs, the problem quickly worsens. As more water penetrates into the masonry, it can weaken it, cause it to soften, and even wash away in heavy rain.
During the winter, the problem is often exasperated due to the fluctuations in temperature. During the day, water could seep inside, but at night, when temps drop, it could freeze, before thawing the next morning. This constant contraction and expansion can weaken the mortar and joints, causing the brickwork to become damaged and mortar to become dislodged.
Another cause of chimney spalling is poor construction, or simply, the use of poor quality materials. With more porous, low-quality bricks for example, more water will penetrate inside the bricks, which is when trouble can really begin. Once spalling occurs, the problem will only get worse, which is why it’s important to act so quickly.
Signs of Spalling Chimney Bricks
If you own a chimney, it’s important to act as vigilant as you can and keep an eye out for any signs of damage, or any potential problems. Knowing what to look for can give you a real advantage and can help you stay one step ahead of any problems.
A few common signs of spalling chimney bricks include:
- White powdery residue coating the outside of the bricks
- Visible cracks or chips
- Peeling, flaking, or chipped brick surfaces
- Loose mortar or other debris
- Discolored bricks
- Water pooling
- Visible signs of damp, mold, and/or water damage
- Hollow sounding bricks
- Weak or brittle bricks
- Brick dust or loose mortar on the ground below your chimney
How to Fix Spalling Chimney Bricks
If you notice any visible signs of spalling bricks on or around your chimney, it’s important to act quickly, as the problem won’t take care of itself and will only get worse as time goes by.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do. Here are a few tips on how to fix spalling chimney bricks.
Replace Damaged Parts
One of the simplest and most effective ways of taking care of spalling chimney bricks is to replace any damaged parts as soon as you can. Whether this means new mortar, or a new chimney crown or cap, the sooner the damaged parts are repaired or replaced, the better.
Waterproofing
While this is more of a temporary fix, or a repair for very minor water damage, waterproofing or sealing your chimney is also an option when dealing with spalling bricks. It won’t repair existing damage, but it will stop the problem from getting worse until you can carry out the necessary repairs.
Tuckpointing
If you notice visible mortar damage, or if you can spot mortar missing from your chimney in places, a process called tuckpointing could be an option. Tuckpointing basically involves adding newer, stronger mortar to help reinforce the structural integrity and strength of the chimney. Just be aware that this process is only recommended when there is very minor masonry damage.
Installing a ‘Cricket’
In order to help divert water away from your chimney, you can have what is known as a ‘cricket’ installed. This V-shaped structure is installed on the higher side of your chimney and basically helps to divert water and debris away from the chimney, rather than pooling behind it, which could then damage your bricks.
Bring in the Pros
Finally, if your chimney bricks are spalling and in need of repairs, it could be worth bringing in the professionals and leaving it to them. Sure, they don’t work for free, but that way you know the job will be done professionally and you’ll save money in the long run anyways.