Chimney Rebuilding vs. Re-Pointing: What’s the Difference?
Chimneys are prone to damage and, when it comes to repairs, the primary difference between chimney rebuilding and re-pointing is timing. It’s impossible to benefit from good timing when chimney maintenance is neglected. On the other hand, it is a sign of shrewdness when re-pointing work is the type of chimney repair needed because, overall, it can significantly reduce chimney maintenance costs. In most cases, chimney rebuilding is on the opposite end of the scale because it is the most drastic type of chimney repair that may be required.
Chimney Re-Pointing
Chimney re-pointing is a procedure that addresses damaged mortar joints early in the stage of deterioration. If the crumbling mortar is not addressed early on, water will be able to enter the masonry. Once moisture intrusion occurs, re-pointing is not possible. Although chimney masonry can last more than 100 years, mortar only lasts about 25 years, at best. When deterioration begins to occur, it’s time for chimney re-pointing. The procedure restores an important line of defense against moisture and also restores the appearance of masonry chimneys.
During the re-pointing process, degraded mortar is removed, which is typically easy to do. In some cases, however, hard cement-like material was used as the mortar and a chisel is needed to remove it. Components of the existing mortar are usually analyzed so that a mortar match can be created. The gaps are then re-filled in between bricks and the structural integrity of the chimney is restored.
Waterproofing
After re-pointing work is done, it’s a good time to get your chimney waterproofed. Having waterproofing materials sprayed onto your chimney by a professional can help you cut chimney maintenance costs because it helps to keep moisture out. Waterproofing is only recommended if a chimney sweep expert has verified that the masonry does not contain water due to a leak or breach of some kind within the masonry system.
When is Chimney Rebuilding Required?
Bricks are very porous, and the design of chimneys addresses the importance of keeping moisture out of the masonry system. When cracks develop in the chimney crown, mortar crumbles without being repaired, or moisture enters the masonry in some other way, the action is needed. It is necessary to remove bricks that contain moisture because of the destructive effect of moisture. During the freezing and thawing cycles of winter, the moisture expands and contracts but the bricks do, also. Masonry begins to deteriorate. At some point, spalling occurs. That’s when the brick face begins to pop or flake off.
If you ever see masonry debris around a chimney, you know that there is spalling, and partial or complete chimney rebuilding is needed. If the damaged bricks are not removed, they will continue to deteriorate. Eventually, the chimney structure will begin leaning and could collapse altogether.
Contact the Masonry Experts at Chimney Specialists Inc.
Learning about chimney damage is nothing any homeowner welcomes but finding out about mortar deterioration or water intrusion is better than ignoring what’s going on. You can cut chimney maintenance costs by scheduling re-pointing services once mortar begins to crumble. With an annual chimney inspection from our trained and NFI-certified chimney sweeps at Chimney Specialists, Inc., you have the valuable benefit of a chimney expert evaluating the condition of your fireplace and chimney system. Our chimney sweeps know how to recognize signs of damage that a layperson may not see. Schedule a chimney inspection, chimney re-pointing, or chimney rebuilding services today using the contact information below.
Chimney Specialists Inc.
869 Main Street, Highland, WI
Phone: (608) 929-4887 / Toll Free: (800) 395-6660
Dubuque Fireplace & Patio
925 Century Drive, Dubuque, Iowa
Phone: (563) 582-5156
