Water and Your Masonry Chimney

Do you have concerns when it comes to water and your masonry chimney?

A masonry chimney is one part of the home that is taken for granted most often. Few receive the concern or attention needed to maintain them for long-haul. It’s easy to take this part of your home for granted when they function reasonably well, even without proper care.

We know all too well that home owners often don’t add chimney cleaning to their to-do list until after a problem occurs! At Doctor Flue, we want to provide you with information and preventative maintenance regarding water and your masonry chimney so you can stop future deterioration.

Weather damaged lining systems, flue obstructions, and loose/broken masonry materials all present a threat to residents. Regular chimney cleanings and inspections are essential to prevent damage and save you from future high-cost chimney repairs. Don’t forget – if you’ve had your masonry chimney relined with a stainless steel liner, it is still important to maintain the exterior masonry structure.

Materials Affected By Water in Your Masonry Chimney

A masonry chimney is constructed of a variety of materials, including brick, mortar, concrete, concrete block, stone, and clay flue tile.  All masonry chimneys contain combinations of these materials, which are adversely affected by direct contact with water.  Plus, prolonged contact with water and your masonry chimney means accelerated deterioration.

Masonry materials break down quickly when exposed to the freeze/thaw process. That is, where moisture has penetrated the materials and periodically freezes and expands to cause undue stress. Water and your masonry chimney can also cause rust, weakening or destroying any metal parts.

*NOTE – While most stone is not affected by water penetration, large amounts of mortar are required to bond the stone together properly.  Thus, a stone chimney – just like a brick chimney – should be protected from the effects of water penetration.

Types of Damage from Water to Your Masonry Chimney

Water can cause the following issues:

• Rusted fireplace accessories and glass doors
• Water stained walls and ceilings
• Clogged clean out areas
• Stained chimney exterior
• Cracked flue lining system
• Erosion of interior mortar joints
• Collapsed hearth support and or tilted or collapsed chimney structure

In addition, when water mixes with creosote in a wood-burning chimney system, it will generate a foul odor that can permeate a home. Take action and make repairs now or maintain your fireplace and chimney before damage occurs.

Questions?

Please visit our homepage at www.drflue.com.  You can find more information and remedies for water issues under the “Resources” tab.  When you select this button a list of options will appear, scroll down and highlight “Water and your chimney” to read the additional information.

If you have further questions or concerns, please call us at toll free 1-800-438-3583.  Thank you!