When a chimney has suffered extensive damage and is beyond simple repair, it will eventually require the expertise of a masonry expert to rebuild it. Leaving it unaddressed will only lead to more serious problems for your roof and the safety of your home and family. Learn more about chimney rebuilding for your home and why it’s important not to ignore here.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Rebuilding
Sometimes a simple repair may suffice to fix the issue and sometimes what appears to be minor can actually highlight a bigger problem. But can you tell when your chimney is past the repair stage? Here are some signs to look out for:
Leaning Chimney
Is your chimney starting to lean to one side? If so, you should call in a masonry expert to check if the structure has become unstable. If you ignore the problem for too long, your chimney could eventually collapse and lead to serious damage to your roof and property.
Water Damage
Have you found signs of water damage in your attic or stains on your ceiling? It could be in relation to your chimney. If the crown at the top becomes cracked or damaged, the entire structure will eventually start to deteriorate. When this happens, water can get into your home and cause all kinds of problems. If not addressed in time, the water can also damage the rest of the chimney and cause it to crumble which requires more than just a simple repair.
Spalling Bricks
Notice any random bits of bricks on your yard? If they’re from your chimney, this is a sign that you have spalling bricks. And when bricks start popping off your chimney, it’s definitely time to call a professional. In most cases, these old bricks can be replaced with new ones, but if your chimney has signs of noticeable deterioration or structural issues, you may need a full rebuild.
Chimney Fires
Have you ever experienced a small chimney fire? If so, you should have it inspected for cracks or accumulated debris in your chimney system. Small fires may seem harmless because they are “inside” your chimney, but they can actually destroy your entire chimney system. And in many cases, chimney fires cause the mortar to melt and deep cracks to form. If this happens, you may need to have the whole chimney rebuilt to fix the structural damage and prevent it from crumbling in the future.
Lightning Damage
Though it’s not something you’ll see every day, lightning damage can happen and impose significant damage to the chimney. When this happens, it can cause cracks to the crown, flashings and caps. Have it inspected for any damage as soon as possible.
Types of Rebuilds
Full Rebuild
A full rebuild will include tearing down your chimney and rebuilding it from the bottom up. This is the best option when there’s significant damage to your entire chimney system and not just one small area. However, if there are major structural concerns or minor issues that have the potential to fester into bigger problems, your masonry expert may recommend a full rebuild over a partial one.
Partial Rebuild
You can also have certain parts of your chimney rebuilt without fixing the entire system. For instance, if the crown that sits on top is cracked or broken, it’s possible to rebuild that section only without having to tear down the entire chimney. A partial chimney rebuild might also include adding an extension for better protection and performance.
Fireplace Rebuild
Just because your chimney needs rebuilding doesn’t necessarily mean you need to also replace the fireplace. However, it’s a good time to consider rebuilding your fireplace if you already need to address your chimney.
If your chimney is crumbling, leaning, or even just showing signs of minor damage, it’s important to call a masonry expert. At GWS Masonry, we’ll inspect your chimney to ensure that it’s structurally sound and safe. If there’s any cause for concern, we’ll recommend a repair, partial or full rebuilding project. With our dedicated team, you can expect an honest and reliable service with 30 plus years of experience and knowledge behind us. We’ll match your mortar and replace it with the best quality materials on the market. Plus, we guarantee to complete your project on time and budget. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to book a free consultation.