Chimney cracks are always a cause for concern. If your chimney flue has cracks, noxious fumes may leak into your home. Not to mention cracks may allow moisture to infiltrate your chimney, which in turn may damage brick and mortar and weaken your chimney’s structure.
If you notice cracks on your chimney, schedule a chimney inspection as possible. The sooner the cracks are located and chimney repair is started, the better.
What are the usual culprits behind chimney cracks? Batts’ Chimney Services lists them below:
Exposure to the Elements
Prolonged exposure to heat, rain and hail will eventually take its toll on your chimney and cause cracks to form on its masonry.
Moisture
Normally, the chimney crown and mortar would prevent moisture from getting in between your chimney’s masonry and damaging them. However, if a large amount of water manages to make its way onto your chimney and seep into the brick and mortar’s tiny pores, it might be able to infiltrate your chimney and cause cracks.
How do you prevent moisture from causing cracks in your chimney? Have a chimney company waterproof your chimney by applying sealant. You can also have them install a roof cricket, which diverts water away from your chimney.
Settlement
Your chimney (which is one of the heaviest parts of your home) has concrete footing underneath it to provide enough support. However, settlement in your chimney’s foundation can cause your chimney to lean and cracks to form on its masonry. To straighten your chimney, contractors may need to use foundation piers and wall anchors to level its foundation.
Sloppy Construction Work
Cracks may form on your chimney if it wasn’t built properly. For instance, there should be proper clearance between the chimney flue and the inside of the chimney wall. Otherwise, when the chimney flue expands, it will press into the brick and cause cracks to form. Fortunately, design flaws can be easily avoided by always vetting a chimney sweep or contractor before hiring them.
Looking for an experienced chimney sweep near you?
Batts’ Chimney Services, a company with more than four decades of experience, offers professional chimney cleaning and repair services. To get a free estimate, call us at (205) 956-8207 or (256) 660-1338. You can also fill out this form.
