A professional can fix a chimney crack by remortaring or sealing it. These repairs cost between $150 and $500.

A cracked chimney is dangerous and requires professional attention. It can let water into the masonry and cause major problems. Contact Chimney Repair Baltimore now!

A chimney that leaks can damage the house and furniture, as well as lead to mold and other health issues. Chimneys can also collapse if they’re too damaged to be repaired.

Damaged Mortar Joints

A brick wall’s mortar joints can develop cracking and crumbling, compromising the overall appearance of a masonry structure. In some cases, these issues may also lead to more serious structural problems. To prevent damage and extend the life of the structure, it’s important to regularly tuck point the mortar joints to ensure they’re intact and properly sealed.

Tuck pointing is a delicate process that requires attention to detail and precision to avoid damaging the existing masonry structure. The first step is to assess the condition of the masonry structure and identify areas with cracked or deteriorating mortar joints. Once these areas have been identified, the old mortar should be removed carefully using a cold chisel and hammer to avoid damaging the surrounding brick. Once the masonry has been cleaned, a mortar repair caulk can be applied directly to the joints.

Several factors contribute to the development of damaged mortar joints. Moisture is one of the most common causes, as water can cause mortar to become weak and brittle. This is especially problematic in colder climates, where repeated freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on mortar joints.

Often, it’s best to apply the new mortar using a caulk gun, which can be easier for beginners than a traditional mortar mix. A sanded acrylic caulk such as Quikrete Mortar Repair provides the texture and color of mortar, making it an ideal project for homeowners who are hesitant to tackle more complex projects. Before applying the caulk, make sure the area is clean and free of grease, dust, or loose debris and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application. After the caulk has been applied, a masonry brush can be used to smooth and even the joints for a clean finish.

Cracked Crown

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped protective cap that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its appearance, structure and function. When properly cared for, a dental crown can last a lifetime, but like any other dental restoration, it can be susceptible to damage. When a dental crown cracks, it can lead to significant dental issues that require urgent attention.

Dental crowns can be cracked for a number of reasons. Impacts to the mouth when playing sports or falling can crack a tooth, chewing hard foods can crack a crown, and teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause them to break. A cracked crown can also expose the underlying tooth to infection and bacteria.

Fortunately, a cracked crown can often be repaired without replacing it completely. Depending on the severity of the crack, treatment options may include dental bonding or composite resin. In addition, a dentist can use a dental veneer to repair a minor chip in a crown.

Some signs of a cracked crown can be localized pain around the crown, a change in its appearance, or the feeling of a loose tooth when biting down or applying pressure to the crowned tooth. A lingering pain after the stimuli have been removed is another indicator of a cracked tooth under a dental crown. Seeing a dentist promptly will allow them to assess the situation and determine the best course of action to protect your dental health. In severe cases, splinting the cracked tooth to neighboring teeth can help stabilize it and prevent worsening of the crack.

Damaged Bricks

While brick is strong and resilient, it can still be susceptible to damage from water. When moisture seeps into a brick chimney it can lead to deterioration and structural problems over time. This is because brick is porous and absorbs water like a sponge. This moisture can cause a number of different problems including spalling bricks and corrosion of metal components such as flue gas and fire dampers.

Chimneys with deteriorating masonry and crumbly mortar should be repaired as soon as possible. This can be done using a process called tuckpointing, which involves removing and replacing damaged mortar with new mortar. When performed properly this repair can restore the strength and stability of a chimney. In severe cases of masonry deterioration, the chimney crown may need to be rebuilt.

Another way to prevent further masonry damage is by applying a breathable waterproof sealant. When this is applied and reapplied at recommended intervals, a chimney can be protected from water damage that leads to further deterioration and expensive repairs.

Chimneys can also be protected from water infiltration by caulking the crown and by replacing deteriorating flashings. In addition, a professional chimney sweep can apply a waterproofing agent that will allow the masonry to breathe but will keep water out.

It is important to note that working on a chimney is hazardous and should only be undertaken by a professional with experience in chimney repair. Working on a tall chimney requires special safety equipment, such as a specialized fall-arresting harness that is attached to the ridge of the house and a tool kit that includes a metal hammer and a chisel. This equipment can be rented from home improvement stores and tool-rental outlets.

Leaning Chimney

A leaning chimney is not only an unsightly hazard, but it can also be dangerous. Chimneys can weigh thousands of pounds, and if they topple over onto your home, it can cause serious damage and lead to death or injury.

Several things can cause your chimney to start leaning or tilting. It may be caused by masonry damage that weakens the structure, which can cause a shift in weight that causes it to lean. Older homes often didn’t include a chimney footing, and that can make the chimney prone to shifting over time.

It can also be caused by poor drainage, which allows moisture to penetrate the foundation of your home and slowly erode it over time. This process eventually causes the foundation to crack, which can also contribute to a leaning chimney.

If your chimney starts to tilt, it’s important to contact a professional immediately. They can assess the extent of the damage and provide you with a range of solutions, including a complete chimney rebuild. Many homeowners try to resolve a leaning chimney by filling the gap with masonry, caulk or insulation, but this only hides the problem and doesn’t address the root cause of the shift.

The most effective solution is a foundation repair technique called helical piers. These piers look like giant screws and are driven underneath your chimney footing until they reach a load-bearing soil layer, at which point they’re locked in place with brackets. Once the piers are in place, hydraulic jacks slowly lift the chimney back into its original position. In most cases, this repair can be performed without the high cost and disruption of demolition and rebuilding.

Water Damage

Chimneys are built to withstand the elements, but that doesn’t mean they can’t suffer damage from weather over time. Exposure to wet and wintry weather can cause bricks to crack or chip, deteriorating the mortar between them and leaving gaps that let water into the chimney itself and possibly into your home. These minor issues can become major problems if left unaddressed, affecting the structural integrity of your chimney and allowing smoke and carbon monoxide to enter living areas in dangerous quantities.

Look for signs of water leaks, like stains on your ceilings and walls near the fireplace. You might also notice a chimney leak right around the flashing, where it meets your roof. This is a common place for water to seep into a chimney, and it can be easily fixed with a new flashing and caulk job.

Another sign of water damage is a chimney leak that leads to rot in the masonry. Over time, water that reaches the masonry can freeze and thaw in the winter, expanding its volume and causing the bricks to break apart. This type of water damage is called spalling, and it’s often a sign that you need to replace your chimney.

Both metal and prefabricated chimneys can develop water damage over time, but the best way to avoid it is to have routine inspections and repair any masonry damage as soon as you notice it. It’s also a good idea to have your chimney waterproofed after any repairs are completed to help it withstand the elements for years to come. Contact Able Roof today to learn more about our chimney services, including regular chimney maintenance and inspections.