Chimneys take the worst weather
A chimney stands past the roof line. Wind hits it from all sides. Rain soaks it. Heat from the flue bakes it. Its joints fail before house walls do. Here is what to watch for.
1. Bits fall from joints. If you can pull chunks out by hand, water is getting in.
2. White stains on brick. White crust means water moves through the brick and leaves salt.
3. Brick faces flake off. Faces pop when water is trapped in the wall. Hard mortar often causes it.
4. Cracked crown. The cap on top should shed rain. When it cracks, water runs down the flue.
5. Rust stains. Rust on metal parts means water is reaching deep in the stack.
6. Gaps at the roof line. Failed joints where stack meets roof let water run behind brick.
7. A lean. Any tilt means joints have lost grip. Call a mason soon. This one will not wait.
What the fix looks like
Bad joints are ground out. New mortar goes in to match the brick. The crown is sealed or rebuilt. Most chimney jobs take a day or two. A lean needs a close look first.
Questions about your brick? Call (301) 679-9193 or send the form. Estimates are free.