Chimney contractor Markham ON
Masonry Markham is proud to offer extensive chimney services, specifically chimney repairs, restoration and rebuilds. Not only is a damaged chimney an eyesore, its protective role is compromised, particularly if environmental elements like moisture get into different structures of the chimney.
Chimney restoration projects typically involve either a: i) chimney brick repair, ii) chimney lining repair, or iii) chimney crown replacement. There are some telltale signs that a chimney rebuild or restoration is needed. Some are obvious, and some need a closer vantage point to be able to see it. Sometimes, they’re detected upon regular chimney inspections or when a specific repair job is requested and a different area of damage is observed. These include:
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- Mortar joint defects: the mortar connecting individual bricks is usually one of the more vulnerable components of the entire chimney structure as it is more likely to flake and crumble, leaving the entire unit susceptible to damage including brick spalling mentioned above. A process called tuckpointing is often utilized to not only strengthen the mortar joints, but to create a beautiful fine joint appearance.
- Efflorescence: this is a fancy term that describes white/gray salt deposits on the masonry building units (i.e. brick, stone, concrete), that leaves a clue that water was present. Excessive efflorescence is an indication that water is present in large amounts and can damage the chimney from various entry points.
- Clues in the fireplace: this can include fallen tiles or pools of water forming at the base of the fireplace, both of which indicate damage from above and needs to be promptly addressed to halt or reverse the damage that is already happening.
- Damaged chimney crown: as the name implies, this is the that covers the chimney chute and prevents debris and water from entering. If there are cracks in the protective crown, then this can result in water damage. You will then likely need a chimney crown replacement to restore the protective cap barrier.
- Damaged flue: the flue is the inner lining of the chimney, and depending on the material, some flue linings are more susceptible to heat and stress and are more likely to be cracked. Cracked flue needs to be promptly repaired, as the heat can enter into areas of the home leading to a fire and safety hazard. As such, since this damage is not obvious unless a chimney contractor is called upon to inspect it, it might be wise to schedule annual or biannual inspections to ensure the flue is still intact, particularly when the fireplace is actively used.
Masonry Markham is excited to combine our commitment to excellent customer service with our unparalleled workmanship. We never cut corners to superficially drive the cost down, as we do our brick chimney repair with longevity in mind. We’re confident you’ll be thrilled with our work, and we hope to work with you soon.
