The chimney can develop cracks over time, due to weathering and passage of time. Those cracks can develop outside or inside of the chimney and those cracks, minor or major can lead to serious problems. The chimney is actually made of bricks and covered with mortar. However, both brick and mortar are strong material but are not invincible. With time, they need maintenance to remain in good shape. Thus, it is only natural to see the chimney developing cracks due to regular use and weather exposures. What causes these cracks? Read on to learn more.
Cracks in a Chimney
There are a number of reasons that can lead to cracks and other problems. The weather elements and the quality of brickwork on your chimney play a big role in how much wear and tear the chimney face can. Vertical cracks are common, but remember that even small cracks can lead to big hazards down the line. Here are most common reasons behind those chimney cracks.
- A Faulty Construction: The cracks could develop at any place in the chimney. You could see cracks in the brickwork or near the flue and those point to construction errors. If the chimney does not get a solid foundation, it can get a disturbed balance that can lead to the formation of cracks. An improper construction and other errors are the culprits here behind those cracks in the chimney. You need to find a good Boca Raton chimney company, to prevent this.
- Weather and water – Weather is another reason behind the chimney cracks, especially if one lives in an area with extreme weather such as lots of rain and stores. The chimney cap should be strong, made properly and operate at peak efficiency, s that the water does not get inside and weaken the chimney flue, which can lead to the building of those cracks. Moreover, water can
- Weeds and foliage – If you see any plants and vines or any weeds growing out of the brickwork of the chimney, you have reasons to worry. After all, those plants, even if small, can cease damage to the bricks and destroy the mortar that holds them together. It is best to spray an herbicide and let the plants die. Remove the foliage carefully and gently with the help of a putty knife from around the chimney.
Other probable reasons behind the chimney cracks are the pressure placed by the chimney mounted antenna and even Earthquakes or other disturbances that can shift a house out of alignment and cause cracks in the chimney. If you catch those problems early and fix the bricks and mortar in time, you will not have to deal with the issue of cracks in the chimney. Any mortar or brickwork that is cracked and crumbling needs to be replaced. Get a chimney expert to repair the cracks and go for the annual inspection of your chimney to prevent any cracks or leaks. Sometimes, the loosened bricks will need to be replaced with a new one and fresh mortar applied. Checking brickwork for new signs of cracks is very important for the safety of your home and the chimney.
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