Tuckpointing and Chimney Repair St. Charles, MOIf your fireplace has soot or a bird’s nest in your chimney, be sure to have it professionally cleaned by a chimney sweep before building another fire. However, if you have cracked brick or mortar, you may need St. Charles Masonry Pros services. We provide brick repair and restoration in St. Charles, Missouri and surrounding areas.
We are experts in tuck pointing and masonry repair, and can give your fireplace and and chimney an inspection for problems related to cracks or brick deterioration, water leaks, lightning damage or smoking/venting problems. For any brick or stone fireplace repairs, you have found the tuck pointing professionals- we restore both function and charm to fireplaces, chimneys and walls west and south of St. Louis. Our main focus is residential brick repair and stone masonry repair. Have an idea for a custom masonry build? We can do that too! To brick patio flooring, to garden paths and firepits, we are your go-to masonry contractors for any job. At our initial free assessment, there may be some road blocks in getting a full inspection- for instance if your chimney is too high or you have a steep pitch roof. So be aware we may need extra tools to make another visit. |
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Firebox Problems. The most common problems we see within the firebox are cracked and deteriorated brick or mortar, water infiltration, and improper dimensions of the firebox (often causing smoking into the room).
Cracks. Cracks in the walls of a firebox or interior chimney lining are considered a fire hazard. Deposits from fire waste particles can eventually form on the walls and inside cracks. This material is called creosote, and can be dangerous as it can re-ignite from sparks rising in the chimney. Therefore, it’s important to keep these walls free of creosote build-up and to promptly repair any cracks.
Water Infiltration. Water that gets in a chimney can cause several problems, and needs to be prevented with a good chimney cap and crown. Water entering the flue mixes with creosote and is acidic. This can cause rusting of the damper, and can eventually deteriorate the brick and mortar. Water can also get through any cracks in the chimney crown, the chimney shell, or through faulty flashing where the chimney meets the roof. These kinds of leaks can be quite frustrating to diagnose, and can also cause water damage to ceiling and flooring materials adjacent to the interior fireplace.
Chimney Deterioration. Besides lightning damage, chimneys are susceptible to other common problems. Brick and mortar can become worn down over time. While most bricks should last more than 100 years, many blends are more porous and softer, and may last only 50 years or less. “Spalling” occurs through freeze-thaw cycles, when rain soaks into the brick, then freezes and expands and causes the inner layers to break off. Mortar joints can also deteriorate or develop premature voids, depending on type and methods used when initially constructed. If you have a brick chimney repair job, give us a call.
Cracked Crowns. Loose brick and brick deterioration can occur with a cracked or loose crown. Mortar crowns shrink, crack, and deteriorate quickly, and water can then enter the top of the chimney. Brick can then pop loose or deteriorate, and contribute to problems with other chimney components and adjoining construction materials.
Flashing. Two kinds of flashing are typically installed which prevents water from entering between the roof and chimney. Primary flashing is installed by roofers and is positioned below the shingles. Counter flashing overlaps primary and is cut into the brickwork, and is usually installed by masons. Just a small breach in this flashing can cause a large leak, as water falls into this opening during rainfall.
Chimney Caps. Every chimney needs a cap with a spark arrestor. Without it, water will pour into your fireplace through this huge opening whenever it rains, potentially causing damage to several parts of your fireplace. Here are reasons why your chimney needs a cap:
St. Charles Masonry Pros is a full service masonry contractor company serving St. Charles, Missouri. We specialize in all aspects of brick and stone, ranging from small repairs to large new projects. Some of our projects include: steps, mailboxes, fireplaces, retaining walls, patios, and decorative landscape features such as waterfalls. We are a professional licensed and affordable team of St. Charles, Missouri masonry contractors. When considering a masonry contractor for your project please call us for a free estimate (636) 202-0144 (click to call)
Cracks. Cracks in the walls of a firebox or interior chimney lining are considered a fire hazard. Deposits from fire waste particles can eventually form on the walls and inside cracks. This material is called creosote, and can be dangerous as it can re-ignite from sparks rising in the chimney. Therefore, it’s important to keep these walls free of creosote build-up and to promptly repair any cracks.
Water Infiltration. Water that gets in a chimney can cause several problems, and needs to be prevented with a good chimney cap and crown. Water entering the flue mixes with creosote and is acidic. This can cause rusting of the damper, and can eventually deteriorate the brick and mortar. Water can also get through any cracks in the chimney crown, the chimney shell, or through faulty flashing where the chimney meets the roof. These kinds of leaks can be quite frustrating to diagnose, and can also cause water damage to ceiling and flooring materials adjacent to the interior fireplace.
Chimney Deterioration. Besides lightning damage, chimneys are susceptible to other common problems. Brick and mortar can become worn down over time. While most bricks should last more than 100 years, many blends are more porous and softer, and may last only 50 years or less. “Spalling” occurs through freeze-thaw cycles, when rain soaks into the brick, then freezes and expands and causes the inner layers to break off. Mortar joints can also deteriorate or develop premature voids, depending on type and methods used when initially constructed. If you have a brick chimney repair job, give us a call.
Cracked Crowns. Loose brick and brick deterioration can occur with a cracked or loose crown. Mortar crowns shrink, crack, and deteriorate quickly, and water can then enter the top of the chimney. Brick can then pop loose or deteriorate, and contribute to problems with other chimney components and adjoining construction materials.
Flashing. Two kinds of flashing are typically installed which prevents water from entering between the roof and chimney. Primary flashing is installed by roofers and is positioned below the shingles. Counter flashing overlaps primary and is cut into the brickwork, and is usually installed by masons. Just a small breach in this flashing can cause a large leak, as water falls into this opening during rainfall.
Chimney Caps. Every chimney needs a cap with a spark arrestor. Without it, water will pour into your fireplace through this huge opening whenever it rains, potentially causing damage to several parts of your fireplace. Here are reasons why your chimney needs a cap:
- To keep water from entering the flue
- To keep birds, squirrels, and other animals out.
- To keep other debris out (such as leaves or nesting material) which could cause blockages.
- To help prevent fireplace odors caused by dampness and/or animals.
- To block sparks and any burning airborne debris from exiting the chimney.
- To help prevent or limit downdrafts in windy conditions.
St. Charles Masonry Pros is a full service masonry contractor company serving St. Charles, Missouri. We specialize in all aspects of brick and stone, ranging from small repairs to large new projects. Some of our projects include: steps, mailboxes, fireplaces, retaining walls, patios, and decorative landscape features such as waterfalls. We are a professional licensed and affordable team of St. Charles, Missouri masonry contractors. When considering a masonry contractor for your project please call us for a free estimate (636) 202-0144 (click to call)
St. Charles Masonry
We serve all of St. Charles county including Chesterfield, O'Fallon, Wentzville, Lake Saint Louis, St. Peters, Weldon Spring and Foristell (636)202-0144 |