For Chimney Tuckpointing & Masonry Repairs in Loveland, Call Mid-Valley Chimney Repair & Sweep LLC

• Faulty craftsmanship and subpar materials
• Erosion from exposure to extreme temperatures and moisture
• Increased pressure from the weight of the bricks
• Burrowing pests and insects
• Vegetation growing along the bricks and attracting water

What Is Tuckpointing?

We offer a lot in terms of chimney repairs, and one service most will need from time to time is tuckpointing. That said, when we refer to it, most come to us wondering what exactly this service entails. Well, we’re happy to give you a full rundown, as well as answer any questions you come across along the way.

Tuckpointing actually dates back to England in the 18th century. Back then, masons would tuck mortar into broken down mortar joints, giving the chimney a fresh, new look without the owner needing to spend a fortune in the process.

Nowadays, we still embrace these ancient techniques, only with the help of modern tools, knowledge, and technology. Essentially, we’ll remove any damaged or flaking mortar throughout your system, then replace it with new mortar that matches the makeup of the old. The end result is neat, clean lines that blend in seamlessly with the ones that are still in place.

What happens if tuckpointing isn’t completed promptly by a professional? Well, your chimney will only continue to suffer. If the deterioration in your mortar joints isn’t stopped and repaired, more will occur and spread throughout your entire system. Eventually, your bricks will begin to wear down, too, which could lead to a settlement, tilt, or even a collapse.

To sum up, this is one job you’ll want to get done early, not only for aesthetics, but for structural soundness and peace of mind as well.

Ready to schedule? If you live on Loveland Avenue, Navaho Drive, Oneida Drive, Tuscarora Drive, Sioux Drive, Main Street, Cherokee Drive, Bellwood Drive, Mohican Drive, Marbea Drive, Jilbe Lane, Shoemaker Drive, Riverside Avenue, Wakefield Street, Broadway Street, Oak Street, Hanna Avenue, Jenna Lane, Center Street, Woodcrest Drive, Dogwood Drive, Hickory Ridge Lane, Heidelberg Drive, or anywhere else in the area, give us a call today.

What Are the Most Common Types of Chimney Damage?

So, what’s most likely to cause chimney damage and deterioration?

• Water: Brick is a naturally porous material, meaning it absorbs water and locks it in. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause bricks to eventually break down. And in areas with cold winters – like here in Montgomery County – chimneys are subject to the freeze/thaw cycle, which is the damage experienced when that absorbed water freezes, expands, and causes cracking. As the freeze/thaw cycle repeats over the years, moisture will cause brick spalling and erode the mortar, leaving gaps in the joints.
• Natural Wear and Tear: A masonry chimney can last up to 100 years if it is well-maintained. Still, it will need some minor repair work throughout its lifespan. Years of use will have an impact on your chimney, so it’s important to have your chimney and fireplace place inspected regularly so that you can get ahead of small issues before they grow into major, expensive repair jobs. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend annual inspections with normal use. Also, keep in mind that mortar doesn’t last nearly as long as brick. Mortar begins to deteriorate after about 25 years – even with a good maintenance plan – and will need tuckpointing completed.
• Major Weather Events: Even the strongest chimneys are vulnerable to Mother Nature. There’s no way to prepare your chimney for a sudden weather event. A rainstorm with high winds can leave downed power lines and trees. A fallen tree limb can land on your chimney and damage it. There’s also the looming threat of a lightning strike. Chimneys are the highest point on most homes so they are a prime target for lightning. If your chimney is struck by lightning, it can crack the liner, damage the brick and mortar, or ignite the creosote that’s built up. Lightning can warp and damage metal chimney components like flashing and the cap, which will leave your chimney exposed to water.
• Flaws in Construction: Just as with any structure, faulty craftsmanship can impact a chimney well after it’s built. Both masonry chimneys (which are built on-site) and prefabricated chimneys (built in a factory and installed at the home later) can have undetected defects in its system. A chimney is composed of a lot of parts like the damper, smoke chamber, and smoke shelf. If one of these areas is defective, it will affect how well your chimney works in the future.
• Chimney Fires: Chimneys that aren’t cared for are more prone to experience chimney fires. Without regular sweepings or cleanings, creosote and soot can build up to dangerous levels. Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that sticks to the walls of your chimney when smoke doesn’t completely escape. After a fire, your chimney and home can be structurally compromised. Even in the case of a minor fire, you should have your chimney inspected as soon as possible to identify and repair any damages to restore your chimney’s safety.

Tips To Keep Your Chimney in Good Condition

Now that you know the main causes of damage, let’s note a few tips you can implement to ensure those issues stay away for the long haul.

Schedule an annual inspection.

• Mid-Valley Chimney’s CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are fully capable of diagnosing areas of concern in your chimney system and giving you a plan of action that fits your needs and your budget.
• Keep Up With Sweepings. Cleaning or sweeping your chimney once a year is a simple way to make sure your chimney is clear of fire hazards like debris, creosote, and soot
• Waterproof Your Chimney. You can shield your chimney from water damage by having it waterproofed with a protective sealant.
• Don’t Put Off Repairs. If you do need repairs, invest in them right away, when they’re still minor, rather than wait until they’ve spread and turned into costly projects.

Quality Care Is a Phone Call Away

All it takes is a quick call to us at 513-727-0994, and we’ll soon be on the way to your home in Foster, Foxhunter Lane, Indianview, Dallasburg, Oxford, Cincinnati, Loveland, Troy, or anywhere else in the surrounding area.

Would you rather book online? No problem. You can easily request an estimate through our site. No matter how you reach out, just know this – we’re happy to hear from you. We can’t wait to be in touch soon.

 

We offer all our professional chimney and venting services to every one of our customers in Mason, OH, a valued part of our service area.