Our Company Blog

We Do Masonry Repairs

A masonry chimney is built to last a lifetime. However, if it is neglected, it can become damaged to the point of not being safe to operate. Atlas Chimney has seen many chimneys on the verge of collapsing. This is due to damage being ignored. When bricks and mortar begin to crack, they can get worse if not repaired or restored. This is why it is so important to have your chimney professionally inspected every year. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps know what to look for. In addition, they can repair the damage before it becomes too extensive. We would like to tell you more about our masonry repair services we provide to the Austin area.

SPALLING AND TUCKPOINTING

The main cause of masonry chimney damage is water. Water can be so destructive that the CSIA has called it the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. Bricks and mortar are naturally porous. Therefore, the water they absorb deteriorates the materials, especially during the winter. Whenever the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water inside the bricks and mortar freezes and expands. As the weather warms up, the force of the water thawing out causes the materials to spall, or crack and break apart.

Atlas Chimney can replace cracked bricks after spalling occurs to restore the structure of your chimney. What happens if there has been a lot of spalling damage? What if the remaining mortar joints need to be reinforced? Additionally, we are also trained and experienced in tuckpointing, which is one of the oldest masonry techniques. Tuckpointing is also needed when the mortar has been damaged. This includes insects, house settling, constant exposure to moisture, and other environmental factors. We take great care to match the color, strength, and composition of the new mortar to the existing mortar. This is so that the repair work is not noticeable.

FIREBOX REPAIR

Bricks that your firebox have been constructed with are made to withstand the extremely high temperatures of fires. However, they can still become damaged over time. When the bricks in your firebox are cracked, it can be very dangerous. Heat can transfer to the combustible parts of your home. Atlas Chimney can replace the damaged bricks in your firebox, and we can also tuckpoint the gaps and cracks that have occurred over the years. We use high quality refractory bricks and mortar that can stand up to the heat and will protect your home from heat transfer.

Does your masonry chimney need repairing? Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule an appointment for our masonry repair services today!

Reasons For A Leaky Chimney

One of the most common chimney problems are water leaks. Consequently, they also can cause quite a bit of damage. Having your leaky chimney repaired as quickly as possible is important. In doing this, it prevents extensive and expensive deterioration. However, pinpointing the reason for the chimney leak can be challenging and frustrating. Fortunately, Atlas Chimney has the expertise and experience to find the source of the leak! We can repair your leaky chimney, as well as protect it from future leaks. Atlas Chimney recommends having us do the hard work of diagnosing and repairing chimney leaks. Having said that, you can help us save time by finding the general location of the leak. We would like to share with you some of the places where leaks commonly occur.

CHIMNEY CROWN

If you see standing water in your firebox, a damaged chimney crown is most likely the source of your water leak. Although, ImproveNet warns that impediments can cause water from rain and melted snow and ice to change direction. This causes water to show up in other parts of your home. Your chimney crown is made from mortar, which over time can deteriorate from exposure to the elements. Atlas Chimney specializes in chimney crown repair and construction. So, you can trust us to fix your damaged crown to keep water out of your chimney.

SPALLED BRICKS AND MORTAR JOINTS

Have you noticed cracked or missing bricks and mortar joints on the exterior of your chimney? If so, you probably have water leaks in the damaged areas. This type of damage is called spalling, and it occurs during the winter from freeze/thaw cycles. Our certified chimney masonry technicians can replace damaged and missing bricks and mortar joints. In addition, we can also apply a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney that will protect it from future water penetration damage.

FLASHING

A leaky chimney can lead to several serious issues which can cause your chimney to be unsafe to use. Make sure your chimney is in good shape! Contact us at Atlas Chimney and schedule an appointment for a water leak chimney inspection.