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We Do Masonry Repairs

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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!