Does your chimney look like this? Since 1977, our company has been restoring and rebuilding chimneys.
Not all chimneys get to this point, but all chimneys will in time start to deteriorate. The reason for the deterioration can be a number of different things. Most common in our area is the freeze/thaw effect. In the winter, the warm rays from the sun, melt away the snow, on and around, your chimney. The concrete on top of the chimney sheds the water down the sides. As the sun fades, the water freezes. Over time this takes a toll on the concrete and the brick. Brick is very porous. A brick will take on water, and become saturated. When that brick freezes, the water that is trapped in the brick starts to break down the brick. The faces of brick are known to pop off, this is called “spalling.” It is a sign that the chimney is starting to deteriorate rapidly and needs immediate attention. Once a brick is saturated it passes the water down to the next brick, until that brick to becomes saturated and so on and so on.
Why Choose Jack Pixley Chimney-Sweeps & Masonry?
Our company specializes in chimney work and repair. Unlike other masonry companies, our masons are aware of all the codes associated with the proper construction of a chimney. Our masons pay attention to detail, and are able to restore any chimney. Don’t believe that tuck pointing is a cure all. Most mason’s will tell you that it is just a band aid, and a temporary fix. If you have had your chimney tuck pointed expect that you will need to do it again in the next few years.
We focus on the proper construction of the chimney from the base all the way to the crown. Unlike other masonry companies we choose to add a concrete crown with an overhang and drip ledge at the top of the chimney, instead of a wash. This process takes longer, but by adding a concrete crown with overhang and drip ledge we insure that the brick is protected. When the snow melts in the winter the water is kept away from the brick by the drip ledge. To learn more about concrete crowns and drip ledges read the article “Tops to Last a Lifetime” written by our founder Jack Pixley.