Also known as chimney reconstruction, brick chimney repairs, fireplace chimney repairs, partial chimney rebuilds, roof line up chimney rebuilds, or total chimney rebuilds. Cracking, water leaking, element exposure, usage, time, and lack of preventative maintenance render your chimney structurally vulnerable, inviting the need for fireplace chimney repairs, and/or requiring a chimney rebuild. You may have to start over with a chimney rebuild and a waterproofing protection plan.
As odd as it may seem, chimney leaks cause more damage to masonry chimneys than fire. (Chimney leaks cause costly fireplace chimney repair needs – Waterproofing saves you money!)
ECC chimney rebuilds include set up (scaffolding in most cases), tear down & disposal, and code reconstruction of your existing chimney. These classifications are the most common of required chimney rebuilds:
- Partial chimney rebuilds: small chimneys (no scaffolding) or only the top few courses of a large chimney (+ new crown).
- Flashing area up chimney rebuilds: Substantial mortar and/or brick deterioration has eliminated the possibility of a tuck pointing (tuckpointing) restoration. The structure is torn down to the flashing area near the roofline, and then the chimney rebuild commences (+ new crown).
- Total chimney rebuilds: Complete tear down of the outer layer of the brick on a chimney (+ new crown). In most cases the firebox, hearth, and smoke chamber do not have to be removed (minor brick chimney repair is usually sufficient). Total chimney rebuilds are necessary when the chimney is leaning, has severe mortar deterioration or severe brick spalling has occurred from ground level up, etc.
A chimney crown is of the greatest protection for the masonry construction beneath it by helping to prevent the need for fireplace chimney repairs & chimney rebuilding. It is the top element of a masonry chimney rebuild (cement slab). It protects the top of the chimney starting at the fire clay flue liner & hangs over the chimneys edge (drip edge). Most masonry chimneys that have “crowns” are built inadequately. These “crowns” are constructed from common mortar mix, the same mixture used to lay the bricks of the chimney. This mortar is not designed for and will not withstand years of weather abuse without cracking, chipping or deteriorating; situations that allow water to penetrate the chimney and cause the need for fireplace chimney repairs & chimney rebuilds.
All the brick and other materials that make up your home are protected by the roof and eave, all that is, except your chimney. The chimney sticks up above the roof constantly exposed to all the elements; rain, snow, wind, freeze & thaw cycles of winter, etc. Masonry materials deteriorate very quickly when they absorb moisture and are exposed to the freeze & thaw cycles of winter, causing undue stress; integrity loss, fireplace chimney repair & chimney rebuild needs.
Chimney leaks & water penetration cause interior and exterior damage to your home and masonry chimney. Water inside your chimney causes rust in steel and cast iron, weakening or destroying the metal parts, and compromising fire worthiness – all creating fireplace chimney repair or chimney rebuild needs.
* Repeated and/or improper brick chimney repairs, fireplace chimney repairs, and chimney rebuilds are of the largest causes of needing a chimney rebuild.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE:
ECC Chimney can apply chimney saver, which has been developed specifically for use as a waterproofing agent on masonry chimneys to aid in preservation of integrity preventing brick chimney repair needs. This formula is vapor permeable, which means that it allows your masonry chimney to breathe out, but not in. Thus, water that has penetrated your masonry chimney, or moisture that has originated from inside, is allowed to escape, while the waterproofing agent prevents water entry from the outside. Read more about masonry Chimney Saver & how it can prevent brick chimney repair needs & chimney rebuilds.
Note: Paint, or any non-vapor permeable water sealer, should never be used as a masonry waterproofing agent because it will trap moisture/vapors inside your chimney, accelerating deterioration with a guarantee of brick chimney repair needs.