Do the bricks on your chimney look cracked and worn? Maybe there are chunks of brick missing, or pieces are littering the ground around your home. If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a spalling chimney. This is a common issue where bricks begin to flake, peel, or break off the structure, often leaving behind a chimney that not only looks rough but could also be a safety risk.
Since spalling can lead to structural damage that compromises the safety and performance of your chimney, it’s important to understand which steps you need to take to address the problem at its source. Fortunately, the technicians at SureGlow Stove & Chimney are here to provide the know-how and the help you need to resolve this issue before it gets worse.
Why Spalling Happens in the First Place
When it comes down to it, spalling occurs due to one of two reasons: exposure to moisture and the quality of bricks and mortar used during construction.
Moisture Exposure
Brick and mortar are porous materials, which means they can absorb moisture over time — especially if the chimney wasn’t sealed properly or if the flashing around the base is damaged. Once water gets in, freezing temperatures can cause it to expand inside the brick, slowly tearing it apart from the inside out. Add years of exposure to wind, rain, snow, and improper pressure washing, and your spalling chimney becomes a ticking time bomb.
Type of Brick & Mortar Used
Some materials are more prone to absorbing moisture, and older chimneys might have been built without modern waterproofing techniques. Chimneys exposed to harsh weather conditions — like those in windy or wet climates — are also more vulnerable to spalling. Even something as seemingly minor as a missing chimney cap can accelerate the process by letting water in from the top.
What Are Your Options for a Spalling or Crumbling Chimney?
So you’ve got a crumbling chimney — now what? The good news is that there are solutions, and the earlier you catch the problem, the more manageable the fix. One of the first things a chimney professional will assess is how deep the damage goes. If spalling is limited to just the outer layer of a few bricks, a simple spot repair (such as tuckpointing or brick replacement) might be all you need. Tuckpointing involves removing and replacing deteriorated mortar between bricks to restore the chimney’s structural integrity, while brick replacement consists of carefully removing damaged bricks and installing new ones in their place to maintain the chimney’s strength and appearance.
However, if the damage is more extensive and has spread across large sections of the chimney, it may require a more comprehensive solution, such as partial or full chimney rebuilding. This might sound intimidating, but it’s often the best option to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of your home. During a rebuild, the old, damaged bricks are removed and replaced with new, durable materials.
How to Prevent Spalling in the Future
If you want to avoid the costs and dangers associated with a spalling chimney, you will want to invest in a few maintenance services. After all, like anything else exposed to the elements, your chimney needs a little TLC to stay in good shape. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prioritize Annual Inspections: One of the best ways to stay ahead of spalling brickwork is to have your chimney inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep. They’ll look for early signs of damage, check the masonry, flashing, and crown, and recommend small fixes before they become big problems.
- Invest in Waterproof Coatings: After fixing brickwork or completing stucco repairs, chimney technicians will often recommend sealing the structure with a breathable waterproof coating to help prevent future issues. For some homes, especially those with older brickwork, this protective seal can go a long way in keeping moisture out while still allowing the chimney to “breathe.”
- Install a New Chimney Cap: If you don’t already have one, or if your current one has seen better days, installing a chimney cap can make a big difference. This metal covering goes over the top of the flue and prevents rain, snow, debris, and even animals from entering your chimney and fireplace. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your chimney from the elements.
- Schedule Tuckpointing When Necessary: Over time, mortar joints wear down, which opens the door for moisture intrusion. Repointing these areas keeps your chimney watertight and strong, reducing the chances of a crumbling chimney.
Don’t Wait — Get Your Crumbling Chimney Fixed Right Away
Here’s the thing: a few spalling bricks today could lead to a weakened structure, safety hazards, and expensive repairs down the road. Since your chimney works hard year-round, facing everything from driving rain and snow to blazing summer heat, it’s important to give it a little TLC from time to time. So, if your chimney’s brickwork is crumbling and falling apart, turn to the team at SureGlow Stove & Chimney.
With years of experience in chimney masonry repairs and rebuilding, we can tackle even the toughest issues. Trust us to assess your chimney, identify the root cause of the damage, and walk you through your options. We will only use top-quality materials and proven techniques to make sure your chimney is safe, strong, and ready to weather whatever comes its way.
Ready to restore your chimney? Contact SureGlow Stove & Chimney today.