Local Chimney & Masonry Repair Services: Call SureGlow Stove & Chimney

What Masonry Chimney Repair Services Does SureGlow Stove & Chimney Offer?

We offer an extensive list of chimney, fireplace, and masonry repair services – from brick replacement to waterproofing to mortar tuckpointing and more, our services address both interior and exterior chimney and fireplace damage.

PriorFire System Installation

If your firebox is drafty, smoky, or simply ready for an upgrade, we can install a PriorFire System. These are considered a retrofit fireplace, and are designed to fit snugly within your existing masonry firebox. Constructed of lightweight firebrick, this system is an excellent alternative to traditional masonry repairs because it acquires less heat within the walls of the firebox – and thus distributes more heat into the living space.

Another plus? This interior firebox repair option can be installed in one day, cutting down on the time you need to have available for a technician to come out to service your chimney.

Masonry Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is the process of replacing old, crumbling mortar with new, fresh mortar and a clean line called fillet – this is what creates the crisp distinction seen in most brickwork. Commonly confused with “repointing” or “brick pointing,” all of these techniques serve the purpose of reinforcing your masonry work and making it look great.

While bricks provide the sturdy structure of a chimney system, without the mortar fusing them together, their durability is meaningless. Moreover, when those joints between the bricks begin to deteriorate, the entire framework suffers.

Any kind of tuckpointing (be it repointing or traditional) will reinforce the entire structure, allowing it to stand the test of time – and ensure that there are no cracks or holes for debris and moisture to get trapped within. The good news is that tuckpointing services should keep your chimney protected for several decades, so once you schedule the repair, you don’t have to worry about it again for quite some time.

Chimney Brick Replacement

While bricks are very durable and built to withstand extensive wear and tear, they are not altogether unbreakable. Be it old age, an external accident, or weather damage, bricks can sometimes just fall apart.

In these cases, it is easiest to just remove the damaged and broken bricks and replace them with newer ones. This requires finding the appropriate size, style, color, and composition of brick to accurately match your current ones – which ensures stability and a cleaner look.

Depending on the number of bricks that would need to be replaced, it may make sense to do a full chimney rebuild, but we’re always happy to come out and take a look at your chimney to determine what works best for you.

Chimney Waterproofing

Many don’t realize that brick and mortar are both porous materials – meaning they’ll easily soak up any moisture they’re exposed to. Ensuring that your brickwork is well-prepped to withstand rain, snow, and any other moisture will ultimately guarantee that your chimney lasts longer and that your home stays better protected.

Proper waterproofing requires the knowledge and expertise of an industry professional. Here at SureGlow Stove and Chimney, our certified chimney sweeps are equipped with extensive knowledge and know just what sprays and sealants contain the proper ratio of the four components that make up its formula: resistance to air and wind, resistance to water, overall durability, and vapor permeability.

Chimney Crown Repair

Every part of your chimney – both internal and external – plays a huge role in its operational effectiveness. The chimney crown (the shelf-like slab of concrete on top of the chimney) is no different. Acting as a barrier between the brick and mortar and any natural elements, the crown helps to protect the top of the system from water penetration, as well as direct water away from the exterior sides of your brickwork.

If your chimney crown is cracked, crumbling, or just altogether not there, it’s important to get it checked out and any issues addressed promptly to prevent the system from extreme water damage.

Stucco Repair

No matter where it is found in or on your home, if your stucco has seen better days, we can repair it. Cracks? Holes? Weird gaps? Or, perhaps it’s just looking run down and raggedy? Our team can chip it off, patch it up, or completely reapply it based on your preferences and your home’s needs.

Have a question about any of our services? Looking to schedule your annual chimney cleaning? Or, are you having trouble locating the specific service you think you need? Don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’d love to hear from you and learn how we can help.

What Causes Most Chimney & Masonry Deterioration?

Aside from general wear and tear, there are many other causes of brick and chimney damage. The following are some of the most common causes of chimney masonry problems:

• Moisture/Water Damage. Arguably the most destructive element to chimneys is water. Brick is naturally porous and absorbs most water it is exposed to, eventually causing the material to break down and crumble over time.
• Fire/Excessive Heat. It seems counterintuitive since a chimney’s main purpose is to release the smoke from a curated fire, but over time, excessive heat and exposure to flames (something these systems definitely aren’t built for) can wear on the masonry and cause the brickwork to break down.
• Hidden Defects. As with any other human-made structure, brick chimneys are susceptible to human error. Neglect or accidents during the installation process can contribute to a defective chimney – even if it might not be obvious at first.
• Ineffective or Damaged Liner. Regardless of the type of home heating appliance or chimney you have in your home, a liner is vital for protecting your home and chimney for too much heat or destructive gases. If your chimney’s liner is damaged – or you learn that you don’t have one at all – the bricks of your chimney will suffer.
• Lack of Necessary Components. Contrary to the sleek, simplistic appearance of a brick chimney, building one properly requires a lot of careful work and a handful of necessary components. If your chimney is missing a flue liner, the flashing has some gaps, or your chimney cap is beginning to crack, the system will likely experience difficulties sooner rather than later.

Whatever problems you’re experiencing, the good news is that SureGlow is a trusted local chimney service provider that can handle a number of chimney and fireplace repairs near you. Call us today or reach out online to get started.

Why Are My Chimney Bricks Crumbling?

For as sturdy and durable as the material is, brick is also highly permeable. Be it moisture in the air caused by humidity or an extensive downpour, if not treated and weathered appropriately, bricks will absorb incredibly high volumes of water. Actually, on average just one brick can absorb between a pound to a pound and a half of water.

So, how does all of this contribute to flaking and crumbling bricks? Well, whenever your chimney gets wet, if it has not been properly waterproofed, the pores in the brickwork absorb as much water as they can. Even though it might not be visible, over time, the water gets trapped and will begin to break down the material from the inside out.

This issue is exacerbated by the freeze/thaw process and the seasonal cycles of temperature change.

What Is the Freeze/Thaw Process?

A phrase used to describe water’s life cycle amidst the natural temperature changes, the freeze/thaw process can greatly affect an untreated chimney. We know from elementary science classes and our own lived experiences that water has three forms: liquid, solid (ice), and gas (water vapor).

What happens, then, if a chimney has absorbed any amount of water before outside temperatures drop below freezing? As you may have guessed, the small amounts of water contained within the bricks will freeze and naturally expand, trying to create more room for itself.

This expansion creates tension and shifts bricks, loosening the mortar joints and creating gaps, cracks, and spaces where more water, moisture, insects, vegetation, and other debris can get in and continue to weaken your system.

Eventually, when temperatures begin to rise and spring has sprung, the frozen water pockets will thaw and the contained water will continue to seep in wherever it can, weakening your masonry with every drop. It’s important to remember that all of this could go unnoticed – especially if your brick chimney was recently built and/or you’ve just moved into this house and are not entirely familiar with the system yet. This is yet another reason why we strongly encourage regular annual inspections with a professional chimney technician.

If you’re a homeowner local for chimney services near you, SureGlow has you covered for all chimney and fireplace repair services. Reach out to learn more and schedule a service with us today.