Trust Your Masonry Repairs To The Professionals At Pristine Sweeps!
Here in the Seattle area, our masonry structures can really be put to the test. After all, we get an average of 37 inches of rain every year – and moisture can really do a number on masonry (think cracking, spalling, deterioration, staining, and more).
Is your masonry getting the protection and maintenance that it needs to last? If it isn’t, count on our techs to complete any necessary chimney masonry repair services, then follow those up with preventive measures to ensure your system is protected for the long haul.
Fireplace & Chimney Masonry Repairs Are Our Speciality
Regular maintenance and preventive services can help ensure that your masonry is ready to take on the rain year after year. We can help with all that, but what if chimney masonry repairs are already in order? Well, you can count on us for that too. We specialize in masonry and fireplace repairs, and can help with the following:
- Crown Repairs: The crown of your chimney is the concrete topper that seals the chimney and keeps rain and other debris from entering. Unfortunately, many crowns are poorly built or poorly maintained, which leaves them incredibly vulnerable. If your crown is showing signs of cracks or crumbling – or if it simply wasn’t built properly or of proper thickness – we can help. Not only can we seal cracks and gaps or rebuild your crown, but we can apply a water repellent that will prevent further degradation.
- Repointing/Tuckpointing/Spalling: Weather, age, and other factors can cause your masonry joints to deteriorate prematurely. …which then causes your bricks to crumble and crack. Although these issues can seem normal, they certainly shouldn’t be ignored. Deteriorating brick and mortar can allow water to penetrate the system and wreak havoc, and can leave you with an unusable and unsafe chimney system. We have the skills, tools and education to repair and restore your mortar joints.
- Firebox Repair & Rebuilds: The firebox plays a critical role in the safe use of your chimney system and appliance. If you notice water, cracks, holes, rust, or any other damage in your firebox, it’s important that you have it professionally inspected as soon as possible. A damaged or decaying firebox simply can’t do all it should to contain the heat and byproducts of combustion.
- Smoke Chamber Restoration: The smoke chamber refers to the area that connects the throat of the fireplace with the flue of the chimney. When properly designed and in good working condition, it should effectively usher smoke and byproducts up and out of the home. Unfortunately, poor construction is pretty standard when it comes to smoke chambers, making it much more difficult for air to flow up and out of the chimney.
- Chimney Throat Repair: As with the smoke chamber, the throat of the fireplace works to encourage smoke and byproducts through the chimney and away from your household. That said, because of the throat’s location just above the firebox, it is under a lot of stress from heat and combustion byproducts. If your throat is damaged and could use some TLC, our experts can help.
Do I Need Masonry Repairs or a Chimney Rebuild?
So… you’re looking at your chimney, and you don’t know if some repair services will cut it. How do you choose the best path forward when deciding between repairs or an entire rebuild? Well, the extent of repairs needed for damaged chimney masonry depends on the severity of the issues. And, in many cases, chimney masonry can be repaired, rather than replaced entirely.
If you have minor cracks, some mortar deterioration, spalling bricks, discoloration (or efflorescence), or missing components (like a cap or crown), then repairs can most likely be completed.
However, in some cases, extensive damage may require more significant repairs or even reconstruction. These typically include:
- Major Structural Issues: If there are significant structural problems with the chimney, such as leaning or serious foundation issues, it may be necessary to consider a partial or complete chimney rebuilt or reconstruction.
- Extensive Water Damage: Prolonged water damage that has affected a large portion of the chimney may necessitate more extensive repairs or reconstruction. Sometimes, a total demo and rebuild is simply the better route.
- Lack of Code Compliance: If the chimney is on the older side and does not meet current building codes or safety standards, a rebuild may be required to bring it into compliance – and keep it working safer for longer.
Not sure where you stand? Whatever the case with your chimney, it’s crucial to have a professional chimney inspector assess the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate course of action.
Call On the Professionals at Pristine Sweeps
Our technicians have a thorough understanding of masonry and chimney/fireplace components and can help you enjoy your system for far longer than you would otherwise. Don’t put off repairs – call 206-574-8414 or make an appointment with one of our CSIA-certified technicians online today!
We offer chimney rebuilds, renovations, and restorations. We cover all of it in our chimney and fireplace services.