Your chimney sits above your home providing a way for you to enjoy a fire inside, while allowing the by-products of your fireplace to escape into the open air. That said, sometimes, over time, these resilient staples of a traditional home succumb to natural processes that make maintenance and repair services necessary.
Repairing brick and mortar through tuckpointing, replacing bricks, and waterproofing your chimney are necessary ways to maintain your chimney and keep it working well into the future. We’re here to help with it all. Call Legendary Chimney at 386-999-1329 or book online today.
How Do You Repair Mortar in Chimney Brick?
Tuckpointing or repointing is a process used to restore and repair damaged mortar joints between bricks. It is a detailed process that involves removing old and deteriorated mortar and then replacing it with fresh, new mortar. This reinforces and strengthens the bond between your bricks and renews the strength of your masonry. Not only that, it makes your chimney look like new.
Can I DIY tuckpointing?
Well, we wouldn’t recommend it. There are many things you need to begin the tuckpointing process, which add to the costs you’d save by not hiring a pro. In addition, if the job isn’t done just right, you chimney’s structural integrity will be compromised.
If you do want to give it a go, here’s all you’ll need:
- First and foremost, you need gear that will keep you safe. Safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator are essential to protect yourself from debris and dust particles. Because you are working high above the ground you will need proper harnesses that can be tied off to make sure that you can’t fall off the roof. Depending on where your chimney is on top of your house, scaffolding may be necessary too.
- You also can’t do a tuckpointing job without an angle grinder, diamond blade, a hammer and chisel. These tools are used to remove old mortar. Once the old mortar is removed you will need to replace it. Tools like a tuckpointing trowel, pointing trowel, and jointer will help apply and shape the new mortar.
- Before you begin you will need to choose a mortar mix that closely matches the color and consistency of the existing mortar. Depending on your climate and your location the type of mortar needed can vary. There are lots of things to consider when choosing your mortar mix, and it’s crucial to select the right type to ensure a strong bond and proper water drainage.
Sound like something you’re not wanting to take on? Then, give us a call. We’d be happy to get this job done for you.
What Are the Steps to the Tuckpointing Process?
There are many steps to the tuckpointing process.
- First things first, we prepare the area. This includes laying down drop cloths to catch falling debris and dust, as well as ensuring the chimney is clean and free of loose debris.
- Once the area is ready, it’s time to carefully grind and chip away the damaged mortar.
- After removing the old mortar, we’ll use a wire brush to remove any remaining dust and debris from the joints.
- Once the joint is clean it’s time to mix and apply the mortar. Applying new mortar can be meticulous and requires close attention.
- After the mortar is applied it’s time to shape (strike) the mortar joints. This important part of the process ensures that water will be directed away from the brick and mortar without being allowed to collect.
- Once all of that is done it’s time to allow the new mortar to cure.
As we go through the tuckpointing process, we may notice damaged bricks that need to be replaced. If the bricks are cracked, broken, flaking, crumbling, loose, or showing signs of water damage, this step is a must. But no worries – we’ll find new bricks that match in composition and in aesthetics to the bricks that make up your chimney.
Don’t Forget Chimney Waterproofing
Once your tuckpointing and brick replacements are done it’s time to waterproof the chimney. After all, why invest in quality chimney repair work if you’re not going to protect it?
Waterproofing your chimney is a vital part of keeping your chimney strong.
Why? Over time, water will collect in your porous brick and mortar causing it to break down and deteriorate over time. Professionally waterproofing your chimney keeps this from happening, extending the life of your chimney and keeping your structure strong.
Give Us a Call
The tuckpointing process, brick replacement, and waterproofing are all necessary parts of chimney maintenance and repair. As you can tell, the job is big and tedious and difficult to do without a dedicated team of professionals. At Legendary Chimney Solutions, we have just that – a team of experts who are well versed in every part of the process.
Our chimney technicians have all the gear and tools necessary to safely and efficiently repair your chimney at an affordable cost. It’s well worth reaching out when you realize the time you save, the dangers you avoid, and the quality of the job.
Call us today or reach out online to have us inspect and repair your chimney. You will be glad you did.
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