Reasons Why Your Chimney is Crumbling
The deterioration of a chimney might be one of the things that every homeowner feels afraid of, but it is worth noting that if not corrected immediately, huge damages can arise. A chimney that has sustained damage is detrimental to one’s house and is also dangerous as it is a potential fire or structural collapse threat. But what causes a chimney to get ruined? There are several reasons why this happens which include weather and bad workmanship among several others. Here are some questions that are often asked concerning a crumbling chimney and how to avoid it in the future.
In order to help you cope with these problems, we have created a set of frequently asked questions about the terminology of chimney damage and measures for its prevention.
FAQs
- What causes my chimney to crumble?
There are a lot of reasons as to why chimneys would deteriorate but the worst is prolonged exposure to the weather. Rain, snow, strong winds and temperature variations come in time and will all do a lot of wear and tear to your chimney. Water gets trapped in the mortar joints and bricks, hence, causing them to weaken and develop cracks. This kind of situation is not good for the chimney as it is exposed for long periods regularly without repairs being undertaken on the structure.
Frequent exposure and lack of maintained states lead to crumbling after some time, especially in chimneys which are not served regularly.
In addition to exposure to weather elements, the use of low-quality materials or inappropriate methods of construction can cause chimney damages earlier than expected. There is a need to ensure that chimneys are erected with good materials and proper workmanship so that they are watertight and last. Insufficient waterproofing is also problematic a lot of the time.
- How does moisture contribute to chimney damage?
Dampness is the number one spoiler for any chimney. Any water that seeps into the chimney, however it might be caused; be it through gaps between the bricks or the mortar, through a broken chimney or a poorly fixed chimney cap, then destruction sets off. All the water contained within any constructions, and when the brickwork construction starts getting interior temperatures below certain levels, the water freezes and since water takes more volume in its frozen state as compared to when it is in liquid form, cracks the bricks and the mortar more. This also happens to be referred to as freeze-thaw activity aggravating the rate of disintegration of the same buildings.
If there is no roofing system or waterproofing, the chimney gets wet in the rain or the snow, which speeds up the process of destruction. Sooner or later this penetration of moisture results in the loss of strength of the entire construction making it prone to failure or severe impact. It is possible to reduce the negative impact of such factors through the use of waterproofing devices, for instance, chimney caps, or reliable flashing.
- Can poor construction be a reason for my chimney crumbling?
Definitely. Crumbling chimneys have poor construction practices at their root. If a chimney is built out of alignment with the building code, or with sub-standard materials, then its likelihood is high that it will start crumbling earlier than expected. This may happen when non-professional or inexperienced builders undertake the job and fail to follow the due process during the construction stage.
For instance, failure to use the right materials may lead to very high chances of failure of the chimney structural design against environmental conditions. It is important to have a professional chimney builder inspect the existing structure to make sure that all regulations have been adhered to at the construction stage.
- Can chimney fires cause the chimney to crumble?
Yes, chimney fires are one of the leading causes of chimney damage as well as putting the entire structure in danger. Burning wood produces creosote which gradually settles in different parts of the chimney. When this combustible material catches fire, it causes flames so aggressively that they can destroy the chimney lining and even turn the inside of the bricks and mortar into dust.
Chimney fires usually go unnoticed especially if they are small and confined within the flue. Even a small fire lit in the chimney can have consequences on the structure in the long term. This is why it is necessary to maintain professional chimney cleaning and inspection services to get rid of the dangerous creosote it contains.
- Can seasonal changes affect my chimney’s structure?
Yes, seasonal changes can be a significant factor, especially when the temperature drops below freezing. The freeze-thaw cycle takes place in the chimney when water makes its way into tiny fissures, freezes, and snow expands further in the cold. This gradually enlarges the gaps, compromising the bonds between the mortar and bricks.
Chimneys have direct exposure to cold, and when the hot season takes over, there is heat as well, which tends to make the masonry materials expand, leading to the degradation of the entire chimney system. This is particularly so for chimneys that are subjected to extreme changes in temperature, which means that there is an increased risk and need for proper attention and regular inspections to be carried out more.
Conclusion
One of the biggest worries that any homeowner would face is a chimney that is collapsing because it calls for urgent attention to protect the house. It is important to know the common factors that users face such as water damage, poor construction, and chimney fires to avoid them. Carrying out regular maintenance, including annual assessments and repairs, will help extend the life expectancy of the chimney considerably. It is also possible to protect the chimney from wearing out by following a few rules such as ensuring that dry wood is used and waterproofing the chimney properly. Invest some energy in the present and protect your assets so that you will be in a position to use the chimney in the house safely for many years without fear of it becoming dysfunctional. No more worries for Chimney is Crumbling, as we are all there.