If your chimney is starting to crack or if the bricks are coming apart, you are probably wondering what chimney mortar is and what repairs are involved with it. The mortar that holds the bricks in place is called “chimney mortar” and it can be hard to understand at first. Here is a simple overview of chimney mortar and what it does.

Chimney construction is often done by professional chimney builders and engineers who have experience and expertise working on all types of chimneys. They know what materials are needed for each section of the flue including the bottom, top and sides. Then they create a basic design plan to include all the pieces that will make up the chimney. After the design is complete, they will send it out to qualified contractors to get started on chimney repair jobs.

Types of chimney mortar

There are several different types of chimney mortar. The type of mortar you use depends on the age of your chimney, your location and the condition of your flue. One of the most commonly used types of mortar is rock mortar which is a very flexible type of mortar that can also be used on indoor and outdoor walls and stoves. This chimney repair material can also be mixed with other materials such as asbestos and natural stone or clay to fill in cracks and crevices. It is the cemented product of rock and clay that forms the basis of most chimney mortar repair jobs.

Chimney Fireplace

When you have a small fireplace or a wood stove, you can probably repair most of the problems yourself without too much trouble. If you have a larger chimney, then you should consult with the professionals. Most large chimney mortar joints are quite risky because bricks water resistance is an important factor. Bricks are porous in nature, so bricks water resistance makes them extremely dangerous. If the mortar joints are not well-made, they will crack and collapse and could severely injure those working nearby.

Chimney Mortar Repair

A chimney mortar repair job for any fireplace involves the application of a special epoxy coating to the inside of the chimney. This coating serves to protect the mortar joints from deterioration. Epoxy is a hard coating that is sprayed onto masonry surfaces. Once the coating has dried, it hardens into a rigid form. When you apply masonry fuel, such as wood, there are usually additives to increase the amount of time that the additives will remain effective before the wood burning fireplaces and stoves need to be serviced.

Blackened Areas Around Chimney

Once the chimney bricks mortar repairs are complete, you may notice that there is a difference in the appearance of your chimney. The blackened areas around your chimney reflect the cold temperatures outside your home and will make it appear as if it needs a new roof. If you have chosen a wood burning fireplace or stove, the color of the smoke that is released into your house will appear black as well. Many people who have installed wood burning stoves and fireplaces in their homes have found that their chimney was often the cause of many indoor air quality problems. These individuals discovered that their chimney cracks after years of use and it was necessary to repair the bricks and mortar to prevent the problem from becoming worse.