Warm nights with cozy fires are only possible if you have your chimney in the best condition. However, this is not always the case. Even the sturdiest of chimneys may encounter issues from time to time.

If you are worried about chimney leaks and other damages, you should check out this guide. Here are the signs and causes to watch out for to avoid water leaks in your chimney.

Signs That Your Chimney Is Leaking

Many homeowners are unsure if their chimney is leaking, especially if it has yet to cause any major problems. Here are the main signs of water leaks in your chimney that indicate it is in need of a thorough inspection:

1. Bad Odors

The smell of mildew and mould is a common sign that there is water damage in your chimney. This bad smell can be very unpleasant and foul, but it is usually not a sign of a serious leak. The smell of mildew and mould often appears in places that are difficult to clean and keep dry.

2. Crumbling Bricks

Bricks are a typical chimney construction material, and it is easy to tell if they have been damaged by water. Crumbling bricks or stones can be a sign that water leaks in your chimney have weakened the structure of the chimney and the bricks. If you are dealing with crumbling bricks and stones, your chimney may need to be replaced entirely.

3. Watermarks on the House

Another telltale sign that your chimney is leaking is watermarks on the walls or the ceiling of your house. These marks may look like round spots with a darker colour, or they may be long streaks. Watermarks are caused by water leaks and are usually accompanied by a bad smell.

4. Sound or Vibration Oddities

If your chimney is leaking, it is likely that you will feel or hear the problem. Listen for any strange sounds coming from your chimney, including constant thumping or rattling. Your chimney may also vibrate or make unusual knocking sounds. If you hear any odd sounds coming from your chimney, you may have a water leak.

5. Missing Chimney Cap

If you notice that your chimney cap has disappeared, it could be a sign of a major problem. When you take a look at your chimney cap, you should have one that fits tightly on the chimney. A missing cap is a sure sign that a water leak has damaged the chimney cap.

Causes of Chimney Leaks

Sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly why your chimney is leaking. It is easier to identify the problem when you know what caused it, especially when it comes to chimney leaks. Some causes of water leaks in your chimney include:

1. Mortar Joint Deterioration

Just like any other building material, the mortar that connects bricks together can deteriorate over time. One of the most common reasons for mortar joint deterioration is water leaks and water damage. If the water damage is severe enough, the mortar may crumble and deteriorate and may even cause the entire structure to collapse.

2. Improper Building

Badly constructed chimneys are another common reason for water leaks in your chimney. The chimney may not be the right size or the right shape, which can make it easier for water to leak in.

3. Bad Chimney Placement

Some chimneys are placed in locations where they can be damaged easily. If your chimney is near a tree, it may get damaged by falling branches, as well as in a heavy snowstorm, which can cause it to collapse.

Final Thoughts

If you think your chimney is in need of repairs, you should consider getting it checked out by a professional. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace your entire chimney, which can be a very costly but crucial repair.

For first-rate chimney rebuild in Toronto, trust only Red Robin Masonry. We offer a range of services, including brickwork, chimney work, stonework, and more! Contact us today to request a service.

Winter chimney repair is tricky. The mortar compounds that hold bricks together don’t set up in cold weather as well as in warm weather. If your chimney has significant brick damage and needs partial or complete rebuilding, you’ll need a lot of mortar.

Another challenge with repairing chimneys during the cold months is that frozen moisture within the masonry makes it challenging to diagnose the extent of water damage. It’s easier for technicians to assess damage after the normal freeze-thaw winter cycle is over. However, there are solutions you can make before the season ends.

So, how can you overcome such challenges and pursue chimney repairs during colder seasons? Here are four major ways to effectively repair your chimney in winter:

Use Temporary Fixes

The first strategy is to provide a temporary fix to keep the rain and cold out and then complete the repairs in spring. During the cold months, apply chimney caps to keep water out. Also, use a chimney shoe to prevent wind from pushing water into the flue.

You can fill gaps between the chimney and roof using metal flashing to keep the cold out. If you live in a tornado or hurricane-prone area, you may wish to consider a temporary plywood roof over the chimney if there is any chance of high winds during the cold months.

Another option is to use a plastic canopy that fits over the top of your chimney during the cold months. It’s sturdy enough to keep the rain out. You can also pull it down to keep the moisture out once spring arrives, and then you can remove it for the summer.

Hire Chimney Repair Companies With Insulated Trucks

Much of the issue with chimney repair is the environmental conditions and the difficulty they provide. However, there’s still a workaround if you need emergency major repairs during Winter.

You can hire a chimney repair company with insulated trucks with heaters to keep the temperature inside the truck and the technician’s work area warm. When working in such conditions, the work area is safer, and the work becomes easier to do.

Inject Thawing Compound Into Mortar

The first way to get around mortar compound issues is to use a thawing compound instead. The product is specifically designed to thaw frozen mortar and brick. It’s pumped into the wall area where the repair is being done, and then it’s set with a mortar gun.

This is the preferred way to repair chimneys during the frigid winter months because it has the least mortar. The thawing compound performs well in a wide range of temperatures. This compound also has a watertight sealant on the inside of the brick. This will prevent water infiltration into the brick for a long time.

Cold weather mortars are made to be used in below-freezing temperatures. The mortar is made for use up to minus 20 degrees, so it’s the perfect product for a winter chimney repair job.

Make Sure You’re Using the Right Tools

Chimneys have many different parts, each of which serves a specific purpose. To safely and effectively execute a chimney repair, it’s vital to use the right tools. A wide chisel is used to mortar up a crack, while a close chisel is used to re-point a broken joint. The proper hammer taps the two parts together.

There’s no reason for unnecessary risks when repairing a chimney during the winter. If you want your chimney in winter-ready condition, you should use the right tools and know-how to use them and how best to maintain them.

Conclusion

The key to successfully repairing your chimney in winter is not to let the conditions around you get in the way of doing good work. Even though snow and ice are part of the job, you can still make it through the winter season without taking unnecessary risks.

Don’t be discouraged by frigid weather. You can protect yourself and your chimney with proper tools and a little bit of experience.

For chimney repair services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry is the most reputable masonry company in Toronto. If you want to build a brick wall, a chimney or a fireplace, parge, stonework, and more, we can help you. Call us today!

Bricks and mortar on the exterior of a well-built stone chimney will progressively succumb to weather-related damage as it ages. Not only do older masonry chimneys deteriorate with age, but even newer masonry chimneys can be damaged if they are not adequately cared for and maintained. Unfortunately, spalling is linked to all symptoms and signs of chimney deterioration.

What Exactly Is Spalling?

Spalling is a process that occurs when the surface layer of a material erodes or is peeled away from the underlying material. Spalling is typically seen in brick and masonry buildings where a significant amount of mortar has been chemically linked to the brick and is then detached from the brick.

What Are the Significant Causes of Spalling During Winter?

Masonry comes into direct contact with the elements of nature, and even severe winter weather can cause damage to masonry surfaces and mortar.

These severe weather conditions affect moisture and temperature levels. For example, temperature fluctuations can cause freeze and thaw cycles on various construction materials. Another major cause of spalling is frost heaving, also known as frost spalling or frost shattering.

Frost spalling is the process where frost expands ice in the masonry. The expansion and contraction caused by tiny ice crystals separate the masonry from the mortar. These ice crystals cause the masonry to move within the cannon and expose the masonry and its thermal insulation.

What Are the Other Effects of Frost Spalling?

Frost shattering can cause bricks to crack and break apart or cause mortar to crack and separate. Frost shattering can be very dangerous as it can cause falling bricks and pieces of mortar and spalling, which can cause serious harm to people and property.

Not only does frost spalling cause masonry surfaces to erode and spall, but the water vapour within the ice crystals can also pass the masonry surface and the thermal insulation, which can cause the insulation to deteriorate and the masonry to freeze and crack.

As the masonry cracks, the thermal insulation can be broken apart by water vapour and moisture, compromising the insulation. That means that the home will lose heat, which can cause a higher heating bill.

How Can Spalling Be Repaired?

Spalling can be repaired using the appropriate masonry patching material. The damaged area of the chimney is smoothed, and the mortar is reset to match the original surface. To remedy this, you can search for chimney repairs near you.

Spalling can also be repaired using a chimney crown. A chimney crown is essentially a metal flashing installed at the top of the chimney to protect it from the elements.

Is It Possible to Work on Masonry in the Winter?

Generally, it is not recommended to work on a masonry structure during the winter months. This is because the temperature and moisture variations can cause additional damage to the chimney.

However, if a new structure is repaired, there is no damage to contend with due to the spalling process. In this case, it may be possible to make the repairs during the winter, as long as it is not too cold or too windy.

Conclusion

The structure may be falling apart before your very eyes, and you may not even be aware of it. If the damage is not repaired, there is a potential for the chimney to collapse, which could cause significant damage and injury to people in your home and the surrounding area.

The longer you wait to repair spalling and restoration on your masonry chimney, the higher the cost will be. While some spalling can be repaired quickly and with a low price, the longer you wait, the more significant the damage will become.

Red Robin Masonry is Toronto’s most reputable masonry company. Our masonry services include brickwork, chimney work, parging, stonework, and more. If you are looking for reliable chimney repair services in Toronto, contact our team today!

Nothing beats a real wood-burning fireplace in the frigid fall and winter months. The crackling sound of a fireplace and the flickering flames are mesmerizing—the greatest entertainment available. The genuine deal is a wood-burning fireplace.

However, unlike gas fireplaces, you must pay for that authentic feeling with frequent upkeep. Follow these guidelines to keep your fireplace in good working order for your comfort and safety. If you’re also looking for a chimney removal in Toronto, continue reading as this article will entail where you can get that service.

Repair Brick Mortar Gaps in the Firebox

Over time, gaps in the brick mortar on the interior of your fireplace form. It’s natural for mortar particles on the refractory fire bricks to loosen and fall due to the continual expansion and contraction of materials induced by the fireplace’s intense heat.

Fire can find a way through the cracks and damage the house’s structure. Fill mortar gaps within the fireplace’s firebox using fireplace mortar or refractory caulk, a mineral-based filler.

You’ll need a putty knife to clear out the loose mortar and a can of compressed air to blow out the remainder for this quick remedy. After that, all that’s left is to caulk the seams.

Clean the Chimney

Unlike gas and gel fires, Wood-burning fireplaces produce a tremendous quantity of heat and smoke. Creosote builds upon the interior of the fireplace flue, speeding up a chimney fire, which the fire department must extinguish.

Chimney cleaning removes potentially dangerous creosote and other combustible particles from your flue. The ashes in the firebox are removed, and the chimney is cleaned from top to bottom. Invest in your chimney-cleaning tools and conduct the work yourself, or hire a professional chimney sweep or home restoration services in Toronto.

Use the Right Firewood

The quality of the wood you burn in your fireplace is only as excellent as the wood you burn in it. Burning the wrong kind of wood dirties the fireplace’s interior fast, necessitating more regular cleaning.

Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, but they burn more quickly and generate fine ash that is harder to clean up. They also produce creosote more quickly. Spruce, cedar, poplar, and balsam are examples of softwoods. Choose hardwoods like maple, oak, ash, and birch for a more constant, hotter burn.

Replace the Fireplace Screen

Fireplace screens are available in various shapes and metals, and they may be placed close or even against the fireplace. Install a glass fireplace screen to keep smoke from leaving the firebox. These heat-resistant glass inserts keep most smoke out while allowing heat to pass through.

Repair, Build, or Spruce up the Mantel

If your fireplace’s mantle has been in place for a long time, it may be beginning to show its age. Or you could be fed up with it. You may make a new fireplace mantel out of live-edge wood or walnut stock in any case.

Alternatively, you could want your fireplace mantel to resemble an old railroad tie—albeit a fake one. If carpentry isn’t your thing, consider renovating your mantel for a fresh new appearance.

Hire A Professional

Exterior chimney repair is a major job, so hire a chimney repair professional or a mason if you think the job is too big for you.

Minor external chimney flaws are exacerbated by the environment and quickly escalate into serious issues. Interior issues caused by a poorly maintained chimney and flashing include wet ceilings, moist attic insulation, and mushy wall drywall.

Conclusion

Your chimney is one of the most sensitive parts of your home’s exterior, as it is subjected to rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures daily. A chimney’s bricks and mortar decay faster than any other portion of your house. A dangerously unstable chimney might endanger your family’s safety. It’s advisable to seek chimney repair services in Toronto as soon as you notice a problem.

Red Robin Masonry is Toronto’s most trusted masonry company. Our masonry services include brickwork, parging, stonework, and chimney repair services in Toronto. Get in touch with us if you need help with your chimneys and fireplaces.

Water enters your home when the roof is damaged. When windows are broken, the elements come into your home as well. When the chimney collapses, what about the chimney? Will it collapse? What if there’s damage to the bricks? If you see something has gone awry, or you see that the chimney has collapsed, it’s imperative that you not waste time getting it fixed. Why? Because it puts the structural integrity of your home at risk.

If a chimney is not structurally sound, it will not function properly. That’s why it’s important to get chimney repair services in Toronto when there are signs of damage. When repairs are delayed, even worse problems can occur.

The Big Problem

The elements will destroy your house. Over time, even the strongest of raw materials break down. Rocks are susceptible to erosion, bricks are susceptible to extreme temperatures, and moisture can settle in. Rain, snow, sleet, and freezing-thawing cycles will cause cracks. These cracks can worsen over time, eventually leading to a collapsed chimney. Elements will destroy your house; you must do proper maintenance to make it last longer.

There’s a Real Danger

Water and chimneys don’t mix. When water gets into your chimney, it can do irreparable damage. It can lead to a collapse, a fire, or a brick wall that doesn’t function properly. The weight of the chimney can be affected by water damage, which puts its structural integrity at risk. There’s no telling where water penetration will lead. It could lead to a structural collapse, which would be devastating and could wreak havoc on your home.

The Consequences

Your home could suffer from a collapsed chimney. If you’re not careful and don’t do maintenance, a broken window or a collapsed chimney could lead to a collapsed roof. Your roof could suffer from water damage and be useless for keeping the weather out. Your roof would no longer be able to protect your home.

What’s more, a broken chimney or window could lead to a fire. With no proper protection from the elements, they could easily settle into your walls. They could get cozy in the insulation or even in the framing. If they settle in, they can be difficult to remove. They could also soon lead to a fire. Water and wood don’t mix, but they put your walls at risk.

The Causes

There are three main culprits for roof damage: water, wind, and ice. The roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and it could be damaged. It is exposed to the sun’s harsh rays and the beating of the rain, snow, and sleet. These things can wreak havoc on your roof.

When water is allowed to get into your home, it can cause your roof to sustain serious damage. Water is heavy. If it comes in contact with your roof, it will put a great deal of pressure on it. Water can also warp and crack your roof, which will cause leaks. That’s why it’s essential to fix your roof as soon as you spot a leak. If left alone, a leak can lead to a collapsed roof.

The same is true for a collapsed chimney. If you see that it is broken, take care of it as soon as possible. If you don’t fix the damage, it can lead to a collapsed chimney. A collapsed chimney can cause water to be able to enter your home. When water enters your home from the inside, the door will be the last place you look. Water can easily get into your house through the chimney if you don’t catch it.

How Can You Prevent It?

The best way to prevent chimney damage is to have your chimney inspected every year. We recommend that homeowners have their chimneys inspected twice a year, Once in the Spring and once in the Fall.

Conclusion

If your chimney is damaged, the elements can enter your home and cause havoc. If you don’t take a proactive stance and you don’t watch out for your chimney, it can lead to a collapsed chimney. When the chimney collapses, it will lead to water damage which, as you know, can be costly. If you notice any signs of problem, you should immediately call for chimney repair services in Toronto. Make sure that you only call a trusted professional to do the job.

Red Robin Masonry is a team of experts offering chimney repair services in Toronto. Contact our pros today so we can inspect your chimney and fix any problem you might be having!