What Every Homeowner Needs to Know about Chimney Repointing

Chimneys play integral roles in many homes’ ventilation systems. After all, the chimney is the part of the house where fireplace smoke and gasses pass through. Unfortunately, chimneys don’t receive the love they deserve from most homeowners, many believing they don’t require care and maintenance.

Of course, this shouldn’t be the case. Like other parts of your home, your chimney needs maintenance to ensure that it is safe and functional. One maintenance procedure you should consider is tuckpointing or repointing.

Before explaining this procedure further, this guide will first walk you through various signs your chimney needs tuckpointing or repointing.

1. Drywall Damage

One sure sign of a damaged chimney is damaged drywall.

If the outside of your chimney consists of brick, and you notice holes or cracks in the mortar that connects the bricks, this indicates that the chimney’s inner surfaces have cracked or deteriorated.

This damage usually results from water damage, too. Over time, water will get into cracks in the mortar, and these cracks will grow wider and wider through the years.

Eventually, these cracks will get so big that they will begin to damage the drywall on the interior of your house.

2. Crackling Noise

Chimneys produce a high amount of heat and pressure. The mortar that holds these bricks together will begin to crack in some cases.

When this happens, you may hear a rattling, crackling, or even popping noise.

You can typically notice these noises around the fireplace. However, depending on the size of your chimney, you may also hear the noise throughout your home.

This popping noise happens when excess pressure escapes from the mortar. You may need chimney repair before you hear the popping noise.

3. Spalling Brickwork

Spalling refers to the process in which exterior brickwork begins to deteriorate.

As moisture makes its way into your chimney, it will begin to wear away the mortar that holds the bricks together.

In time, these bricks will begin to shed chunks of material.

If you notice that your chimney has started to spall, it is time to get your chimney fixed.

What Is Tuckpointing or Repointing?

Now that you know the various signs you need chimney repair, it’s time to look at chimney tuckpointing or repointing.

Tuckpointing or repointing is a chimney repair method used to replace the deteriorated mortar between bricks or other masonry units. You should note that mortar allows the bricks on your chimney to hold together. In some cases, the mortar will begin to deteriorate and crack.

When this happens, you need to get your chimney repointed. Tuckpointing or repointing requires a person to remove the old mortar between the bricks, clean out the area, and replace the mortar with a new one.

How Do You Tuckpoint or Repoint?

If you believe that your chimney needs tuckpointing or repointing, it’s time to look for a professional who can repair your chimney for you.

Before you hire a professional, you must look for a reputable contractor. While it’s possible to do some of the tuckpointing or repointing yourself, we don’t recommend this.

This is because repointing your chimney incorrectly can cause serious problems. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you may end up making the situation worse.

Red Robin Masonry can assist you in this endeavour. We offer chimney repair services, including tuckpointing in Toronto. We have many years of experience, and we always provide high-quality work. If you’re ready to get started on your chimney repair project, give us a call today!