Your chimney plays an important role in your home. Not only does it provide functional warmth and comfort. But it also enhances the value of your home, emulating a luxurious charm. And just like anything of value, regular maintenance and repair are necessary to keep your chimney lasting for generations. Failure to maintain the structure and masonry of your chimney can result in costly repair damage, and can even lead to having to rebuild the entire chimney stack. So just how long can a chimney last if you take care of it?
Making Your Chimney Last
Incredibly, a chimney that has been correctly built and maintained can last up to a century! Mortar will typically last a couple of decades before erosion and other wear and tear leads to structural problems. Which is why regular tuckpointing, cleaning, chimney sweeping, and general masonry repair are so important. Being vigorous with your chimney’s upkeep will help keep your chimney in tip top shape for years to come.
Regular Maintenance
You should have your chimney swept and inspected at least once per year. Twice is even better! Once after the Winter, and one before the season begins. An inspection will check for debris, structural integrity, and correct any issues that may be uncovered.
Masonry Repair
If any issues are discovered during your annual inspection, it’s time to look into masonry repair. Oftentimes this damage is due to water accumulation over time (hello, sealcoating!). You will likely need to call in a professional to address any brick or mortar replacement that needs to be done. Once your chimney has undergone these repairs, it is imperative to make sure your chimney is properly sealcoated to prevent water absorption in the future.
For more than two decades the masons at Cummins Restoration have been providing the highest quality craftsmanship and service to our clients. If you need masonry assistance for your chimney, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (416) 992-7965 or cumminsrestoration@rogers.com.
