Should A Brick Chimney Be Sealed?

Being raised in the southern states, you become accustomed to having an umbrella or rain jacket with you at all times. The region stretching from Mobile, Alabama to the panhandle of Florida experiences a greater amount of rainfall than even Seattle, Washington. Areas from Mobile to roughly Tallahassee lie within the direct path of hurricanes. In the southern regions, it’s mainly the farmers who welcome the rain. Homeowners are provided with pre-cut boards to shield each window in preparation for adverse weather. Additionally, local stores offer sandbags for sale to prevent water from infiltrating structures.

Homeowners here have come accustom to the weather conditions and now how to take care of their homes. Chimneys are left to wither away, but taking the steps to maintain the condition could save your chimney. Below are the types of chimneys.

Masonry

Masonry chimneys, also referred to as brick chimneys, are crafted from an array of masonry and metal components. These materials encompass mortar, brick, concrete, concrete block, stone, flue tile, steel, and cast iron. Every masonry chimney will incorporate various combinations of these materials, and in some cases, multiple materials might be present. The majority of these materials are susceptible to the adverse effects of direct water contact or water infiltration.

With the exception of stone, all these materials deteriorate at an accelerated pace due to extended exposure to water. Typically, masonry materials degrade swiftly when subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This occurs when water infiltrates the materials, freezes, and expands, inducing stress. Additionally, water within the chimney can lead to rust formation on steel and cast iron components, which in turn weakens or even corrodes the metal parts.

Prefabricated

Pre-built chimneys are constructed before the installation or construction of the home begins. They are increasingly becoming the prevailing approach for incorporating a fireplace into a residence. Prefabricated (prefab) chimneys operate in a manner akin to masonry chimneys, but they come at a significantly lower cost. However, a substantial design disparity exists between the two methods.