Should A Brick Chimney Be Sealed?

Being raised in the southern states, you quickly grasp the importance of carrying an umbrella or raincoat wherever you go. The region extending from Mobile, Alabama, to the Florida panhandle encounters rainfall that surpasses even that of Seattle, Washington. The area between Mobile and Tallahassee is directly in the trajectory of hurricanes. In the southern states, it’s primarily the farmers who welcome the rainfall. Homeowners are supplied with pre-cut boards to protect their windows, and local stores offer sandbags for purchase to prevent water from seeping into buildings.

Homeowners in the area have adjusted to the prevailing weather conditions and gained an understanding of how to care for their homes accordingly. However, chimneys often go unnoticed and deteriorate over time. Yet, implementing proper maintenance measures can greatly extend the lifespan of your chimney. Here, we outline various types of chimneys for your reference.

Masonry

Masonry chimneys, commonly known as brick chimneys, are built using a combination of masonry and metal elements. These elements include mortar, brick, concrete, concrete block, stone, flue tile, steel, and cast iron. Most masonry chimneys utilize a mixture of these materials, often incorporating several of them. However, the unfortunate reality is that the majority of these materials are susceptible to damage from direct water exposure or infiltration.

With the exception of stone, the other materials degrade more rapidly when subjected to extended water contact. Specifically, masonry materials deteriorate quickly due to the repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Water penetrates the materials, freezes, and expands during these cycles, leading to stress and eventual deterioration. Furthermore, the presence of water within the chimney can trigger the formation of rust on steel and cast iron components, hastening their corrosion and degradation.

Prefabricated

Prefab chimneys, constructed before the home installation or construction, have become increasingly popular for incorporating fireplaces into residences. While operating similarly to masonry chimneys, prefab chimneys offer a significantly lower cost. However, an important design distinction sets the two apart.