Chimney Rebuilding and Chimney Repointing, What’s the Difference?
Cost is the biggest difference between chimney repointing and chimney rebuilding. These chimney sweep services are typically needed to either avoid or address moisture in the masonry. If you keep a close eye on the condition of the mortar on the chimney exterior and if you schedule annual chimney inspections, you can likely avoid the more expensive chimney rebuild.
Chimney repointing is done to replace deteriorating mortar and ensure that the bricks are protected against destruction caused by moisture intrusion. Chimney rebuilding is necessary when numerous bricks in the chimney have become infiltrated by moisture. More details follow.
Why is Moisture Destructive to Chimneys?
Chimney masonry has a strong tendency to absorb moisture, and then the moisture freezes and thaws in winter. These cycles create movement inside the bricks, and the movement causes the collapse of the masonry. Once water has entered into an exterior brick of the chimney, that brick is irreversibly damaged and must be replaced. If you’ve ever seen a leaning chimney, it is likely caused by both moisture-damaged bricks and lack of chimney repair.
What is Chimney Repointing?
Chimney repointing is a common chimney sweep service in Houston TX, Conroe, and the surrounding areas. Masonry itself can last for a century or more, but mortar has a lifespan of about 25 years in optimal conditions. Chimney repointing is an option when cracked and crumbling mortar is replaced before destructive water infiltration occurs.
Repointing, also known as tuckpointing, is a cost-cutting procedure that prevents water intrusion while restoring the chimney to like-new structural stability. Mortar is removed and then replaced in the joints between bricks or stones.
What Does Chimney Rebuilding Involve?
During a complete chimney rebuild, all components of the exterior chimney are removed until the chimney base is laid bare. Then new bricks and fresh mortar are used to rebuild the chimney. Installing new metal flashing is also necessary. The flashing creates a watertight seal between the new chimney and the roof. A new chimney crown at the very top is also added.
A partial chimney rebuild can be the best option when the chimney damage is limited. One or more layers or sections of mortar and brick are torn down and rebuilt. As much of the chimney crown is replaced as is necessary.
Chimney Waterproofing is Recommended
Keeping moisture out of a chimney system is not easy, even though the various components of the structure are built to help prevent moisture intrusion. If your chimney is free and clear of moisture inside the masonry, most professionals recommend adding a layer of protection. Schedule chimney waterproofing by chimney sweep experts.
It is important that the material used for chimney waterproofing is made specifically for that purpose. The waterproofing materials must allow the masonry system to breathe while reducing the penetration of water by approximately 99.9%.
Contact Guardian Chimney Sweep Today
Guardian Chimney Sweep offers quality workmanship by CSIA-certified chimney sweeps for all chimney services. If you need chimney repointing, chimney rebuilding, a chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, or any other chimney services, contact Guardian Chimney Sweep. Call us today at any number below.
Toll-free: (888) 306-6069
Conroe: (936) 271-9781
Houston: (713) 401-2011