We Restore, Repair & Rebuild Masonry Chimneys
Did you use your fireplace this winter only to realize that you have damaged masonry? A fireplace and chimney may seem to work, while efficiency has actually gone down, and water is in the chimney. Masonry damage, big or small, should be repaired as soon as it’s noticed in order to avoid expensive repairs and hazards in the future.
Winter Damage
A common call we get in the spring here at Hudson Chimney is for masonry repairs due to winter damage. Cold temperatures during the winter months can wreak havoc on a masonry chimney, especially if there are any cracks or gaps in the masonry. A little damage in the fall can lead to serious water damage and structural damage by spring. Once spring arrives, so does the rainy and stormy weather, adding more damage to the already damaged chimney.
Common winter damage includes:
-Spalling masonry in which mortar is cracked and bricks are falling away, leaving gaps and openings in the masonry.
-Stains on the surface of the masonry which indicate water penetration or a damaged cap.
-Crown damage from snow, ice, water, and sun exposure which allows water into the system from cracks and gaps.
Trust Hudson Chimney
For over 30 years, Hudson Chimney has been the choice for comprehensive chimney care in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. If you reside in Jacksonville, Florida, and you need masonry repairs, look no further than the team at Hudson Chimney. We are experienced masons and bricklayers and can repair and rebuild your masonry chimney no matter the type of stone, size of the chimney, or amount of damage. Being from the Jacksonville area, we know what it means to maintain masonry near a shoreline, with salty air and tropical winds.
Our chimney sweeps are experienced at repairing masonry through tuckpointing, a process in which the damaged section of masonry is removed, and then replaced using new mortar of equal strength, consistency, and color. When we repair your masonry with tuckpointing, the repair should be seamless. Following a repair, we protect our work with an industrial water repellent that will protect your chimney year after year. Living on the coast, even the panhandle.
Prevent Masonry Damage
It is easier and cheaper to prevent damage rather than repair it. We can help you prevent masonry damage by performing routine chimney maintenance and services. For instance, we recommend annual chimney inspections for every fire appliance and chimney regardless of performance, and routine chimney sweeps as needed to keep the system clean of soot and creosote. We also waterproof masonry with ChimneySaver’s Water Repellent to protect masonry year after year. This solution is 100 percent vapor permeable, protecting against water while allowing the chimney to breathe.
If you haven’t had your chimney serviced this year, or if you’ve never had it waterproofed, you can schedule these important services today and avoid masonry damage.
Call Hudson Chimney today at 904-282-4159.