Summary: Chimney failure can occur for various reasons. Small hairline cracks in
chimneys need to be monitored. Concrete footers may not be adequate for
the chimney. Chimney block and brick can also be defective. The chimney
crown must be watertight. Chimney sweeps and structural engineers can
inspect your chimney.
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Comments
jon
06 Dec 2007, 18:52
tim,
i had a new chimney built in august (its dec now). about 20' up only about
2-3 spots on all sides (not on the same blocks) its seems there is black
staining coming out of the mortar joints i checked it out ad it seems damp
and smells like creasold. any thoughts thanks in advance.
jon
AsktheBuilder
06 Dec 2007, 19:34
Jon,
It sounds like you might have flue liners that are not sealed well at each
joint. This is not a good thing.
jon
06 Dec 2007, 22:18
how would i know with out ripping the whole chimeney down?(since i cant see
behind the block) what would be your recomendation? is it safe to burn?
thanks for the prompt reply
jon
AsktheBuilder
07 Dec 2007, 05:25
Jon,
Contact a Certified Chimney Sweep. Do an online search for "chimney sweep
association". I just did and discovered a rich resource of professionals.
These people care enough about their vocation to take the time to
participate in a group where they stay in the zone each and every day.
Jeff
17 Dec 2007, 14:11
My house is 50 years old. I have a concrete block chimney. Yesterday
while inspecting the attic I noticed the corner of one of the concrete
blocks had cracked off. This crach has not yet created an exhaust leak in
the attic but I would like to take some kind of action to fix.
For a temp fix can I slap some sumo glue on the broken piece and restore it
to the original location?
I'm not sure if the house shifted or if the concrete is rotten but this is
scarey.
AsktheBuilder
17 Dec 2007, 17:14
Jeff,
You can epoxy the piece back on. Monitor the chimney for exhaust-gas leaks.
Jeff
17 Dec 2007, 21:38
Well I crawled up there tonight to take some pics.... things are not good.
There are actually a number of cracks in the concrete two corners broke
off. There is watter seeping from the inside out where the motor is
supposed to seal. However when checking the trap in the basement there was
no moisture at all so the ceramic center is still good. I'm not sure what
to do about the leak. The insulation around the chimney is wet and the
drywall on the first floor indicates water damage as well. GGGGGRRRRR. I
can't fix the concrete in 10* weather. Suggestions?
AsktheBuilder
18 Dec 2007, 08:14
Jeff,
Pull the insulation away from the chimney. Start to get quotes now from the
candidates who qualify to do the repairs. Be the first on the list for when
the weather breaks.
Jeff
18 Dec 2007, 11:39
Thanks. Is there anything I can use to soak up the leaking water? My guess
is water is getting in between the ceramic and the concrete then freezing
and breaking the motor/concrete. Maybe I can remove some mortar and use
some wedges to inspect.
Mike
11 Mar 2008, 00:23
my grandma has an old brick chimmeny and a few yrs ago she had a guy come
along and put a coat of sement or something liek stucko over it and now all
that is cracking and falling off as well as the old bricks are slightly
deteriating could it be re stucko'd but add soem kinda of adhiesive between
it and the bricks or....... what would be a the best options besides
tearing it down any advice
thanks mike
AsktheBuilder
13 Mar 2008, 19:15
Mike,
It is time for a rebuild.
Jeremy Truscott
04 Apr 2008, 08:02
In the above article the writer suggests that solid masonry around the flue
liner is proper. The Thermal expansion of flue liners occurs both
vertically and laterally. Without an expansion joint at the crown and an
air space or loose fill insulation around the flue liners, large vertical
cracks as described above will appear especially on chimneys with
fireplaces and other solid fuel burning appliances. In addition an an air
space or loose fill insulation around flue liners is a code requirement in
my state (MA).
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