The Chimney Crown Jewel
The chimney crown is the chimney crown jewel for any system. It may be just a slab of concrete, but it serves an important purpose. Recently, standing in line at the grocery store, a couple was discussing their recent chimney inspection. The couple found that the chimney crown had multiple cracks. Some cracks were hairline […]
Can the Chimney Bricks Expand and Contract in Summer Months?
It seems crazy to be talking about how chimney bricks expand and contract, but as we have experienced, we’ve gone from 90 degrees to 70 degrees in a 24 hour timeframe. Those type of swings in temperatures create stress on the brick or stone material causing it to slowly break away from the mortar. Chimney […]
Effects of the Winter Freeze Thaw Cycle on the Chimney Masonry
What are the effects of the winter freeze thaw cycle on the chimney masonry the Chicagoland area? While you’re enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire, snow, rain, and ice are accumulating on the brick exterior of your chimney. Throughout winter, temperatures often fluctuate above and below the freezing mark. When the temperature drops below […]
What Makes “Chimney Potholes”?
The freeze thaw cycle is an unfortunate way your chimney experiences damage in the fall, winter and spring months. Have you ever noticed the road during springtime? Even without salt, the very porous asphalt/concrete is freezing and thawing. This process causes annoying potholes & cracks. The same goes for chimneys! The material that holds masonry […]
Chimney Freeze-Thaw Cycle in a Mild Chicago Winter
Chimney freeze thaw cycle is a regular occurrence in Illinois, even with the mild winter we’ve been experiencing. Now with the week ahead, temperatures hovering around the 30 degree mark during the day, chance of snow multiple times and in the 20’s at night, is a perfect recipe for the chimney to have to endure […]
Mixed Weather Brings on the Chimney Freeze Thaw Cycle
Have you heard about the chimney freeze thaw cycle? Many homeowners have; however, we still get plenty of confused looks. If your chimney is made from bricks, which most of them are, then this article is a must read. What is the Chimney Freeze Thaw Cycle? According to the CSIA, the chimney freeze thaw cycle […]
