The freeze and thaw cycles we experience

every spring and fall can wreak havoc on the brickwork of your chimney.

Water absorbed by the porous brick and mortar expands as temperatures freeze causing spalling — the cracking, and eventual weakening, of your chimney’s brick and mortar. Left untreated, spalling can be the demise of your chimney, resulting in costly repairs or injuries if kept in disarray.

And while spalling can occur on sidewalks, driveways and other concretes surfaces, it often has a greater impact on chimneys due to their exposure to the elements.
Spalling can be identified on your chimney by visible crumbling, cracking, and flaking of the chimney’s exterior. There are a few ways you can prevent spalling.

• Make sure, if constructing a new chimney, that you use bricks suitable for outdoor use. Softer bricks are cheaper, but are more likely to be impacted by freeze and thaw cycles.
• Install a chimney cap that will keep water and moisture out of the chimney. (Chimney caps also prevent animals from entering your chimney!)
• Lastly, inspect your chimney on a regular basis. If you see chipping or crumbling, schedule an appointment with a professional chimney cleaning company that will thoroughly inspect your chimney and recommend any necessary fixes.

MCP Chimney has the know-how to inspect your chimney and make any necessary repairs, no matter how big or small. Prevention is key when it comes to spalling. The sooner you recognize spalling, the sooner we can fix your chimney, keeping it in great condition for years to come.

For more information on spalling or any of our chimney services — including chimney cleaning services — contact us today.