What is Spalling?

There are so many unusual terms associated with chimney care and chimney repair and if you’re not in the business, it can be really confusing. What’s the difference between a chimney crown and a chimney cap? What is flashing and why is it so important? Why does your chimney need to be lined? What is efflorescence? Have you ever heard the term spalling? Well, it is important to know what is going on with your chimney and fireplace system, but when it comes right down to it, you can hire an actual chimney company to come in and take care of all these things for you. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have an inspection and sweeping on an annual basis. If you live in or around Cincinnati and you’re looking for a company that is best equipped to take care of all your chimney needs, give Chimney Care Co. a call today.

Spalling

If you take a look at your chimney and notice that there’s a lot of little white specks laying around on the ground, you probably have a condition called spalling. This means that there is a problem with your bricks. Bricks are porous, and if water gets under the surface, it can cause the surface to pop, flake, or peel off. This causes a weakening of the brick, and can cause an overall instability in the structure of the chimney. Obviously, this is a condition that you want to avoid. It can also cause bricks to crack and chip. Because the chimney’s job is to keep dangerous chemicals in smoke out of the house, these cracks and chips can cause major damage or even health issues for your family members and pets.

What To Do

If we discover spalling when we come in for your inspection, we’ll probably recommend that we do some brick replacement. This involves removing the damaged bricks, clearing out the opening to get out the dirt and dust, and then reapplying new, fresh mortar to the new brick and replacing it in the opening. Although this process seems uncomplicated, it is actually best left to the qualified professionals at Chimney Care Co. We have the experience and the expertise to do the job right, and we can make sure that the new mortar matches the existing mortar and that your chimney looks as good as new. Your chimney will be strong and secure and able to perform its function in no time.

Hire CSIA Certified Pros

It’s important to know that the professionals that you are hiring are properly certified and trained. The top certification in the industry is from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and this is one of the certifications we have. We are also members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, National Fire Protection Association, and the Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association. All of these associations offer top-notch education and training opportunities, so you know we can do any repair your chimney needs. Give us a call soon and we’ll have your chimney in great working order before autumn hits!