The masonry chimney, clothed in brick or stone and wearing a metal cap with a mesh veil, faces a barrage of weather conditions day and night. Whether deflecting rain and snow or sweating in humid summers, it must maintain its Raintite® seal to prevent cracking and spalling, increasing fire, health, and structural risks that can ultimately cause the chimney to fall.
At Approved Industries, our team of experts has developed innovative, advanced ceramic coatings and thermal protective systems. These solutions are specifically designed to help chimney and fireplace professionals maintain chimneys for their customers, providing a high level of confidence in their effectiveness.
Identify Masonry Damage
During an annual chimney inspection, your sweep will visually inspect the interior masonry for damaged bricks and spalling. This proactive approach allows for the early identification of potential issues, providing homeowners with reassurance and peace of mind about the condition of their chimneys, vents, and attached heating appliances.
Cracked Crown
Some of the chimney's most vital components, such as the cap and crown at the top of the stack, may not be easily seen at street level. Extreme weather, snow accumulation, settling, lightning, and seismic activity can fracture the crown. These hairline cracks allow rain to seep inside the chimney, where it can cause significant internal damage to the structure. When caught early through regular maintenance, a minor repair is often as easy as applying Evercrown® to seal the cracks rather than rebuilding the crown when the damage is severe.
Flue Liner Cracks
The flue liner insulates the chimney from the intense heat from the fireplace or stove. However, age, wear, water damage, corrosion, and even small chimney fires cause the liner to crack and blister. When this happens, heat can escape through the masonry walls, causing a fire in the chimney that can quickly spread to the attic and the entire house. When an inspection reveals cracks in the flue liner, your chimney professional may recommend applying Thermocrete®, which restores the liner, saving the cost of a complete replacement.
Fire Prevention
Fire prevention is the number one priority for any chimney sweep, which is why annual inspections and professional cleaning are such an important part of chimney maintenance. Creosote buildup, animal nests, and debris in the flue significantly increase the risk of fire and other health and safety hazards without regular chimney maintenance.
Moisture Intrusion
Moisture intrusion is a common problem for many masonry chimneys. While sturdy, bricks and mortar are porous materials. When the bricks are initially baked, their hard surface resists moisture. However, this hardness quickly wears away from the continuous exposure to the elements, allowing water to seep through its tiny pores. You may notice a white stain across the bricks, efflorescence, a sign of moisture absorption. In cold climates, the moisture freezes, causes cracks in the brickwork, and thaws. This repetitive cycle can lead to brick damage and spalling, destabilizing the structure until it ultimately falls. Ask your chimney professional to seal your masonry with Raintite®. More than just waterproofing, Raintite® bonds within the masonry’s pores protecting it from moisture intrusion from the inside out, prolonging the chimney’s lifespan.
Approved Industries Solutions for Masonry Chimney Repair
Maintaining a weather-resistant seal is paramount for preventing cracks and other damage that can lead to hazardous issues. Approved Industries offers a suite of advanced ceramic coatings and thermal protective systems designed for professional use in maintaining masonry chimneys. Our proprietary solutions provide long-term protection against the elements, including UV exposure, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
For Chimney Companies:
Are you interested in offering our advanced coatings to your customers? We offer attractive partnership opportunities, including wholesale pricing and marketing support, to help you expand your service offerings and increase your revenue. Contact us to discuss how we can work together.
For Homeowners:
Hey homeowners! Approved Industries offers durable, cost-effective, and water-resistant chimney maintenance and repair solutions. Our products are exclusively for professional use by factory-authorized chimney sweeps, repair technicians, and fireplace installers.
Click here to find an authorized Approved Industries installer near you. If you don't see one in your area, contact your local chimney company and ask them to consider offering Approved Industries' solutions for restoring damaged chimney crowns. We're committed to making our products accessible to homeowners, and we're here to help you find the right professional for your chimney maintenance needs.
