Preserving a historic brick home requires understanding the factors contributing to its deterioration. While the brick on the home often withstands the elements and the test of time, one element tends to deteriorate faster: The chimney. Below are reasons for the increased deterioration of historic brick home chimneys and the strategies to preserve them.
Reasons For Increased Deterioration Of Historic Brick Home Chimneys:
Brick chimneys are exposed to the elements: Chimneys stand tall and are exposed more than the home's facade, subjecting the chimney to the full force of the elements. Rain, snow, wind, and temperature changes affect the brick chimney. The brick on the home's walls is sheltered from direct exposure to the elements, and chimneys take direct exposure to all the elements.
Temperature fluctuations: Brick chimneys are affected by extreme temperature changes, especially during the winter when fireplaces are used the most. As the fireplace warms up and cools down, the expansion and contraction of the bricks and mortar can accelerate the development of deterioration or cracks. Thermal cycling is particularly in regions with harsh climate changes, such as Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
The buildup of soot and creosote: The combustions of the fireplace produce soot and creosote, which can accumulate inside the chimney and on the exterior top of the chimney. Soot and creosote can corrode the mortar joints and brick over time. Regular chimney maintenance can mitigate this issue.
Poor construction practices: Historic masonry homes are constructed with materials and techniques that require exceptional detail to provide longevity. Using a particular mortar type compatible with the brick is essential and sometimes may not be used and will cause deterioration issues for the chimney. Newer mortars on historic homes may need the durability of historic mortar mixes. Inadequate flashing, chimney caps, and crowns can also contribute to water penetration and masonry deterioration if not correctly installed.
Strategies To Preserve Historic Brick Home Chimneys:
Regularly inspect and maintain your chimney: Create a routine and schedule to check your historic brick home chimney to identify and address issues promptly. Acknowledging minor deterioration problems early on can prevent your chimney from escalating into major structural issues.
Brick repointing, repairs, and restoration: Investing in brick repointing early on, replacing deteriorated mortar joints with new compatible and aesthetically matching mortar, can restore the brick chimneys’ structural integrity and appearance and protect against further deterioration.
Waterproofing: Applying a breathable water repellant following the brick repointing, repairs, and restorations protects the chimney from moisture infiltration, creating a protective barrier against the elements while allowing any moisture within the brick to evaporate.
Proper flashing, caps, and crowns: Ensure that your chimney has proper flashing installed correctly, a well-fitted chimney cap, and an adequate chimney crown. All these correctly installed materials will help divert water away from the brick and mortar joints, helping prevent any moisture-related deterioration.
Conclusion:
Preserving your historic brick home chimney, structural integrity, and appearance requires a holistic approach. Understanding chimneys' unique challenges, homeowners and professionals can implement measures to slow deterioration and ensure these historic brick home chimneys stand the test of time and durability. Regular inspections, maintenance, attention to detail, and historic brick preservation techniques are vital to safeguarding the legacy of historic brick homes and their chimneys.