Chimney Repointing

Chimney repointing is necessary when the mortar in the joints between the bricks is deteriorating—or even have pieces missing—and, thus, needs repair.  Well done mortar joints can last for 25 years before repairs are needed. However, the brick itself can last over 100 years. Weather plays a huge factor in determining the life of your mortar joints.

The weather for the piedmont region, which includes the Delmarva Peninsula, southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas,being caught between the Blue Ridge and Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, is quite unpredictable. We are very susceptible to dramatic changes in temperatures and a variety of precipitations changing rapidly from one type to the other–especially between seasons.  This weather slowly destroys mortar. With precipitation and condensation, water absorbs into the mortar and brick, and then expands and contracts with the temperature fluctuations. Over years of thermal expansion cycles, the expanding brick overpowers the compression strength of the expanding mortar, causing damage to the mortar. Often times, only a portion of the chimney needs repointing while the remainder is in good condition. After your chimney has been repointed, consider waterproofing it to help prevent the problem from recurring.

Chimney repointing requires a skilled masonry professional with specific repointing expertise. Call Becker’s today to make an appointment with our experienced chimney repointing professionals!