How to Find a Waterproofing Company to Protect Your Home & Basement
If you live in an area that’s prone to flash floods or inclement weather, then you know how important it is to have a waterproof home and basement. It can make the difference between weathering the storm and losing all of your possessions. It may sound dramatic, but many families have suffered the consequences of living in homes that are not protected from water. So, what can you do to waterproof your home and basement?
Can I Waterproof My Home or Basement by Myself?
The answer to this question is complicated. There are certain actions you can (and should) take to secure your home or basement against water damage. However, a professional waterproofing company has the expertise and equipment to ensure that your house can withstand even heavy water intrusion. In any case, let’s take a look at what you can do to waterproof your own home:
- Clean and repair your gutters - Rain gutters help divert rainwater so that it doesn’t collect in or around your home. If your gutters are full of debris or damaged, you could be exposing yourself to water damage when the next big storm comes along.
- Check your windows and doors - Over time, windows and doors can swell (especially in humid climates), leaving unsealed openings behind. You will need to ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed off to keep water out.
While these steps will help to some degree, they will only go so far. The truth is that you need a professional to deal with things such as foundational damage, damage to your roof, and other potential problem areas. Without a professional waterproofing company, you could be exposing your home and basement to untold risk.
What Does a Professional Waterproofing Company Do?
Now that we’ve looked at what you can do to waterproof your home, let’s see what a professional waterproofing company can do for you:
- Check your roofing - It goes without saying that gutters are useless if you have damage to your roofing. Cracks in your roofing will quickly allow water to accumulate in your home and cause costly damage. A waterproofing company can fix roof damage and ensure that your chimneys and plumbing vents are properly sealed.
- Check your foundation - If you have a concrete foundation, it will almost certainly take damage over time. Cracks in your foundation will allow water to seep in, causing damage without you even knowing about it. A waterproofing company can find these cracks and seal them before they cause any damage.
- Evaluate your basement - While most people assume that their roof is the greatest source of water leaks, it’s the basement that often lets in the most moisture. Once dampness accumulates, it can be difficult to get out. Fortunately, a professional waterproofing contractor will evaluate your basement for problem areas and fix them for you.
How to Find the Right Waterproofing Company to Protect Your Home & Basement
If you’re worried about water damage in your home, you need to find a reliable waterproofing company. Thankfully, Brickworks Property Restoration is the solution for you. We have a proven track record of helping homeowners protect their homes and basements from the elements and unseen water damage. So, if you live in the Detroit area and need help waterproofing your home, Brickworks Property Restoration is here to help.
For more information on professional waterproofing for your home and basement, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
The Chimney Restoration Process from Top to Bottom
If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably had plenty of free time to contemplate home-repair projects over the past few months. While there are certainly many little jobs that you should be able to complete on your own, it’s generally a good idea to leave chimney repairs to the pros. Here, we’ll explain the chimney restoration process from top-to-bottom and cover every potential issue a homeowner may face. Consider this your guide to chimney maintenance and safety:
Caps are Crucial
Investing in the right chimney cap (or chimney cover) is essential to maintaining chimney safety. These small caps can prevent sparks or flames from spreading out of the top of the chimney should a fire get out of control. What’s more, they also stop animals like birds from building nests that may block ventilation in your chimney. Similarly, chimney crowns provide cover for the top of the chimney. Though, these crowns often need to be repaired because some builders use cheap mortar to form them.
Fixing Faulty Flashing
Chimney flashing consists of two sheets of metal that are placed at the base where a chimney intersects with the roof. The primary function of chimney flashing is to prevent moisture from entering at the vulnerable point where the chimney connects to the roof. Unfortunately, leaky flashing can lead to a myriad of issues like brick deterioration and loss of structural integrity. So it’s important to repair and replace flashing as needed.
Interior & Exterior Chimney Problems
It may not always be obvious that a chimney is becoming unsafe. That’s because many issues related to chimney safety are easy to overlook. For one, creosote buildup can cause chimney fires to burn dangerously hot. But identifying creosote within the chimney itself usually requires a full inspection. (This is also why an interior flue lining is so important.) In addition, some homeowners may not notice loose bricks, flue-lining deterioration, or darkened smoke when they light a fire –– all of which may indicate significant chimney damage.
Water-Based Issues
As with any brick structure, chimneys are most susceptible to damage from extensive exposure to water (this also includes ice and snow). Over time, water can cause bricks to crack, split, and become loose. And when this occurs on the inside or outside of a chimney, the integrity of the structure can become compromised. Note also that while new brick structures will typically last decades with relatively little upkeep, the mortar in between bricks is more vulnerable to erosion. As such, homeowners may need to invest in tuckpointing or spot tuckpointing to fix potential chimney problems.
Base & Tile Cracks
The tiles around your chimney’s base should be solid and secure. If the tiles around the fireplace become cracked or damaged, it could create other issues within the chimney.
Chimney Fires
Even if you don’t use your chimney often, consistent maintenance is vital. That’s because chimney fires are surprisingly common and, predictably, damaging. Indeed, there are over 25,000 chimney fires per year, and they cause around $125 million dollars in property damage.
Due to the danger of chimney fires, it’s recommended that homeowners follow safety best practices when using their fireplace. In addition, they should also schedule several chimney inspections and cleanings –– one before and one after the winter –– to ensure any major issues can be identified and addressed before regular use.
Contact Us
At Brickworks, we have years of experience working with homeowners and businesses in the Detroit metro area. Our team is professional and detail-oriented and we only use the highest-quality masonry materials when we take on a project. If your chimney is overdue for an inspection –– or if you need repair help right away –– give us a call today at (586) 330-4920 to schedule an appointment.
Brick Porch Repair: When to DIY & When to Hire a Contractor
If your property features a brick front (or back) porch, you know that time can do a lot of damage. Weather, foreign objects, and general deterioration can all turn your beautiful brick porch into a shabby mess after a while. However, many people are unsure when a brick porch repair calls for a contractor and when it just needs a DIY solution.
When to Do a Brick Porch Repair Yourself
You don’t need to be a brick or construction expert to fix minor issues with your porch. That said, it’s easy to get in over your head if the damage is extensive. So, let’s go over a few scenarios in which you can easily repair a brick porch on your own:
- Stains and Discoloration - Over time, red brick loses quite a bit of its luster. Fortunately, stains and other discoloration are pretty easy to fix on your own. In some cases, discoloration is the result of dirt and grime that has accumulated on the surfaces of your porch. When this happens, you simply need to clean your brick porch with a hose and a scrub brush. If the discoloration has set into the brick, you might need to stain your porch. Either way, you won’t need to call a contractor for these kinds of issues.
- Missing Bricks - In some cases, a poorly installed brick might fall from its place on your porch. As long as you have easy access to the hole, you can usually fix the problem yourself. You simply need to reinsert the brick and use Gorilla Glue or a mortar mixture to hold it in place.
- Minor Cracks - Small cracks are just an aesthetic issue. They do not compromise the strength or integrity of a brick structure. In the event that your brick porch has a few small cracks, you can fill in these gaps with a strong mortar mixture. Depending on how the crack looks from the exterior, you may want to stain your bricks when you’re done.
When to Hire a Contractor to Do a Brick Porch Repair
Now that we’ve covered some DIY scenarios, it’s time to look at more severe situations. In some cases, you simply cannot fix a brick porch without help from an expert. Let’s look at a few common scenarios that require the help of a contractor:
- Shifting - Shifting occurs when part or all of your brick porch begins to shift sideways. This most often occurs due to a weak foundation. While minor shifting won’t cause any structural problems, major shifting can become a safety issue. So, if you see that your brick porch is shifting, call a contractor.
- Broken Bricks - Broken bricks can happen if a foreign object (tree, car, etc.) hits your porch. This can cause extensive damage that would be complicated to deal with on your own. Replacing one missing brick is not a huge issue; replacing several broken bricks should be left up to a professional.
- Severe Cracks - Large cracks (especially vertical ones) can threaten the structural integrity of a brick porch. These can also occur as a result of damage from a foreign object. If your porch has a large or severe crack, let a contractor handle it as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
Brick is a solid construction material that can usually withstand the test of time. However, no two brick structures are the same. If your brick porch has severe damage, you shouldn’t try to fix it on your own. That said, if the damage is minimal, you can make it your next DIY project!
For more information on brick porch repair, contact the experts at Brickworks Property Restoration today!
Considering a Cultured Stone Installation? Read this First!
Cultured stone is a crucial feature to many home-renovation projects. Cultured stone presents a number of key benefits to homeowners (as we’ll explore further below), and it is a very popular material in modern home masonry. However, as with any product, it’s important to use cultured stone in the right way, in the right settings, and for the right reasons. If you’ve been considering a cultured stone installation, then make sure to read this blog first to ensure that you get all the info you need about this unique material:
Cultured Stone vs Natural Stone
As opposed to natural stone, cultured stone is a manufactured product. Specifically, professionals create cultured stone by pouring concrete mixes into molds to mimic the appearance and feel of real stone. It’s worth noting here that there is no substitute for genuine stone. Upon close inspection, it’s possible to tell the difference between cultured stone and actual stone. Homeowners who are adamant about using real stone probably shouldn’t use cultured stone.
On the other hand, cultured stone presents a number of key advantages over natural stone, including:
- Greater selection. Natural stone choices are often restricted by region, and since natural stone is a man-made product, it can be altered more easily.
- Lighter. Cultured stone is lighter than natural stone and thus places less pressure on a home’s foundation. This, in turn, also makes cultured stone more versatile.
- Cheaper. In almost all instances, cultured stone is cheaper than natural stone.
Cultured Stone Exteriors & Interiors
Over the years, homeowners have used cultured stone in a variety of ways. And, because cultured stone is such a flexible product, it’s suited for use both indoors and outdoors. In terms of cultured stone exteriors, remember that some compositions of cultured stone may be more susceptible to 1) water damage and 2) fading from exposure to sunlight than other materials. So homeowners who opt for a cultured stone exterior may need to focus on upkeep more than homeowners who use cultured stone for interior walls. On the plus side, when taken care of properly, cultured stone walls can last for 50 years without noticeable problems.
Choosing an Installation Company
Cultured stone may be a relatively simple product to work with, but that doesn’t mean that homeowners can afford to hire just any company to install it. Indeed, it’s important for homeowners to partner with a masonry company that is capable of all of the following:
- Providing a wide array of cultured stone products with different looks and in different price ranges.
- Installing the stone quickly, effectively, and accurately to prevent any structural or aesthetic issues from occurring.
- Integrating cultured stone fixtures within a home renovation project.
- Following up with regular inspections and maintenance for all masonry materials.
By picking the right masonry company now, you’ll likely save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress later.
Contact Us
At Brickworks, we’re not just experts in cultured stone. In fact, we’re comfortable taking on all sorts of home-masonry projects. Our team has years of experience in the field, and we’ll work closely with you to ensure your next home-improvement project comes off perfectly. Contact us here to get started!
The #1 Reason Why You Need A Chimney Crown
There’s lots to love about a well-maintained chimney. If you’ve ever curled up in front of the fireplace on your couch on a cold, winter day, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. Indeed, a fireplace and chimney can add several thousand dollars to the valuation of a home. However, even the best-made chimneys occasionally require maintenance from time to time. One of the most important things that a homeowner can do to protect their chimney is to add a chimney crown. Here, we’ll explain what chimney crowns are and why they matter so much:
What are Chimney Crowns?
A chimney crown is a large slab that covers the top of the chimney. They are often made from leftover mortar from the chimney construction itself. Don’t confuse chimney crowns with chimney caps, though. Chimney caps are metal or plastic coverings that prevent birds or other animals entering your chimney.
Why Are Chimney Crowns Important?
Chimney crowns mostly serve to prevent water from entering through the top of a chimney. While this might not sound like much, it’s crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of the chimney. Unfortunately, water damage can not only affect how a chimney looks, but how it functions. Water damage can cause bricks to come loose, or baseboards or walls to become warped. If allowed to deteriorate over time, water damage can even cause chimneys to become unsafe or susceptible to fires. And that’s the last thing any homeowner wants to hear!
Installing/Replacing a Chimney Crown
Almost all chimneys already have a chimney crown. However, if for whatever reason your chimney doesn’t have a crown, it’s crucial to contact a professional to install one immediately.
More often, though, builders will use cheap mortar to create a chimney crown. This can present a problem. While some mortars will hold up well over time, others may begin to break down, develop chips, or crack. When you notice this occurring, it’s time to take action.
Repairing Chimney Crowns
Sometimes, professionals may be able to fix chimney crowns before they become damaged beyond repair. Otherwise, a full replacement may be in order. The good news is that replacing a chimney crown can be a cost-effective way to ensure the safety of your chimney for many years. Quality masonry repairs may last for decades.
Scheduling Regular Inspections
A chimney crown is an integral component of chimney safety. Yet, it is just one aspect. Thankfully, by scheduling regular inspections, homeowners can guarantee that their chimney works perfectly every time. Plus, annual inspections will allow professionals to diagnose and amend issues before they become massive –– and costly –– problems.
Contact the Pros
At Brickworks, we can offer homeowners quality, professional advice and chimney maintenance. We only use the highest-quality materials during our repair projects, and our team members are trustworthy and experienced. If you’re concerned about the safety of your chimney or fireplace, or if you’re overdue for an inspection, then contact us here. Don’t wait until it’s too late, call now.
What is Cultured Stone?
Few homeowners are masonry experts. So it can be easy to get confused when professionals start throwing around terms like “cultured stone,” or “natural stone veneer” in conversation. Plenty of people have gotten lost trying to follow industry jargon like this before. Thankfully, today we aim to clear up some of the confusion surrounding this subject. Just what is cultured stone? In brief, cultured stone is a manufactured approximation of natural stone that is made by concrete molds. Now that we’ve cleared that up, we can explain some of the nuances associated with this building material.
What are the Benefits of Cultured Stone?
One of the biggest advantages cultured stone brings to the table is its versatility. Unlike natural stone, cultured stone is a man-made product. This means that homeowners have a wide variety of choices when it comes to cultured stone patterns, colors, and designs. In addition, cultured stone is cheaper than natural stone; it costs less to produce and install. Plus, it’s lighter than natural stone, which means it places less strain on a home’s foundation. Lastly, professionals can usually install cultured stone faster than natural stone fixtures.
Are there Any Drawbacks Associated with Cultured Stone?
Here at Brickworks Property Restoration, we’re big believers in cultured stone, and we use it often. However, there are certain reasons why a homeowner might not want to use cultured stone. For one, while cultured stone has a great, authentic look, it is an imitation of real stone. It’s possible to notice the difference between the two under very close inspection. Sticklers for a certain type of natural stone, then, may be better served going that route. Also, natural stone is slightly more durable than cultured stone. Over the course of many years, natural stone tends to fade less in direct sunlight than natural stone. (Interior walls made from cultured stone, then, are less likely to experience fading.) With proper upkeep, cultured stone walls may last 50 years or more without significant degradation.
Is Cultured Stone Right for Your Home?
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use cultured stone or natural stone veneer in your home is up to you. Still, we find that most homeowners appreciate the value, flexibility, and the appearance of cultured stone. It’s also worth noting that some natural stone designs might not be available for homeowners living in certain parts of the country. Remember, natural stone has to be mined from a quarry, treated, and formed before installation, and these procedures add up.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, how well a home improvement project looks depends on the quality of masonry installation. Thankfully, the professionals here at Brickworks have the experience, tools, and resources to take on any masonry assignment. Not only is our team comfortable completing cultured stone projects, but we’re also experts in brick repair and installation. So we’re happy to take on all aspects of a home improvement project! Contact us here at (586) 330-4843 for more information.
7 Common Mortar Joint Styles & How to Recognize Them
When it comes to brick and masonry work, the devil is in the details. Indeed, small decisions and precise execution are often the differences between professional and amateur brick repair. One great example of this is the formation of mortar joint styles. Mortar joints are the mixtures of mortar and/or grout that rest in between bricks. And if you’ve never worked on a brick structure before, you may not realize that not all mortar joints are the same. In fact, there are seven common different joint styles –– each with their own set of pros and cons. We’ll explain them all here so that you can recognize them for yourself:
Concave Joint
This is the most common type of mortar joint used in exterior brick walls. Concave joints are, unsurprisingly, shaped with a slightly curved, concave pattern. This allows for maximum water resistance because it prevents rain from accumulating on any flat surfaces. By looking closely, you should be able to see a small depression in the mortar joints between the bricks of an exterior wall.
V Joint
Unlike a concave joint, which has a rounded center, V joints have a v-shaped appearance. When constructed properly, V joints can also help prevent water damage. However, they are more difficult to form correctly and can enable water accumulation in some instances.
Flush Joint
Flush joints sit exactly in line with bricks on a wall. Because of this, flush joints are harder to form and maintain (since mortar will naturally squeeze out from under brick) and harder to waterproof. Typically, mortar joints are used in walls that are going to be plastered or painted over anyway, and the decision to use them is often a stylistic one.
Extruded Joint
Extruded joints are the only type of joint that don’t require tooling equipment. Rather, you can form an extruded joint simply by placing bricks on top of mortar. The mortar will push out and form an extrusion that sits between bricks. This is not to be recommended, though, since the extra surface area practically invites water damage.
Internal Wall Joints
There’s a big difference between interior and exterior brick walls. While the following joint styles have unique aesthetic qualities, they don’t provide water resistance and are not recommended for external use:
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- Grapevine Joint. Grapevine joints were very popular during America’s colonial period and are now most often used when dealing with antiques or retro-styled brickwork.
- Raked Joint. Raked joints are similar to flush joints, but rather than aligning perfectly with the brick, they sit back about 2mm. This gives the joint a depressed look and subsequently makes the bricks “pop.” Not recommended for external use.
- Struck & Weathered Joints. Both are formed using a sharp angle to create a mortar “slope” in between bricks. Struck joints slant downwards and should not be used in exterior walls. Weathered joints slant up and can sometimes be used in exteriors.
Conclusion
Precisely forming a mortar joint style requires persistence, patience, and the appropriate tools. Thankfully, the professionals at Brickworks Property Restoration have the experience and the equipment to tackle any brick or masonry job –– no matter how big, small, straightforward, or complex. Contact us here at (586) 330-4843 for more information. We’re happy to take on domestic and commercial projects!
4 Ways Water Comes Through Your Brick Walls & How To Combat It
Believe it or not, water is a major catalyst for foundation damage and brick deterioration. Even homes that are relatively new can be compromised by the presence of water within crawlspaces, basements, or brick walls. The silver lining here is that there are steps homeowners can take to ensure their brick homes and walls don’t suffer from water damage. Here, we’ll explain four common ways that water comes through brick and what you can do to combat them:
#1 Excessive Power-Washing
Power-washing a brick exterior is okay from time to time. However, power-washing frequently can lead to chips, cracks, and breaks within brick walls.
The solution: Only power-wash your home when necessary and call a professional for brick cleaning help and advice.
#2 Improper Drainage System
Waterproofing a home is essential to ensuring that it never experiences significant foundation damage. Unfortunately, homes with improper or poorly installed drainage systems are susceptible to water damage. This is especially true for homes that are built at the bottom of a hill or on a downward slant.
The solution: Regularly check your drains and and have your pipes inspected. Waterproof your basement from both the interior and the exterior. If the problem persists, install a new drainage system to direct water away from your home.
#3 Rain
A single rainy day isn’t going to compromise a brick structure. However, years upon years of rain –– and wind, and sleet, and snow –– can be enough to erode bricks and damage the mortar in between them.
The solution: While you can’t stop it from raining, you can take measures to protect your brick walls from rain. Always use a breathable sealant to treat brick surfaces. Painting on bricks or using a non-breathable sealant can trap water under the surface and lead to more damage. Also, make sure to tuck point on an as-needed basis. Spot tuckpointing from time to time can end up saving you a lot of money (and hassle) down the line.
#4 Freeze-Thawing
In cold areas –– like Michigan –– water can freeze on the outside of brick walls. When that ice thaws, though, its expansion can cause imperfections and cracks to appear in between bricks. You could consider freeze-thawing to be an accelerated form of water damage.
The solution: Regardless of whether a homeowner lives in a cold climate or not, they should apply a breathable brick sealant to protect their walls from water damage. To specifically protect your home against freeze-thawing, make it a point to fix any small cracks or imperfections that appear as soon as possible in the spring. Calling on a professional to amend a few minor issues could help you avoid paying for more significant repairs later.
Conclusion
Want to ensure that you never face a massive brick wall or foundation issue? Then schedule regular inspections for your home from a brick repair company. At Brickworks, we have years of experience helping people just like you protect their most vital investment –– their homes. From tuckpointing to foundation repair, we have the skills and the resources to provide you and your family with home-repair solutions. Call us today at (586) 330-4843 for more information.
7 Questions to Ask Your Masonry Restoration Contractor
Not everyone is an expert in bricklaying, tuckpointing, or foundation repair. And that’s okay. As a homeowner, you don’t have to understand everything there is to know about masonry repairs. What you do need to know, though, is how to find a masonry restoration contractor you can trust. Fortunately, these seven questions will help you locate a professional who can help you with your brick, mortar, or stone repairs. Check them out here:
What Are Your Credentials?
The first thing that any homeowner should do before hiring a masonry pro is question their credentials. It’s very easy for untrustworthy professionals to make big claims about their ability; you can’t fake national accreditations, however. Ask if they belong to organizations like the National Chimney Sweep Guild, if they’re certified by Heat Shield, or if they’ve been approved by groups like the Better Business Bureau or Basement Health Association. Ensure that you’re dealing with a real pro before you go any further.
How Experienced Are You?
It’s important to find a masonry contractor who has lots of experience working with a variety of projects. What’s more, masonry contractors should, ideally, be familiar with the area. This way, they’ll have first-hand knowledge of the local soil and weather patterns, which can have a big impact on masonry work. Enquire also about recent jobs they’ve completed and ask for references.
What is Your Specialty?
Some construction professionals specialize in commercial projects; others focus particularly on stone restoration. If you have a specific project in mind, make sure to find a company that addresses your unique needs.
What Materials Will You Use?
Different projects require different types of mortar and different tools. So ask any contractor you’re hiring how they’ll go about the job and what materials they plan on using.
How Long Will it Take?
The key here is to solicit an honest answer. Major foundation repair projects, for instance, can take a long time to complete. As such, beware of contractors who project overly-optimistic completion dates. It’s better to hire a professional who will tackle the task at hand on schedule than to bring in a company that constantly moves the goalposts and changes their timetable.
How Much Will it Cost/What’s the Payment Schedule?
No one wants to over-pay for brickwork or masonry repairs. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare prices of different contractors before you make a final decision. In addition, ask about the payment schedule. Some companies require larger upfront payments. You should also find out if you'll be able to defer payment until after the project is completed.
Will You Clean up When the Project is Finished?
Though this should be obvious, it’s still worth asking. Just because a contractor has “completed” a project, doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t leave you with a mess to clean up after.
The Bottom Line
At Brickworks, we’re happy to answer any questions new clients may have about us and our process. Why? Because we only employ dedicated professionals, we only use the best materials, and we have years of experience to our name. Still unsure? Then just check out any of our 800+ 5-star reviews. You can contact us here for more information, or to get started with a project today call us at (586) 330-4845.
The Chimney Flashing Repair Process: What We Do
Leaks within a chimney may not be immediately obvious. In fact, without regular inspections, homeowners may not notice chimney leaks until they cause bigger issues like wood rot and/or roof damage. Left long enough, chimney leaks can affect the structure of the entire fireplace system. What's more, broken or worn chimney flashing often allows chimney leakage to occur. Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about chimney flashing, chimney flashing repair, and what you can do to protect your home from water damage.
What is Chimney Flashing?
Chimney flashing consists of two sheets of metal that are placed at the base where a chimney intersects with the roof. These sheets are layered –– one placed in an L-shape over the chimney and connecting roof area –– with the other placed over the L-shape sheet to cover mortar joints and shingles. The primary function of chimney flashing is to prevent moisture from entering at the vulnerable point where the chimney connects to the roof. Also, professionals may use copper, lead, or steel chimney flashing.
Signs of a Leaky Chimney
In many instances, a compromised chimney flashing will lead to leaking within the chimney. A few subtle signs of a leaking chimney include:
- Condensation in the firebox
- Water dropping in the chimney
- Moisture stains on the walls connected to the chimney
- Musty chimney odors.
If you perceive any of these issues, schedule a chimney inspection ASAP.
Repairing Chimney Flashing
Repairing and/or replacing chimney flashing can be an intricate process. And it’s important that professionals install chimney flashing correctly–– otherwise your home could be vulnerable to further water damage. At Brickworks, we follow this process to repair and replace chimney flashing:
- Inspect the caulking around the chimney flashing. Occasionally, chimney leakage can be stopped completely just by re-caulking the area between the flashing and the chimney stack.
- Remove old chimney flashing. Take away all of the old metal, wood, and mortar connected to the chimney stack.
- Measure the area for accuracy.
- Use purified and soldered metal (to protect against oxidation).
- Tuckpoint the area around the chimney stack where the flashing will be installed.
- Install the flashing one sheet at a time.
- Install a chimney cricket –– if needed. (Typically only for houses with chimneys located on the downslope of a roof.)
How to Prevent Chimney Leaks
In addition to faulty chimney flashing, other factors can cause chimney leaks. Worn mortar joints, spalling bricks, and broken chimney caps may all allow for moisture to enter your home through your chimney. That’s why we recommend all homeowners with chimneys schedule inspections twice a year. Keeping tabs on any small issues with your chimney now could eliminate the need for big home-repair payments later.
Final Thoughts
At Brickworks, we have years of experience working with homeowners and businesses in the Detroit metro area. Our team is professional, thorough, and we only use the highest quality materials when we take on a project. If you’re concerned about a leaky chimney –– or if you’re overdue for an inspection –– give us a call today at (586) 330-4920, and we’ll schedule an appointment time that works for you.