“Freeze-Thaw” Warning: January’s Silent Killer

We know how damaging water can be to our home and chimneys. Infiltration through the chimney can lead to water damage, structural damage, and other issues. However, are you aware that when water gets into small cracks in mortar and bricks, the devastating effect it can have when temperatures drop and the water freezes?

How Does the Freeze-Thaw Effect Damage Your Chimney?

This Freeze-Thaw process is imminent unless you take action to prevent it. Let us discuss the process.

Water Is Infiltrated Into Your Chimney’s Masonry and Bricks.

Over time, bricks and mortar become porous, allowing water to seep in. This water comes from rain, snow, and condensation.

Freezing Temperatures Cause The Water To Freeze.

As winter arrives in full force, freezing temperatures freeze the water that has seeped into the chimney’s mortar and bricks. Once the water freezes, it expands, causing tiny hairlike cracks to grow and become larger. When the chimney is not repaired, these small cracks grow larger, causing more damage and, in some cases, structural damage.

Warm Weather Brings Thawing.

As winter weather fluctuates, the frozen water thaws, opening cracks for another bout of bad weather. And this process continues.

Year after year, if left unrepaired, the freeze-thaw cycle weakens the chimney’s bricks and mortar. This possibly can lead to crumbling bricks, loose mortar joints, and in severe cases, partial or complete structural damage.

What To Look For?

During winter and throughout the rest of the year, keep an eye out for signs of water damage and the freeze-thaw effect.

• Loose or missing mortar. This is evidence of deteriorating mortar.
• Cracked or spalling bricks. Bricks that have chips, flakes, peeling, or are crumbling away.
• Water damage. Leaks are visible by water stains or condensation within the chimney or firebox.
• Efflorescence. White powdery residue on the outside of the bricks.
• Structural damage. If tilting or leaning is seen, there may be severe damage to your chimney.

What Can Homeowners Do To Prevent Damage?

Here is a list of preventative measures that chimney professionals recommend.

• Prevention is always the best answer. Annual chimney sweep and inspection from Motown Fire is your best defence. We can help you prevent and correct any damage that has already appeared.
• Waterproof your chimney. Our team can help with this service.
• Install a chimney cap.
• Repair any damage to mortar promptly.
• Assure that drainage is installed correctly. Keep water away from the chimney

Call Motown today for their services.

Our mission at Motown Fire is to provide a superior customer service experience with quality craftsmanship. Our values are Accountability: honesty and integrity make for reliable and professional team members. Attitude: the way you present yourself to your team and our homeowners has an impact on them.Assistance: find ways to help others and to make the lives of your team and homeowners easier. Attention: pay attention to the details and the way you present yourself, even when nobody is looking.