If you have a fireplace and chimney in your home it is something that you want to last as long as possible. With good installation, regular maintenance and repair, some chimneys can actually last for over 100 years. Nevertheless, chimneys are just like any other component of your home and they can develop problems. Chimney cracks are a very common issue for homeowners and one that we get a ton of calls for here at 2nd Generation Chimneys. We are the Minneapolis chimney relining and chimney repair experts! We wanted to shed some light on what can cause chimney cracks so that you can detect them early.
Common Causes of Chimney Cracks
Even though your chimney is very sturdy, it can still run into problems and develop cracks. In some cases, repairing the chimney isn’t enough and it requires Minneapolis chimney relining in order to get it back up and working properly. Here are some common causes of chimney cracks.
- Bad installation – If the mason who built your chimney didn’t leave any expansion room between the flue and the chimney bricks, it could cause cracks as the flue expands from the heat of the fireplace. This could cause you to need Minneapolis chimney relining so that the expansion gap can be put in place.
- Water leaks – If the flashing around the base of the chimney where it meets your roof isn’t properly installed, water can get in and start to degrade the masonry. Also, during the winter that water could freeze and cause it to expand which would case cracks.
- Bad chimney footing – The base of your chimney, called the footing or foundation, needs to be level so that the chimney doesn’t slide over the years. Also, if your chimney isn’t properly secured or braced to your structure it could start to lean and crack.
- Weathering – Depending on which side of your chimney gets the most exposure to the elements, you may notice that your chimney curves in one direction. This could cause your bricks and mortar to start to crack.
If you’re starting to have any issues with your chimney, the Minneapolis chimney relining professionals at 2nd Generation Chimneys can help. Give us a call today to learn more and to talk with one of our chimney experts.