Bricks Replaces
Repair or replace broken bricks outside the home?
The bricks on the outside of my home are flaking. He explained that the erosion occurs from the freeze-thaw cycle here in northern Ohio. Also, I wonder if it is possible more porous than the bricks inside were only used during construction. (Home is about 30 years.) A contractor told me that it is essentially an aesthetic problem, another told me that this is a serious problem that must be addressed. The inspector who looked at this house before I bought it does not consider it a structural problem. The wood fireplace was converted into gas. It was used twice in one year. This is not really ugly, kind of rustic looking. I just want to make sure it will not come tumbling out in the yard. Any thoughts?
Yours is not an uncommon problem and the cycle of freeze-thaw is the problem. Water is absorbed by the brick and when it freezes, the expansion causes the brick to pop. The type of brick is not a problem, although certain types of bricks are more prone to damage than others. If your case is typical, most damage is in the top 3 "of the chimney. Usually, the face of the brick is out to expose what is left behind it. Once it starts, it will worsen over time. The frequent use of the chimney will cause this process to accelerate due to the acceleration of the frequency of freeze-thaw cycle .. You do not mention how your house or water is heated. If you heat with natural gas or fuel oil, chances are good that the oven, and perhaps the water heater are vented through a chimney which is a border separating the chimney as the fire services. You should be able to say after looking at the location mechanics in the basement. The best solution is to hire a mason and the affected part of the chimney rebuilt. To avoid reoccurance, throw a brick fireplace with a silicone sealant every fall. It minumize the amount of water that is absorbed by the brick. This coating is cheap and can be applied with a garden sprayer. Another deterrent is to have a chimney cap installed. This will reduce the amount Rain and melting snow that finds its "along your fireplace. I feel your pain. I built my family a new house in 1976 and has been the top 4 "The chimney rebuilt in 1992. That's when I learned the trick of silicone. Fourteen years later, there is no damage. Good luck with your problem.
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