Chimney brick replacement and spalling repair in Ballast Point

Choosing the mortar that goes around new bricks

Around replacement bricks, the Brick Industry Association calls for a mortar whose physical properties resemble the existing mortar, and it warns that the wrong mix can make the surrounding masonry spall and crack. It generally recommends Type N for modern work and Type O where a more cement-rich mortar would be too strong.

Color matters too. BIA suggests comparing new mortar samples with the existing mortar both wet and fully dry, since mortar changes color as it dries.

We match the mortar to the chimney rather than reaching for the strongest bag available, and describe the result you can expect.

Removing ivy from a brick chimney

The Brick Industry Association explains that ivy works its shoots into gaps in the mortar and brings moisture in with them. BIA recommends cutting the vines carefully rather than pulling them away, since pulling can damage the brickwork.

BIA also suggests leaving the shoots that remain attached until they dry and shrivel, then brushing them off with a stiff fiber brush rather than using chemicals or acids.

Once the growth is off, we can see the condition of the bricks and joints underneath and explain what needs repair.

Where ivy has grown for a long time, BIA notes that joints may need repointing if the mortar cracks or crumbles as the growth comes off.

Keeping an eye on the chimney from the ground

Periodic inspections are part of the Brick Industry Association's maintenance advice, which suggests binoculars for a close view of high areas. A chimney is easy to check that way without climbing.

Look for rough patches where the smooth face is missing, bricks that sit out of line, cracks, white deposits and dark areas that stay wet after rain. Note where they are and whether they change over time.

If you see something new, describe it when you call. Our inspection is free, and we would rather look early than replace a larger area later.

Repointing the joints around replaced bricks

When the joints around a replaced brick have also worn, they are repointed rather than patched. The National Park Service recommends raking out deteriorated mortar to a depth of two to two and a half times the width of the joint.

The Brick Industry Association recommends placing repointing mortar in thin layers and tooling each when it is thumbprint hard, so the joint is packed full.

Joint work is priced separately from brick replacement on the estimate, because some chimneys need one without the other.

Repointing the joints that have failed, and matching the ones that have not, keeps the repair in proportion to the damage.