If you’ve been noticing that the masonry around the bricks of your chimney doesn’t look as clean and fresh as you would like, it’s time clean it up. There are many different reasons for stained and dingy masonry, and there are a couple of ways to take care of those stains.
Reasons for Stained Masonry
One thing that causes stained masonry is called efflorescence. If you’ve noticed a powdery substance on the bricks or the mortar of your chimney, then you’ve seen efflorescence. This is a substance that occurs when water leaves behind deposits of salt. If you notice efflorescence on your chimney, you may be tempted to wash it away. Instead, you should use a brush to whisk the salt deposit away and then sweep it up with a broom or a vacuum cleaner. This is a pretty easy fix, but sometimes the problem goes deeper than the top of the bricks and into the surface of the bricks and mortar.
If this is the case, you’re experiencing spalling. This is a more expensive fix, which may require a technique called tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is the process of removing damaged mortar from between the bricks and replacing it with new. If your chimney needs this, you’ll want to call the experts from Chimney Concepts. We have the proper tools, and we know the best techniques to make sure that your new mortar is strong and matches the old.
Water Damage Stains
Another common stain problem is caused by water damage. If you’ve noticed that the stains are brown or green, not white, this means you have water damage. If this damage is caused by an outdoor source such as clogged gutters, it could cause serious damage to your chimney structure. You’ll want to get rid of the stains, the algae or mold that’s building up, and even more importantly you’ll need to get rid of the source of the leaks as well. You might be able to get rid of the stains on your own, using a mixture of bleach and water and a bristle brush, or with power washing. However, if you want to get to the source of the problem, you must give Chimney Concepts a call.
We Can Solve Your Stains Problems
Whether you are looking to get rid of ordinary chimney stains or if there’s a bigger problem that needs to be solved, Chimney Concepts is the place to call. We can find the source of your problem and repair it. We can also get rid of stains and give you advice on how to keep the stains from coming back. Your chimney will be looking like new in no time!