Chimney repointing project might be something that you want to consider if you’ve noticed gaps in your chimney mortar. It involves joints repairs and fills in to ensure that the chimney remains functional, secure, visually pleasing, and lasts as long as it supposed to.
Also commonly referred to as tuckpointing, this process of renewing exposed sections of mortar joints is usually done as chimneys become more and more vulnerable due to different external elements, resulting in decay- and damage-prone structure. The damage prompts gaps and voids formation between the masonry units. Various problems can arise if water gets in through the gaps into the chimney.
Whether you have a modernly built and styled chimney or an old chimney stack from period property, repointing is almost always required as a part of property maintenance. It is a project that’s usually performed by a professional roofer.
Below are some benefits you can get from investing in a chimney repointing project:
- Extend durability: Noticing early symptoms of crumbled mortar and fixing it as soon as possible can help extending the chimney’s lifespan. Mortar repairs promote brick strengthening too that boasts the chimney’s longevity.
- Ensure security: Decaying mortars between the bricks will negatively impact the chimney’s functionality. It may cause leakage problem when water can get through the cracks and crevices. Additionally, it possesses health risks if toxic waste is not ventilated properly from the chimney.
- Promote visual appeals: Repointing project helps to bring back your house’s aesthetics. A crumbling chimney will lower your property’s value. It won’t motivate potential buyer to purchase the property at higher cost in case you decide to sell it.
- Prevent water from getting in: Damaged mortar possesses an opportunity of leaking water during rainfall, especially heavy ones. Repointing the chimney as soon as any crumbling sign in noticeable is recommended to keep the property secure and prevent further time and cost required for repairs.
Chimney repointing cost in average ranges between $8 and $30 per sq ft, which means a single project costs between $500 and $2,500 in general. Depending on the height, size, mortar damage, brick condition, accessibility, and roof angle, it may cost between $20 and $50 each row. A complex chimney stacks or two-story type repointing project can cost between $5,000 and $7,000.
Contacting a roofing professional as soon as you notice cracks on the chimney joints’ surface is recommended, so an inspection can be scheduled immediately. The key is that both you and the professional agree that the chimney repointing job is needed to be done.
