Investing in Brick Chimneys

Brick chimneys offer your home a lot of accents, but they are durable time tested pieces that add dimension and quality to your home. Brick chimneys have been around since 1719 in England and made their way to the U.S. in 1789. Because of the strength bricks create in a chimney, they are more expensive. They increase the value of homes and offer long-term benefits. Sometimes they are costly, but the long-term benefits are worth investing in brick chimneys. 

Should You Build a Brick Chimney

Ideally, find a home that already has a brick chimney. Brick chimneys can cost from $4,000 to $6,500. It is best if you live in a moist climate. Brick chimneys can be built in freezing or hot, dry locations too. The beauty of building a brick chimney or house in areas is that you reduce the risk of mildew, mold, and wood rot. While brick homes may be daunting for homeowners looking to save money, brick chimneys can be added to any home lowering the risk of a fire igniting your chimney. Dry climates prone to forest fires can add a chimney to prevent a home fire. 

Who Installs Brick Chimneys? 

When you invest in brick chimneys, select a reliable masonry construction company. Look for a reliable local masonry company that will offer insight into your home’s needs. A great place to search for a mason is Angi.com. Make sure they specialize in brick masonry. Once you have your chimney installed, you will need to maintain the structural integrity of your brick chimney.

Brick Chimney Maintenance and Repairs

While chimneys are low maintenance long term, they will need care and repairs from time to time. Applying a chimney sealant is a great way to prevent moisture absorption. There are chimney brick sealants on the market that are sprayed on and only require a light brushing on the surface for even absorption. Chimney sealants you apply yourself will cost you $20 to $60 and last 15 to 20 years. Professional sealant application costs $200 to $400 but saves you time and hassle. Mortar repairs can cost $3 to $25 per square foot for cracks, while crown repairs cost $200 to $3500. Call a mason for quotes. 

When you Need Emergency Masonry Repair

If your chimney is leaning, tilting, or pulling away from your home, you need a foundation repair team or masonry repair team on call ASAP. 

Look for the following:

• Gaps between the chimney and the house
• wall gaps between the chimney and house wall filled with caulk or mortar from previous owners
• cracks in chimney mortar joints
• roof flashing pulled away from the chimney
• roof leaks in the attic

If you are uncertain what to look for, call a company specializing in masonries like Atlantic Foundation and Repair. We offer free consultations for homeowners before starting repairs. 

Sources–

How Much Should a Chimney Repair Cost, and Why? (risingstarchimney.com)

Should You Use a Chimney Sealant? | Chimney.com Blog

2022 Average Masonry Cost (waterproofcaulking.com)

How to Waterproof Your Chimney and Prevent Chimney Leaks – Chimney RX

Chimney Installation Cost | Chimney Prices (fixr.com)

How to Clean and Seal Interior Brick in 4 Easy Steps! – Yellow Brick Home

Brick Maintenance for the Best House on the Block (angi.com)

The Fascinating Early History of Chimneys | A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps