28/08/2024
CHIMNEY ISSUES?
Cracked or loose chimney flaunching will eventually fail over time and begin to allow water into the chimney which eventually will spread further into the building. Flaunching is a line of cement or lime mortar that sits at the top of a chimney stack and holds the chimney pot/pots in place. It also helps to protect the internal chambers of the stack from rainwater Ingress.
HOW AND WHY DOES THE FLAUNCHING FAIL?
Flaunching can crack over time due to the constant exposure to the elements and the brittle nature of cement-based mortars. During the winter months rainwater entering the cracks and then sudden temperature drops below freezing will cause the water to freeze inside and the cracks creating and expansion of frost within the crack which can lead to more of the flaunching breaking away more and more over time.
WHAT OTHER ISSUES CAN OCCURE?
Chimneys on older properties have been exposed to the weather for a very long time. This can lead to a degradation of the brick and stonework while leaving the mortar joints perished and full of moss, often making them more absorbent to water ingress around the chimney stack leading to damp getting in and possibly tracking to internal surfaces of your home.
