4800 Meadows Rd Suite 346 Lake Oswego OR 97035 – in person inquiry by appointment only
TUCK POINTING
Understanding Mortar Deterioration: Causes and Solutions
Mortar degradation can be attributed to several factors, including exposure to the elements, the presence of moss, and sulfur emissions originating from oil furnaces.
Crafted from robust 18-gauge steel, these chimney caps also feature an 8-inch high, one-piece screen with a 3/4″ mesh spark arrester screen, designed to effectively control sparks. On windy days, chimney drafts can disrupt the airflow, potentially causing sparks to escape and ignite nearby trees, leaves, and other flammable materials. If your home is situated in a wooded area or has trees near the chimney, we strongly recommend opting for a cap equipped with a spark arrester.
These caps are manufactured by a National Manufacturer – Gelco renowned craftsmanship, including a unique cross break design that imparts additional strength and durability to the 18-gauge stainless steel side mesh and 24-gauge stainless steel chimney cap lid. Gelco warranties their caps with a Manufacturer’s Lifetime Warranty covering any manufacturer’s defects. Their Warranty remains valid as long as you reside in or own the house where the cap was initially installed. It’s important to note that the warranty is not transferable if you decide to move it to a different house.
Tuck Pointing: Restoring and Beautifying Your Chimney
When mortar deterioration extends less than ½ an inch from the outer surface of the chimney inward, it can typically be addressed through a process known as Tuck Pointing. This method involves the meticulous removal of deteriorating mortar and its replacement with a new mortar blend. The new mortar is specifically formulated with a bonding agent, ensuring a secure attachment to the existing solid mortar within the bricks.
Tuck pointing serves a dual purpose – not only does it enhance the structural integrity of a deteriorating chimney, but it also rejuvenates its appearance. Below, you’ll find striking before-and-after images showcasing the transformation achieved through tuck pointing on the same chimney.
PICTURE OF A DEGRADED CHIMNEY BEFORE TUCK POINTING
Addressing Extensive Chimney Mortar Deterioration
If you’ve observed mortar deterioration affecting the mortar joints on the exterior of the chimney, it’s time to take action with a tuck point repair. If the mortar is deteriorated more than 2 inches, a rebuild is necessary as a tuck point will not do.
IMPORTANT
I e-mail bids only to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision for the work. If you contact me for a bid, please give me a correct e-mail address. Also, I may need to contact you via phone prior to e-mailing you the bid if there is work that needs to be done in addition to what you originally called for due to structural, code, or safety reasons, or if I need any further information not provided during your first call to schedule me to come out to do the bid.
Metro Chimney reserves the right to walk away from a job even if there is signed bid before the work is initiated if we sense there will a problem or ongoing issue between us and the customer. This is the Oregon CCB’s position. The customer can call another contractor or chimney company.