SERVICES

VERTEX has Experts that Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk.

Unlike others, VERTEX provides forensic consulting alongside traditional AEC services which allows for a 360 degree view of your project.

VERTEX Services

Experts

Need an expert for your case?

Our forensics experts work alongside AEC specialists which enhances our skills and bolsters the credibility of our expert consultants.

Find an Expert

Portfolio

VERTEX delivers innovative solutions on complex projects globally.

Since 1995, VERTEX has completed over 90,000 projects.

View Portfolio

INSIGHTS

VERTEX believes in a Lifetime of Learning philosophy.

Stay current with our industry experts as they share their insights and knowledge on the built environment.

View Insights

Grow Your Career

Join Our Team

VERTEX is looking for talented individuals to join a highly technical team of forensic consultants, design engineers, construction managers, and environmental scientists.

Learn More

Contact Us

Have a question or want to speak with a technical professional?

VERTEX is a multi-discipline firm with global coverage. Our international network of resources enables us to provide multi-national clients with the most qualified local professionals who understand the culture, language, and regulatory framework.

Call Us: 888.298.5162

Call Us

Call us at 888.298.5162.

Residential Chimneys: Assessing Common Causes of Damage
Articles

Residential Chimneys: Assessing Common Causes of Damage

July 17, 2020

Many residences in colder climates include fireplaces and chimneys. These can range from historical masonry lined open hearth fireplaces to modern and efficient pellet and gas burning inserts. A fireplace can provide a charming sense of warmth and comfort to a living space; however, if misused or damaged, can result in damage and fires to a residence. VERTEX has extensive experience inspecting chimneys and fireplaces for such damage.

Conventional wood burning fireplace

To function properly, there are three keys to any fireplace and chimney: proper design, proper installation, and regular maintenance and cleaning. A deficiency in any of these can result in poor performance or property damage and represents a safety risk to occupants of the property.

Construction of an Open Hearth, Wood Burning Fireplace

Conventional fireplaces include a firebox and hearth, where the fire occurs, and a flue through which combustion gases escape upward and out the top of the chimney. Common flue materials include unlined masonry, clay liners, and stainless-steel, which can be insulated or uninsulated. Additional components include a damper and flue cap, which are designed to control venting of the fireplace and to stop debris and excess moisture from entering the flue. 

Diagram of a conventional fireplace
Diagram of a conventional fireplace

Common Causes of Damage to Chimneys and Fireplaces

Fires

Fireplaces are designed to withstand the heat of fires but can be damaged by excessively hot fires (“Over Fire”), from burning too much material or from burning inappropriate materials. Chimneys are designed for the heat of smoke but are not designed to withstand direct exposure to fire and can be damaged if a fire extends into or develops within them. Igniting of excess creosote within a chimney flue is a common source of such chimney fires. Creasote is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of materials, and most commonly develops in wood burning fireplaces. Chimney fires can result in cracked flue liners and masonry as well as discolored and damaged metal caps and fireplace components. Left unrepaired, cracks in a flue can result in combustion gasses leaking into the residence, presenting a life safety risk.

Creosote buildup within a clay flue liner
Heat discolored metal flue cap
Cracked Flue Liner

Water Intrusion

Water intrusion through cracks or openings in the masonry of a chimney can result in premature deterioration of the chimney and fireplace. Moisture can cause cracks, spalling, staining, and moss or fungal growth on masonry components. Such water intrusion can result from improper forming of a chimney crown, a lack of a chimney cap, and from deferred maintenance of mortar joints.

Moss growth near the crown of a chimney
Moss growth near the crown of a chimney

Moisture intrusion can also result in costly, gradual, and long-term corrosion to metal components of fireplaces, including dampers and lintels.

Corroded chimney flue damper
Corroded chimney flue damper

Settlement

Chimneys and fireplaces, which are located on exterior walls of residences, are commonly supported on foundations that are outboard of the main foundation of the residence and can be damaged as a result of differential settlement between the main foundation of the residence and the fireplace foundation. Settlement of a foundation can cause leaning and cracking of the masonry of a chimney, allowing water intrusion.

Chimney Investigations

If damage to a chimney is suspected or observed, the first step for the property owner or manager is to reach out to an experienced forensic expert to determine the cause(s) of the damage.

In some instances, a chimney or fireplace may have been damaged as a result of more than a single cause. For example, a chimney that has experienced long-term weather-related deterioration due to poor construction or poor maintenance may also experience a fire, resulting in additional damage to these components.

To assess a chimney and fireplace system, a consulting professional will perform a detailed, on-site inspection of the fireplace and chimney from below and above. This inspection will include the taking of photographs and measurements as well as the use of moisture meters, thermography, or other tools, as warranted. The field inspection will be bolstered by a careful interview of the occupants, contractor, and/or any other related parties. Relevant documents, such as repair proposals and fire investigation reports will be reviewed and consulted in the making of determinations. Once the cause and extent of damage to the fireplace and chimney systems have been determined, repair recommendations can be provided.

Chimney Repair Recommendations

Repair recommendations should be tailored to the specific property and damage observed. In some instances, repair to a damaged chimney may require total reconstruction. In other cases, the installation of a new chimney liner may be sufficient, and in other cases, simple masonry tuck pointing and cleaning may be all that is required. VERTEX possesses the required expertise to aid in the assessment of chimneys.

To learn more about VERTEX’s Forensic Engineering and Forensic Architecture services or to speak with a Construction Expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry

Back to Insights