Rutland Chimney: Wallingford’s Trusted Chimney Sweep Company

Small in numbers but rich in history, heart, and hospitality, Wallingford, VT is a picturesque town with a close-knit community. Situated in the Green Mountains, you’ll find that this a place with a variety of attractions, all of which highlight the natural beauty and rich history of the area.

For example, take Elfin Lake. This hidden gem offers a peaceful spot for swimming, picnicking, and spending the day. There’s also White Rocks National Recreation Area, which is part of the Green Mountain National Forest and offers excellent hiking opportunities.

The Long Trail, one of Vermont’s most famous hiking trails, passes through Wallingford, as does Otter Creek, and the area around Wallingford offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking and riding bikes.

Want to learn how the town got to where it is today? Talk to the Wallingford Historical Society, which hosts events and focuses on the area’s history. And, of course, the town is home to whatever you need to check items off your honey-do list, whether that’s returning those library books, getting that care package mailed for your kid in college, or picking up a few items for your next meal.

To sum up, Wallingford, VT, is a charming town that offers a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and small-town charm – and it’s one we have the privilege of serving, ensuring homeowners in the area get the best fireplace and chimney care around. Looking to book an appointment with our crew? We’re standing by – give us a call or reach out online today.

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How Does Weather Affect the Longevity of Masonry Structures?

Weather has a significant impact on the longevity of masonry structures – namely chimneys, which are located high up and exposed to the elements year-round. These structures face constant challenges from rain, snow, wind, and temperature fluctuations.

Here are the things to be aware of:

  • Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Brick is porous, so water can seep into its pores and cracks. Then, when the temperature drops, this water freezes and expands, causing the masonry to crack or spall. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can significantly weaken the structure over time.
  • Rain & Moisture: All around, moisture is one of the most harmful things to unprotected masonry. We already mentioned the freeze/thaw cycle above, but excessive moisture in any form can lead to a variety of problems and trigger deterioration.
  • Heat & Sunlight: In hot climates, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause masonry materials to expand, which then invites cracking – especially if the structure is not designed to accommodate these movements.
  • Harsh & Forceful Winds: Strong winds can cause damage to the chimney’s masonry surfaces, especially if the wind carries sand or other abrasive particles. Over time, this can lead to erosion, reducing aesthetic appeal and overall structural integrity.
  • High Humidity: High humidity levels can increase the amount of moisture absorbed by masonry materials, accelerating the deterioration process. In particular, humidity can exacerbate problems with efflorescence, where salts are drawn to the surface of the masonry, leaving behind a white, powdery residue.
  • Acid Rain: Unfortunately, acid rain is common in our part of the country, and this acidity can react poorly with the minerals in our masonry chimneys – leading to surface erosion and weakening of the material over time.

But don’t fret! When the weather outside is frightful, we’re here to make your fireplace delightful. Proper preventive maintenance, including regular inspections and timely repairs, can help mitigate the effects of weather on masonry structures, prolonging their lifespan and preserving their structural integrity.

Is It Possible To Match the Color & Texture of Old Bricks During a Repair?

Most definitely, but you’ll want to trust a professional for the job. In fact, this is a big reason why we strongly advise against DIY masonry repairs. Not only does improper brick and mortar matching look bad, but it can affect the structural soundness of the chimney too.

Trust us, matching things up isn’t as easy as you may think. Brick sourcing takes time and effort, and sometimes custom manufacturing is the only option. And matching the mortar is just as important as matching the bricks, as the color, composition, and joint style of the mortar can significantly impact how your system looks and performs.

And even if the new bricks are a close match, they may still look newer than the surrounding masonry due to differences in weathering. To address this, bricks can be artificially aged or weathered to better match the appearance of the older bricks.

In the end, achieving a seamless result requires skilled craftsmanship – but it’s nothing our experts can’t handle. We’re familiar with the nuances of different brick types and mortar mixes, and we have the techniques needed to replicate the original work as closely as possible.

Get in touch – we’d love to speak with you about your masonry repair needs soon.

Chimney Against the Sky

When Is It Better To Rebuild a Masonry Chimney Rather Than Repair It?

Deciding whether to rebuild a masonry chimney, rather than repair it, depends on several factors – like the extent of the damage, its overall structural integrity, and the age of the chimney.

If the masonry has extensive cracks, widespread deterioration, or significant settlement or foundation issues that compromise its structural integrity, a repair may only offer a temporary fix. In these cases, rebuilding the structure from the ground up might be the better choice overall, giving you a more long-term solution – and one that’s more cost-effective overall.

In other cases, we might discover that the structure has received subpar repair work in the past – or maybe it was built incorrectly or from low-quality materials right from the get-go. In these cases, it may be more practical to rebuild rather than attempt to fix an already weak structure. Rebuilding allows for a fresh start, eliminating the issues caused by poor craftsmanship.

Finally, if the structure no longer meets current building codes or safety standards, especially after a significant event like an earthquake or flood, rebuilding may be necessary to bring the structure up to code.

This family-owned business has all the values that a home owner wants when dealing with any home improvements. I had a chimney that was 100% clogged from another company doing a rebuild of half of my chimney and Rutland Chimney saved the day. I couldn’t have been more impressed with the professionalism and compassion this company has for there clients

– Amanda M.
★★★★★

What Is Spalling in Masonry? How Can It Be Prevented?

The term spalling refers to the flaking, chipping, or breaking off of a masonry surface – such as brick, concrete, or stone. This damage typically occurs when moisture penetrates the masonry, leading to internal stress. Spalling can affect both the appearance and structural integrity of the masonry, making it important to address promptly.

What usually causes spalling to occur?

The most common cause of spalling is the freeze-thaw cycle, when water infiltrates the masonry, then freezes and expands in the wintertime. That said, a number of other things can cause spalling as well, such as:

  • Poor drainage or leaking gutters
  • Inadequate, non-professional waterproofing
  • De-icing salts penetrating the masonry
  • Use of low-quality bricks, stones, or mortar
  • Natural aging or weathering
  • Repeated exposure to harsh conditions

How can spalling be prevented?

The best way to prevent spalling is to have a water-repellent sealant applied by a professional chimney technician. When done by an expert, the sealant should provide full and complete coverage, while still being breathable and allowing any trapped moisture to escape.

You’ll also want to ensure your home has adequate drainage systems, and you should always invest in any necessary repairs right away.

All in all, regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent spalling. Keep an eye out for early signs of damage and have a trusted team (like us) address any issues promptly. Worried about the condition of your masonry chimney? Call us in – we’re happy to help.

We Want To Be Your Go-To Chimney Experts

At Rutland Chimney, we pride ourselves on being Wallingford’s go-to chimney sweep company. When you trust our experienced team, rest assured you’ll get that commitment to excellence you deserve.

Trust us to handle all your chimney needs with care and precision. Call or book online today.

Many homeowners in nearby Woodstock benefit from our dependable, comprehensive chimney care in this portion of our service region.