Chimneys are often constructed with wood framing, wired lath and a stucco covering. After some days, some cracks might occur in the stucco covering which will allow water to get in, which will later start rusting the wired lath. Once when rusting starts in the wired lath, then it will start to swell and makes the stucco to pop-out, which will make the cracks even bigger.This condition, which happens is called as Spalling. Once when the spalling occurs, it will allow more water to get in, which will cause the wood frame to rot. It is a bit complex when it happens, which will make the chimney repair to be tedious. Let’s see what all happens during a chimney repair.
Chimney Repair
Spalling
In the picture on the left, you can see the stucco layer to be completely fallen away from the wired lath. You can also see that the wired lath is too much rust and the wooden structure which is behind it fully rotten and completely missing. Don’t worry, this is a common occurrence. In this case, the stucco layer should be replaced for making sure of future wellness. Instead, the homeowner paid a lot for the contractors who just sealed the stucco layer, which is not appropriate.
Rotten Wood
The next picture shows the rotten wood which is behind the wiredlath and the stucco layer. In most cases like this, the wood will go missing completely. Usage of pressure treated lumber while conducting the repair of the chimney structures will ensure the rotten wood to be gone for good. We always recommend people to paint the stucco layer every three or four years after we rebuild the chimneys, this will ensure from not even small cracks being formed in the stucco layer again which might cause you the same problem again.
Applying Stucco on a Chimney Repair
When you complete the process of replacing all the rotten wood and the rusted wire, then you can start on with the process of applying a new stucco layer. There are three coatings of the stucco layer which is needed to be applied for the chimneys. The three coatings contain a scratch layer, brown colored layer, and a finishing coat. You should be sure to give ample drying time between each layer of coating to ensure repairs to take several days and trips. We state the period when you need to paint for the new stucco as “thirsty”. It will take several coatings of paint for getting a good finishing look.
Chimney Services
Have you got any estimates regarding chimney repairs? Did the stucco layer guy say that you that he is not a carpenter for changing the rotten woods? Or did your carpenter say that you will need a roofer for fixing the damage at the base of your chimney? It all can be very difficult when you want to find someone for a simple straight forward repair. But don’t worry, we are here to help. We are licensed as both building and roofing contractors. We have a special crew dedicatedly for chimney related services and repairs. We have expertise in doing everything, from the roofing, carpentry, and the stucco layer coating. Feel free to call us now for our free estimate.