Thread: Cracks in mortor joints.

1941 House with wood burning fireplace. Very limited view of the flue from the fireplace and no view from the roof. Only these small cracks in the chimney, about 5 - 6' down from the top and only on one side. Could this have been cause by a chimney fire, or is it typical cracking? Should I call for further inspection?

Similar Threads:

• Caulk Needed at Hardiplank joints
• caulk on flashing joints
• Cracks in garage slab
• New construction - stair step cracks
• wall/floor cracks

In my area we experience sub-freezing temps and that's bad news for chimneys that have separations in the mortar. I always report the condition and recommend repair.

I will call out any wood-burning fireplace and chimney, and certainly a chimney that age needs a thorough inspection by a specialist. It may be brick-lined, cracked inside as well.
Hard to say why the crack is there, but good you picked it up.

If they plan to burn wood, they could have a metal liner and an airtight insert installed.

To edit your title, use 'go advanced', place cursor in the title bar that appears above the body of your post.

Did you look down the flue?
Are the flashings above at the roof connection to the chimney leaking and causing water to enter behind the brick and freeze.
That's my guess from the pic.

Originally Posted by wayne soper

Did you look down the flue?
Are the flashings above at the roof connection to the chimney leaking and causing water to enter behind the brick and freeze.
That's my guess from the pic.

Chimney height and rain cap prevented looking down, smoke chamber angle prevented good view looking up! Flashing is new and looks in good condition. Cracks are on the far side from the wall/roof connection.

I'm going to recommend further inspection and repair of the cracks just to be safe.

Could be the result of subsidence of the chimney footing.