IF YOUR CHIMNEY IS CRYING OUT FOR HELP, CALL US!
TN / 931-967-3595 • AL / 256-285-4895
A chimney corbel is a brick bump-out that creates a stair-step effect. Here, we will explain chimney corbeling and what you need to know. It is sometimes an essential feature related to the smoke chamber or an outside wall chimney with multiple flues. Decorative corbelling on a chimney is purely architectural, adding beauty and character to a home. In Tennessee and Alabama, the dependable chimney sweeps at A-1 Chimney Specialist are the ones to call for accurate answers and fixes related to chimneys, fireplaces, and even brick masonry features such as corbeling.
Many times, the only part of the chimney that shows is seen above the roof, where a chimney corbel isn’t seen, if there is one. When chimney structures protrude along an outside wall, however, chimney corbeling is evident. From the wider part of the chimney, which is a rough reflection of the width of the fireplace, chimney corbeling is used where the chimney narrows to the width of the chimney stack.
The chimney corbel, often referred to as “hips” or a “shoulder,” is often near the smoke chamber on the interior of the structure. If it weren’t for corbels, chimneys would continue at the same wide width from bottom to top. From a construction standpoint, without corbeling, all the unnecessary brick-and-mortar materials would make no sense at all.
If there is corbeling on the brick exterior of your chimney, special care is needed! Keeping moisture out of the chimney system is vital if you want to avoid excessive and unnecessary repair costs. Chimney corbeling is just another feature of a chimney that should be routinely monitored. If you schedule annual chimney inspections with trusted chimney experts, signs of moisture intrusion can likely be identified before small issues become huge problems.
The stair-step design in brick structures increases the possibility that water will make its way into the masonry. This should be diligently avoided because of what happens in winter. Any brick containing water will eventually be destroyed by the freezing and thawing cycles in winter. What happens is that the water expands and contracts, which is movement bricks can’t survive. Chimney sweeps can help put a stop to this threat by installing a cap over the corbeling.
Contact A-1 Chimney for a Chimney Corbeling Fix The experts at A-1 Chimney Specialist have a reputation for being reliable. Chimney corbeling and what you need to know is just the tip of the iceberg. We provide first-rate chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, masonry repair, flashing repair, flue liner replacement, chimney crown rebuilds, and full and partial masonry rebuilds.
Give A-1 a call at 931-967-3595 in Tennessee or 256-285-4895 in Alabama. You can also reach us by filling out our online form. Contact us today with any of your chimney and fireplace needs or questions.
