Washington County’s Brick Emergency: How Salt Damage from Road De-icing is Destroying Chimney Masonry
Winter in Washington County brings more than just snow and ice—it brings a hidden threat to your home’s chimney masonry. While road salt keeps our streets safe, the chloride-based de-icing chemicals used throughout the region are silently wreaking havoc on brick chimneys, causing thousands of dollars in damage that many homeowners don’t discover until it’s too late.
The Science Behind Salt Damage
Chloride is a corrosive chemical. In addition to harming masonry, it has been shown to have destructive effects on concrete, vegetation, water supplies, and metals. When Washington County road crews apply sodium chloride to combat icy conditions, these chemicals don’t just stay on the roads. They become airborne, settle on nearby structures, and begin their destructive work on chimney masonry.
The compounds in deicer are strong chemicals. They’re able to break down the ice by dissolving the molecules that hold ice together. Repeatedly applying them to masonry structures has a slow but steady effect that can result in several dangerous conditions.
Three Stages of Masonry Deterioration
Salt damage to chimney masonry occurs in three distinct phases, each more serious than the last:
- Subflorescence: This is the buildup of salts under the surface of the masonry. Over time, this buildup will continue to grow, weakening the interior structure of the stone.
- Efflorescence: A buildup of salt on the outer layer of stone, efflorescence happens when levels of salt are seeping out from the lower layers. Over time, the salt will continue to build up. During the freeze and thaw cycle, the built-up salt contributes to cracking and spalling.
- Salt Fretting: Over time, the use of deicers causes a condition called salt fretting. This is seen as steady flaking of the masonry, layer by layer until over time it starts to crumble. Salt fretting is the last step in the deterioration of masonry.
Why Washington County Chimneys Are Particularly Vulnerable
Washington County’s climate creates perfect conditions for accelerated salt damage. Once snow has started falling and accumulating, we switch to a salt pre-wet with a corrosion-inhibited liquid deicer that helps snow and ice to melt, making it easier to remove with snowplows – but it takes time to work. The repeated freeze-thaw cycles common in Minnesota winters amplify the destructive effects of these chemicals on masonry.
They should be used with caution since they can potentially damage masonry surfaces, degrade mortar joints, and harm surrounding vegetation. Unfortunately, many homeowners in Washington County don’t realize their chimney masonry is under constant assault from airborne salt particles carried by winter winds.
The Financial Impact
The cost of ignoring salt damage can be staggering. As mentioned, if you don’t protect your chimney, you could wind up with hundreds or thousands of dollars in masonry repairs in a few years. What starts as minor efflorescence can quickly escalate to structural damage requiring complete chimney rebuilds.
Spalling is a serious condition that requires professional repair. When salt damage reaches this stage, homeowners often face extensive reconstruction costs that could have been prevented with early intervention.
Professional Solutions from Local Experts
Fortunately, Washington County homeowners have access to expert masonry chimney repair washington county services. We are a local, family-owned and operated company that is focused on caring for our customers. Our team relentlessly works to improve our service, products and value which is what our customers deserve.
With years of experience in the industry, we have established ourselves as trusted experts in residential chimney work, delivering high-quality services and solutions to our valued customers. Our team consists of professional and certified technicians who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of workmanship and safety, ensuring that your chimney receives the care and attention it deserves.
Prevention and Protection Strategies
While you can’t control Washington County’s de-icing practices, you can protect your chimney investment. Because water is the primary cause of efflorescence, the most important thing you can do is prevent it from saturating your chimney. Installing a chimney cap and crown will prevent water from getting into the flue, where it can seep into the bricks.
Regular professional inspections are crucial for early detection of salt damage. Our team of experienced professionals has the skills and knowledge to handle any chimney repair, big or small. From simple repairs like replacing a chimney cap or fixing a small crack, to more complex issues like rebuilding a chimney or repairing damage from a chimney fire, we have the expertise to get the job done right.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Don’t let Washington County’s harsh winter conditions destroy your chimney masonry. Our outstanding customer service and satisfaction has earned the trust of hundreds of home and business owners throughout our Minnesota service area since our company began. The combination of professional expertise and local understanding of Washington County’s unique challenges makes the difference between costly emergency repairs and affordable preventive maintenance.
Salt damage to chimney masonry is a serious and growing problem in Washington County, but it’s not inevitable. With proper protection, regular maintenance, and prompt professional attention when problems arise, your chimney can withstand the challenges of Minnesota winters for decades to come.