There are numerous reasons why a brick type masonry chimney would weaken, deteriorate, then fail and crumble throughout the years. Routinely maintaining and inspecting a brick chimney would minimize the risks of the winter weather elements such as snow, ice, rain and wind from causing irreparable damage to your chimney. If discovered early enough the application of clear silicone waterproof coating would be applied which prevents water molecules from entering the pours of the bricks and masonry, then freeze overnight during the cold winter months and slowly pry open and loosen the mortar joints, which then allows more rain water to enter and causes an escalating deterioration effect. If the Masonry joints have deteriorated excessively, Masonry Pointing or Re-Grouting of the masonry joints would be required, by sometimes grinding out the old masonry joints with a masonry saw cutting blade, then filling the joint in with fresh mortar.
