More homeowners are curious about old chimney bricks these days

I have been working as a sweep for over eight years now. In the last few months, I keep hearing people ask about fixing their original brick chimneys. It is not just about getting a clean flue anymore. They want to keep the historic feel of their homes. This links to my own interest in sketching different chimney designs I come across. I draw them in a notebook to see how styles change over time. It helps me explain options to folks who value older craftsmanship. Do you find yourself giving more advice on masonry lately?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_fiona3d ago

Is preserving every old brick really that crucial? Seems like folks are chasing aesthetics over actual safety.

the_christopher3d ago

Wondering if some folks are getting a bit carried away with this historic brick thing lol. Saw a post last week where someone wanted to save every single spalled brick on a chimney that was literally leaning. Sometimes that old mortar is just dust and you gotta be real about what's actually solid. Feels like a romantic idea that crashes into a very expensive, crumbly reality.