Chimney Doctors' Homeowner's Guide
Life expectancy of Chimneys
Estimated Life Expectancy of Materials Exposed to Normal Weathering in your Chimney
Regular inspections and maintenance of your chimneys are essential to extending the life of your building. The following table lists common external chimney components and their estimated life expectancy of the materials when exposed to normal weathering. Periodic routine inspections are valuable for determining the condition of these materials and their behavior. Inspection records and conditions should be kept to aid in determining possible "trouble spots" and needed repairs.
Without proper maintenance, moisture buildup or penetration can occur, causing interior and exterior problems including effflorescence (mainly salt crystal buildup), mortar deterioration, cracking, corrosion, mildew and algae growth and damaged finishes.
Material |
Uses |
Estimated Life Years |
Brick |
Walls |
100 or more |
Caulking |
Sealer |
8-10 |
Metal |
Coping / Flashing |
20-40 |
Mortar |
Walls |
25 or more |
Plastic |
Flashing |
25 or more |
Finishes |
Uses |
Estimated Life Years |
Paint |
Waterproofing |
3-5 |
Plaster |
Waterproofing |
3-5 |
Sealers |
Dampproofing |
1-5 years |
Silicone |
Dampproofing |
1-5 |
Stucco |
Waterproofing |
3-5 |
Waxes |
Waterproofing |
1-5 |
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Chimney Doctors provides chimney and fireplace services to the following Southeastern Milwaukee & Southcentral Madison Wisconsin Communities:
Ashippun, Bayview, Big Bend, Brookfield, Butler, Cambridge, Cedarburg, Colgate, Cottage Grove, Cross Plains, Cudahy, Deerfield,
De Forest, Delafield, Dousman, Eagle, Elm Grove, Fitchburg, Franklin, Genessee Depot, Germantown, Grafton, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Hartford, Hartland, Hubertus, Ixonia, Jackson, Lannon, Madison, Marshall, McFarland, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Merton, Middleton, Milwaukee, Monona, Mukwonago, Muskego, Nashotah, Neosho, New Berlin, North Lake, North Prairie, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Okauchee, Oregon, Pewaukee, Port Washington, Richfield, Rubicon, Saukville, Saint Francis, Shorewood, Slinger, South Milwaukee, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Sussex, Thiensville, Verona, Wales, Waukesha, Waunakee, Wauwatosa, West Allis, West Bend, and Windsor. Full Zip Code List