Brick Damage

[Berniedog]

I have been asked to inspect a residential brick chimney. There was a fire inside the chimney and the home owner states that when the fire department spray water on the chimney this caused the brick to crack.

Has anyone had experience with this? Are there any publications concerning damage of brick by fires?

Thanks

 

[SlideRuleEra]

In "Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide" (free .pdf download), see Paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6, along with Appendix A, "Effects of Fire on Structural Systems". Here is the link

http://www.pathnet.org/sp.asp?id=9094

The Brick Industry Association website may have other information

http://www.bia.org

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[macmet]

Thermal shocking can cause bricks to crack, but I do not know what temperature bricks have to approach to become susceptible. More information would be needed.

You might be able to do a simulation easily as well.

 

[jike]

Thermal shock is the cause and the chimney most likely will need to be rebuilt.