Flaking brick is a symptom of deterioration, not a reason to cover the surface immediately. Ask for the moisture source and material condition to be assessed before choosing a treatment.
Updated September 10, 2026
Your home in Salt Lake City.
About 73% of occupied homes in Salt Lake City heat primarily with utility gas. Many chimneys in Salt Lake City therefore vent a gas furnace, boiler, or water heater rather than a wood fire, and those flues still need inspection for liner condition, moisture, and blockage. Fewer than 0.1% of occupied homes in Salt Lake City use wood as their primary heating fuel. Most fireplaces in Salt Lake City see occasional use, and even occasional use calls for an inspection before the heating season. The nearest NOAA climate normals station (Salt Lake Triad Center, about 2 miles from the Salt Lake City city center) averages 4,967 heating degree days per year. That is a moderate heating season, but moisture still reaches masonry year-round, so note when water appears and have the source investigated before choosing a surface treatment.
What you can observe safely
- Keep clear of falling fragments.
- Photograph debris without standing below loose masonry.
What to avoid
- Do not climb onto the roof or enter the chimney.
- Do not alter gas components, venting, or safety controls.
- Do not use a test fire to diagnose the problem.
Possible causes to assess
- Moisture and freeze-thaw exposure
- Incompatible past repairs
- Surface damage
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Chimney repair in Salt Lake CityA few common questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photo?
A photo can document a symptom and help prepare a visit. It cannot confirm concealed conditions or establish that a chimney or fuel-burning appliance is safe.
Sources & further reading
Source checked 2026-09-10.