How Logan Airport’s Constant Jet Turbulence is Silently Destroying East Boston Chimneys

Living in East Boston comes with unique challenges that most homeowners never consider—including the constant barrage of aircraft turbulence from Logan International Airport that’s slowly but steadily damaging their chimneys. Like most commercial airports in the U.S., Boston Logan operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, with aircraft associated with Boston Logan International Airport flying within broad airspace areas as the FAA directs aircraft to and from the airfield.

The Hidden Threat: Understanding Jet Wash and Wake Turbulence

Aircraft cause powerful movements in the air around them which can damage buildings and structures in the vicinity of airports and airbases. Wake turbulence is caused by aircraft wings and can dislodge roof tiles. Jet blast is caused by aircraft engines and can damage aircraft and buildings. A large jet-engine aircraft can produce winds of up to 100 knots (190 km/h; 120 mph) as far away as 60 metres (200 ft) behind it at 40% maximum rated power. Jet blast can be a hazard to people or other unsecured objects, and can reach wind speeds comparable to those of a Category 5 hurricane, causing roof failure or total collapse in buildings.

Recent incidents at Logan Airport demonstrate the real power of jet wash. While Delta Flight 154 was parked at the gate, a cargo container made contact with the aircraft due to strong airflow from another airline’s aircraft, showing how even stationary objects can be affected by aircraft turbulence.

How Constant Aircraft Turbulence Accelerates Chimney Deterioration

East Boston chimneys face a perfect storm of destructive forces. Boston’s freeze-thaw cycles destroy masonry faster than most places. Water gets into small cracks, freezes, expands, and turns minor issues into major structural problems. When you add the constant vibrations and air pressure changes from aircraft turbulence, this natural deterioration process accelerates dramatically.

Wake turbulence frequently causes roof tiles to be dislodged from the roofs of buildings that are beneath the final approach to airports. Typically incidents are sporadic and therefore unpredictable. While roof tiles are the most visible casualties, the repeated stress on chimney structures creates micro-fractures in mortar joints that compound over time.

The Science Behind Mortar Deterioration Under Aircraft Stress

The mortar between the bricks serves a crucial supporting role for your chimney. That mortar is essentially the glue that holds the entire thing together. When it starts crumbling, that means your chimney’s structural integrity is threatened. The constant pressure variations from aircraft passing overhead create a pumping action that works moisture deeper into mortar joints.

Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can damage the mortar between the bricks on the chimney. Damaged mortar leads to deterioration of the bricks, including causing large cracks. Aircraft turbulence accelerates this process by creating additional stress points where water can penetrate and freeze.

Why East Boston Homeowners Need Specialized Chimney Care

Standard chimney maintenance schedules don’t account for the unique stresses faced by East Boston properties. Whether it’s due to environmental exposure or mistakes in the original mixture, this deterioration won’t typically stop at just a little bit of crumbling. Once the mortar begins deteriorating, it leaves it more vulnerable to moisture damage. The crumbled areas will be exposed to rain and humidity, absorbing water and causing the mortar to fall apart even further.

Homeowners in the Logan Airport flight path need more frequent inspections and proactive maintenance to prevent small issues from becoming major structural problems. If you fail to have the crumbling mortar addressed, your chimney will eventually weaken enough that it will begin to physically fall apart. Not only will falling bricks be damaging to your chimney, they can also be damaging to your roof. The sooner you have the mortar restored, the better your chances of protecting your chimney and your home from damage.

Professional Solutions for Aircraft-Stressed Chimneys

When dealing with chimney damage accelerated by aircraft turbulence, professional assessment and repair are essential. Academy Masonry is your go-to masonry contractor in Boston, MA. We deliver high-quality brick, stone, & concrete solutions for residential & commercial clients. As one of the most trusted masonry companies in the area, we pride ourselves on using high-quality materials and advanced techniques to ensure the durability and beauty of your masonry work.

At Academy Masonry and Construction, we take immense pride in being a reputable masonry company serving the Boston community. With a heritage of 30 years of combined knowledge and experience handed down from generation to generation, we stand as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence. As a local, family-owned business, we cherish our deep-rooted ties to the community.

For East Boston homeowners dealing with accelerated chimney deterioration, professional chimney repair east boston services can identify and address aircraft-related damage before it becomes a major safety hazard.

Signs Your Chimney May Be Suffering from Aircraft-Related Damage

East Boston homeowners should watch for these warning signs:

• White staining on outside bricks, rust on the damper or firebox, water leaks in your fireplace, or pieces of mortar falling into the firebox
• Spacing between your chimney bricks and the mortar that is supposed to secure them in place, with various reasons that the mortar joints in your chimney may be cracking, but the primary culprit is water or moisture entering small fissures
• Areas where the mortar has eroded, which is a sign of chimney masonry damage that requires attention

Protecting Your Investment

You avoid costly emergency repairs by fixing problems before they become structural disasters. Your property value stays protected with properly maintained chimney and masonry work that lasts. You get peace of mind knowing your family is safe from chimney-related hazards year-round.

Living near Logan Airport doesn’t have to mean accepting accelerated chimney deterioration as inevitable. With proper understanding of the unique challenges posed by constant aircraft turbulence and proactive maintenance from experienced professionals, East Boston homeowners can protect their chimneys and maintain their homes’ structural integrity for years to come.