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EXTERIOR MASONRY REPAIRS
BRICKWORK AND CROWN REPAIR
The masonry chimney, especially above the roof, is exposed to rain, snow, freezing temperatures, heat and constant seasonal changes. Over time, crowns can crack, bricks can loosen or deteriorate, and previously repaired areas can begin to fail.
We repair and rebuild masonry chimney crowns and address damaged or poorly installed brickwork. Depending on the condition, the work may involve replacing individual bricks, rebuilding a larger section, or correcting masonry that is allowing water to enter the chimney.
STUCCO
Stucco gives a chimney a finished appearance while helping protect the masonry beneath it from direct exposure to the weather. Over time, the surface can crack, loosen, separate or begin falling away. Once openings develop, water can travel behind the stucco and affect areas that may not be visible from the outside.
We repair cracked and deteriorated chimney stucco by removing loose material, preparing the exposed surface and repairing or resurfacing the affected area. When deterioration is widespread, resurfacing a larger section or the entire chimney may provide a better result than repeatedly patching individual cracks.
Before covering the area again, we look for signs of damaged masonry, movement or moisture behind the existing finish. This helps us address what caused the stucco to fail instead of simply covering the visible damage.
TUCK POINTING / SPOT POINTING
Mortar joints often begin deteriorating before the bricks themselves. Open, cracked or missing mortar allows more water to enter the masonry and can eventually cause surrounding bricks to loosen or break down.
We repair deteriorated mortar joints through repointing, tuckpointing or spot pointing, depending on how much of the chimney needs attention. The damaged mortar is removed where necessary and replaced with material selected to suit the existing masonry.
CHIMNEY SHOULDERS OR “CHEEKS”
The shoulders, sometimes called the “cheeks,” are the sloped masonry areas found on many exterior fireplace chimneys. These areas narrow the chimney from the wider firebox below toward the flue above.
Because of their shape and exposure, chimney shoulders can become common entry points for water, especially when the original masonry, flashing or protective surface begins to fail. We repair and, when necessary, replace damaged shoulder areas to help direct water away from the chimney.
EXPOSED CLAY FLUES
Clay flue tiles that extend above the crown can crack, split or deteriorate from moisture and repeated temperature changes. When damage is limited to the exposed portion at the chimney top, that section may sometimes be repaired or replaced.
Damage extending farther down inside the chimney requires a closer evaluation. This is where a localized repair may lead into a conversation about a complete lining system.
FOUNDATIONS, CLEANOUT DOORS AND LOWER COMPONENTS
Problems are not always found at the top of the chimney. We also address chimney-foundation damage and certain foundation leaks, along with damaged cleanout doors and intake or ventilation openings.
Because cracking and water entry near the bottom can come from several different sources, we first look at the surrounding masonry and connected areas before deciding what needs to be repaired.
Interior fireplace repairs
FIREPLACE FACES AND HEARTHS
A fireplace repair may involve the visible masonry surrounding the opening as well as the working components inside it. We repair brick and stone fireplace faces, damaged hearths and other masonry around the fireplace.
We can also rebuild or update a fireplace face using compatible brick, stone, tile or other fireplace-rated materials.
FIREBOX AND FIREBRICK REPAIRS
The firebox takes the most direct heat from the fire. Cracked mortar joints, damaged firebrick and deteriorated firebox walls can develop through age, moisture, heat or previous repairs made with unsuitable materials.
We handle minor firebrick repairs as well as more extensive firebox repairs and complete firebox rebuilds when needed. The repair method and materials depend on the extent of the damage and the way the fireplace was constructed.
SMOKE-CHAMBER REPAIR
The smoke chamber is located above the firebox and below the flue. Its shape helps guide smoke and combustion gases from the wider fireplace opening into the narrower flue.
Open joints, rough masonry, gaps and deteriorated surfaces can be difficult to reach through ordinary masonry methods.
We repair smoke chambers using methods suited to the existing construction, including Smoke Tite applications where appropriate.
**Smoke Tite allows us to address certain smoke-chamber conditions in areas that can be difficult to reach using conventional masonry tools. Every chamber is evaluated individually to determine whether the system is suitable for the repair.
DAMPERS AND FIREPLACE COMPONENTS
We repair damper cables, brackets and other operating components when compatible parts and conditions allow. For masonry fireplaces, we can also install top-sealing dampers that operate from the fireplace and seal at the chimney top.
Select factory-built fireplaces may require a compatible replacement damper or manufacturer-approved component. These systems must be matched carefully because replacement parts are specific to the fireplace make, model and listing.
We also replace certain compatible components on wood-burning stoves when appropriate parts are available.
ROOFING & CHIMNEY LEAK REPAIRS
FLASHING AND SURROUNDING ROOF REPAIRS
Chimney flashing seals the area where the chimney passes through the roof. When flashing is loose, damaged, improperly installed or deteriorated, water can enter around the chimney and affect the roof, ceilings, walls and nearby framing.
We repair and replace chimney flashing using materials suited to the roof and the particular job. Copper or lead-coated copper may be preferred for long service, while aluminum can also be used where appropriate. We also perform roof repairs around the chimney when the surrounding roofing has been affected..
ROOF VENTS AND VENT CAPS
We also repair or replace roof vents and vent caps. Damaged, loose or missing components can allow water, debris or animals to enter the venting system or the home.
A CHIMNEY LEAK ISN’T ALWAYS JUST A CHIMNEY PROBLEM.
ROOFING & CHIMNEY LEAK REPAIRS
- Chimney flashing repair and replacement
- Roof-leak investigation
- Shingle and underlayment repairs
- Roofing repairs around chimneys
- Roof-vent repair and replacement
- Vent-cap replacement
- Storm and water-damage repairs
- Larger roofing projects through qualified roofing professionals
The area where a chimney meets the roof is one of the most common places for water to enter a home. A leak may come from damaged flashing, worn roofing, an open seam, a roof vent, the chimney itself or more than one area at the same time.
We look at the chimney and surrounding roof area to help identify where the water is getting in. Depending on the condition and scope of the project, repairs may include chimney flashing, shingles, underlayment, roof vents, vent caps and other damaged roofing around the chimney.
When a problem extends beyond the immediate chimney area, we can discuss the larger roofing work and, when necessary, coordinate the project with our properly licensed and insured roofing professionals.
Our goal is to address the source of the leak, including the roof and chimney components involved.
FACTORY-BUILT CHIMNEY COMPONENTS
Factory-built fireplaces, Class A chimneys and B-vent systems are assembled from listed components designed to work together. Repairs must use parts that are compatible with the particular system.
When the make, model and condition allow, we repair or replace accessible factory-built chimney and venting components. If a compatible replacement part is unavailable or the damage extends through more of the system, we’ll explain the available options.
CHASE-COVER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT
A chase cover protects the top of a framed chimney chase. Rust, open seams, poor drainage and undersized or improperly fitted covers can allow water to enter the chase and damage the structure or chimney components inside.
We repair and replace damaged chase covers and can provide custom-fabricated covers when a standard size or design does not fit the chase correctly.
Heating-system repairs
SMOKE PIPE AND CHIMNEY CONNECTIONS
The smoke pipe connects an oil-, gas- or coal-fired heating appliance to the chimney breech. Loose joints, corrosion, holes, failing connections and deteriorated furnace cement can affect how the appliance exhaust enters the chimney.
We repair or replace damaged smoke-pipe sections and address chimney-breech connections and furnace-cement repairs where needed. If the problem appears to involve the appliance itself, we will explain what we see so the appropriate heating professional can address it.
RELINING SYSTEMS / LINERS
When an existing clay flue is deteriorated, improperly sized or unsuitable for the appliance it serves, a stainless-steel lining system may be recommended. A properly selected liner creates a dedicated venting path from the heating appliance through the chimney.
The liner must be chosen and sized for the appliance, fuel and chimney conditions. Some installations may also require insulation around the liner. We inspect the existing flue, explain what we find and determine which lining system fits the application.
WHY DO CHIMNEYS NEED REPAIRS?
Chimney damage usually develops from a combination of age, weather, heat, moisture and the way the system was originally built or maintained.
Common causes include:
- Water entering through a damaged crown, flashing or chase cover
- Repeated freezing and thawing inside wet masonry
- Long-term exposure to heat and combustion byproducts
- Deteriorated or incompatible repair materials
- Movement or settling in the chimney or foundation
- Poorly constructed crowns, shoulders or mortar joints
- Condensation inside an improperly sized or unsuitable flue
- Missing, damaged or incompatible venting components
- Animal entry, debris or neglected openings
- Damage from a chimney fire or other sudden event
A visible crack or leak does not always reveal where the problem began. Looking at the chimney as a complete system helps us determine which area actually needs attention. Getting your chimney repaired as soon as you see a problem helps prevent much bigger and more costly problems in the future and can even save a life.
THE DAMAGE MAY GO BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN SEE
WHEN FLUE DAMAGE GOES DEEPER…
Some flue damage is limited to an accessible area and can be repaired directly. When clay tiles are cracked, missing, deteriorated or damaged farther down inside the chimney, repairing one visible section may not address the complete venting path.
Relining is one of the most important chimney repairs we perform. A new lining system may be used for a heating appliance, fireplace or wood-burning system when the existing flue can no longer be handled with a localized repair.
Every liner must be selected for the chimney, appliance and fuel it will serve.
On the next page, we explain stainless-steel liners, fireplace relining, heating-system liners, insulation and the importance of matching the liner to the system.
A LOCAL REPAIR MAY NO LONGER BE ENOUGH.
When the existing flue can no longer be repaired one section at a time, a new lining system may provide the complete venting path it needs to safely vent those dangerous emissions out of your home.