Small cracks become big repairs
Chimneys take a beating from weather. Rain soaks into porous brick and mortar, and freeze-thaw cycles widen every crack. Left alone, minor damage leads to spalling bricks, leaks into ceilings and walls, rotted framing, and eventually a full rebuild.
Caught early, most chimney problems can be fixed with targeted repairs like tuckpointing, flashing replacement, and waterproofing, at a fraction of the cost.
Signs your chimney needs repair
- Crumbling or missing mortar joints
- Flaking, cracked, or popping bricks (spalling)
- White staining on the brick (efflorescence)
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney
- Rust on the damper or firebox, or water in the firebox
- A tilting or leaning chimney stack
Common chimney repairs
- Tuckpointing: replacing deteriorated mortar joints
- Brick replacement for spalled or broken bricks
- Flashing repair or replacement where the chimney meets the roof
- Breathable masonry waterproofing
- Firebox and smoke chamber repair