Masonry Chimney Repair

A masonry chimney repair is usually made up of brick or stone, mortar, flue tiles, and metal.

Since the chimney sticks up above the roof it is considered the most vulnerable part of a homes exterior.  It is constantly exposed to all the outside elements; rain, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles.  If not maintained properly, these materials can begin to deteriorate and eventually you may need a new chimney entirely.

Repointing

Repointing is a type of chimney repair.  It’s the process of repairing cracking, missing or deteriorating mortar joints by removing the deteriorated mortar from the joints and replacing with new mortar.  If a chimney has mortar damage and is not cared for promptly more serious damage to the entire chimney can occur.  Water can penetrate the masonry wall through the damaged joints and start to deteriorate the masonry wall itself.

Repair or Replace a Damaged Chimney Crown

The chimney crown covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liners to the chimney edge.  A proper chimney crown should be constructed so it provides an overhang (or drip edge) to direct the runoff from the crown away from the sides of the chimney.  In effect, the crown helps prolong the lifespan of the brick and mortar chimney structure.  Many chimney crowns will not withstand years of weather abuse without cracking, chipping or deteriorating; situations that allow water to penetrate the chimney.

Repair or Replace Flashing

Flashing seals the area where the roof meets the chimney.  Flashing prevents rain water from running down the chimney.  If the flashing is missing or damaged it can cause water to enter living spaces where it can damage ceilings or walls, or cause rot in rafters, joists, or other structural elements.  Many times roofers will attempt to install or repair flashing but cause damage to the chimney repair, and chimney technicians not familiar with roofing can cause damage to the roof.  Our technicians have extensive experience with both roofs and chimneys to ensure the flashing will be repaired or installed correctly while maintaining the structural integrity of both.

Waterproofing

Most masonry chimneys are made of brick or stone and mortar with are porous materials.  If not maintained properly they will absorb water like a sponge allowing the moisture to damage the chimneys interior.  Cracked and damaged mortar joints will greatly increase the damage.

We use a waterproofing product that is vapor permeable.  Vapor permeable means it allows the chimney to breath out, allowing water that has already penetrated the chimney, or moisture that originate from the inside to escape but blocks water from outside to enter the chimney repair.