Where does chimney restoration fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Chimney Restoration
Work planned around the house you live in, with the rest of the home kept livable where possible.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For an insurance claim: Chimney Restoration
We document the work so your insurer can see what was found and what was done.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial buildings: Chimney Restoration
Scheduled around an occupied business and built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For condos and multi-unit buildings: Chimney Restoration
Coordinated with the building, the board and the access rules.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For rental properties: Chimney Restoration
Planned for durability, tenant turnover and a schedule that keeps the unit available.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Chimney Restoration
Repair the brick, mortar, flashing and crown that water and time have worn down, before the damage reaches the house.
What it is
A chimney is exposed to rain, snow and freeze-thaw cycles every year. Over time the mortar joints crack, the crown cracks, and the flashing where the chimney meets the roof starts to leak. Water then gets into the brick and the house.
Chimney restoration fixes the masonry and the weatherproofing so the chimney stays sound and the water stays out.
How it works
- Inspect the chimneyWe check the crown, brick, mortar joints, flashing and the area where the chimney meets the roof.
- Plan the repairYou get a clear scope of what needs repointing, rebuilding or sealing, and what can wait.
- Repair the masonryDamaged mortar is raked out and repointed, and cracked brick or the crown is repaired.
- Seal and checkFlashing and sealants are done last, and we check the work for water entry.
What we look at
Mortar and brick
Repointing and brick repair where joints have failed or water has got in.
Crown and cap
Cracks in the crown let water run down the chimney. A new crown or cap stops it.
Flashing
Leaks where the chimney meets the roof are often the flashing, not the brick.
Decision 1: Where chimney restoration is used
Chimney restoration goes into brick and block chimneys on houses, additions and commercial buildings. The chimney type and its use decide the repair.
| Chimney type | Typical repair | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Brick masonry chimney | Repointing, crown, flashing | Mortar and water entry |
| Block-and-parge chimney | Parge and crown repair | Surface and cracking |
| Metal or prefab flue | Cap, flashing, liner check | Clearance and fittings |
| Commercial chimney | Structural and code repair | Load, fire rating, inspection |
Our pick: Identify the chimney type first. The repair differs for brick, block and prefab flues.
Decision 2: Signs of chimney damage
Chimney damage shows as cracked mortar, staining, leaning and water in the house. Each sign points to a part of the chimney.
| Sign | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Cracked or missing mortar | Water entry through the joints |
| White staining on the brick | Water moving through the masonry |
| Water stain on the ceiling near the chimney | Flashing or crown failure |
| Leaning or bulging chimney | Structural movement |
Our pick: A stain near the chimney usually starts at the flashing or crown, not the brick.
Decision 3: Crown and cap
The crown sheds water off the top of the chimney. A cracked crown lets water into the masonry from above, and a cap keeps out debris and animals.
| Part | Repair |
|---|---|
| Cracked crown | Rebuilt crown with proper slope |
| Missing or damaged cap | New cap sized to the flue |
| Crown overhang | Drip edge for water shedding |
Our pick: Rebuild a cracked crown. Patching it leaves the water path in place.
Decision 4: Flashing at the roof line
The flashing where the chimney meets the roof is the most common leak point. Step and counter flashing are replaced together, not patched.
| Flashing | Repair |
|---|---|
| Step flashing | Replaced and lapped under the shingles |
| Counter flashing | Set into the mortar joint |
| Sealant only | Not a repair, replace the flashing |
Our pick: Replace the flashing, do not seal over it. Sealant on failed flashing fails again.
Decision 5: Repointing and masonry repair
Failed mortar is raked out and repointed with mortar matched to the brick. Cracked or spalled units are replaced where needed.
| Repair | Method |
|---|---|
| Failed joints | Raked out and repointed |
| Cracked brick | Replaced with a matching unit |
| Spalled brick | Removed and replaced |
Our pick: Match the mortar to the brick. A hard mortar on soft brick causes new damage.
Decision 6: Liner and flue check
The flue is checked for cracks, blockages and the liner condition, because a damaged flue is a safety issue.
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Liner condition | Cracks or gaps leak heat and gases |
| Flue blockage | Restricts draft and venting |
| Clearance to combustibles | Safety in the house |
Our pick: Check the flue on every chimney repair. A damaged flue is a safety item first.
Decision 7: Safety at height
Chimney work is at height on the roof. Fall protection, access and the condition of the chimney are checked before anyone works on it.
| Hazard | Action |
|---|---|
| Working on the roof | Fall protection and secure access |
| Loose masonry | Checked before anyone works below |
| Falling debris | Cleared and the area protected |
Our pick: Check the chimney for loose masonry before anyone works near it.
Decision 8: Permits and inspection
Chimney rebuilds and liner work are checked. Some changes to the flue or the fireplace need a permit and inspection.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Repointing and flashing | Usually no permit |
| Rebuild or liner replacement | Permit and inspection |
| Commercial chimney | Structural and code check |
Our pick: Confirm the permit for the rebuild or liner before the work starts.
Decision 9: After-care and inspection
A chimney is inspected after repair and once a year after that. The yearly check catches the next crack before the water reaches the house.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Crown and cap | Checked yearly |
| Flashing | Checked yearly |
| Flue | Cleaned and checked yearly |
Our pick: Inspect the chimney once a year. It is the cheapest protection for the house.
Questions
How do I know my chimney needs work?
Look for cracked or crumbling mortar, white staining on the brick, rust on the flashing, or water stains on the ceiling near the chimney. A visit confirms it.
Is repointing the same as restoration?
Repointing is one part of restoration. We also look at the crown, the flashing and the structure around it.
Do you do the roof too?
Roofing is one of our single services. If the flashing repair needs the roof worked on, we scope and coordinate it.
Related: Masonry RestorationInspect & TestAll restoration