Expert Chimney Restoration and Rebuilding

Chimney repair fixes the structural, safety, and weatherproofing problems that develop in brick and stone chimneys over time. From tuckpointing deteriorated mortar to rebuilding unstable structures, professional chimney repair protects your home from water damage, prevents collapse hazards, and ensures safe fireplace operation.

Chimneys take more abuse than any other part of your building. They need specialized attention from masons who understand their unique challenges.

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Common Chimney Problems

Deteriorated Mortar Joints

Chimney mortar fails faster than wall mortar because:

• Constant exposure to weather from all sides
• Freeze-thaw cycles attack from multiple directions
• Heat stress from inside
• No protection from roof overhangs
• Rain and snow hit chimneys directly

When mortar fails, water pours into the chimney structure.

Cracked or Spalling Bricks

Chimney bricks deteriorate from:

• Water penetration and freezing
• Heat cycling from fires
• Age and weathering
• Poor quality brick originally used
• Settlement or structural movement

Damaged bricks need replacement before they fall.

Leaning or Unstable Chimneys

Chimneys lean when:

• Foundations settle or fail
• Frost heaves shift footings
• Mortar completely breaks down
• Bricks are missing or failing
• No proper structural support

Leaning chimneys can collapse onto your roof. This is an emergency.

Chimney Crown Damage

The crown is the concrete or mortar cap at the top. It fails from:

• Cracks from weathering
• Poor original construction
• Water infiltration
• Freeze-thaw damage

Failed crowns let massive amounts of water into the chimney.

Flashing Failure

Flashing seals where the chimney meets the roof. It fails when:

• Sheet metal corrodes
• Caulking breaks down
• Improper installation
• Roof work disturbs it

Bad flashing causes interior water leaks.

Internal Deterioration

Inside the chimney:

• Flue tiles crack from heat and moisture
• Smoke chamber deteriorates
• Fireplace damper fails
• Creosote buildup creates fire hazards
• Water damage rots structural components

You can't see these problems from outside but they're serious.

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Our Chimney Repair Process

1. Complete Inspection

We assess your entire chimney:

• Structural stability and plumbness
• Mortar and brick condition
• Crown condition
• Flashing integrity
• Interior flue and smoke chamber
• Foundation and footing
• Identify all problems, not just obvious ones

2. Detailed Repair Plan

You get a clear proposal for:

• All necessary repairs
• Options (repair vs. partial rebuild vs. complete rebuild)
• Detailed cost breakdown
• Timeline
• What's critical vs. what can wait

3. Repair Execution

Tuckpointing:

• Grind out deteriorated mortar
• Repoint with proper mortar
• Match existing joints
• Complete coverage

Brick Replacement:

• Remove damaged bricks
• Install matched replacements
• Proper mortar and bonding
• Structural integrity restored

Crown Repair or Replacement:

• Remove failed crown
• Install new reinforced concrete crown
• Proper slope for drainage
• Sealed and finished

Flashing Replacement:

• Remove old flashing
• Install new metal flashing
• Proper integration with roofing
• Caulk and seal all joints

Structural Repairs:

• Stabilize leaning sections
• Rebuild unsafe areas
• Install proper supports
• Address foundation issues

Internal Repairs:

• Flue tile replacement
• Smoke chamber restoration
• Damper repair or replacement
• Firebox rebuilding

4. Waterproofing

After repairs:

• Apply breathable water repellent
• Protect from future water damage
• Allow moisture vapor to escape
• Extend chimney life

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Partial vs. Complete Chimney Rebuild

When Tuckpointing and Repair Work:

• Mortar is deteriorated but bricks are sound
• Structural stability is maintained
• Limited brick damage
• Crown can be repaired or replaced
• Cost-effective solution

When Partial Rebuild Is Needed:

• Top section is failing but lower section is sound
• Severe deterioration in upper courses
• Leaning can be corrected with partial rebuild
• Saves money compared to complete rebuild

We typically rebuild from the roofline up when the exposed section has failed.

When Complete Rebuild Is Necessary:

• Entire structure is unstable
• Chimney is leaning significantly
• Widespread brick and mortar failure
• Foundation problems
• Safety hazard that can't be partially fixed
• Interior damage is severe

Complete rebuilds include:

• Removal of existing chimney
• New foundation if needed
• Rebuilding with matched brick
• Proper flue installation
• Crown and flashing
• Code-compliant construction

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Chimney Safety Issues

Fire Hazards

Damaged chimneys create fire risks:

• Cracked flue tiles let fire reach wood framing
• Creosote buildup ignites
• Failed mortar joints expose combustibles
• Deteriorated smoke chambers

Have chimneys inspected regularly by certified sweeps AND masons.

Carbon Monoxide Risks

Chimney problems can cause CO poisoning:

• Blocked or damaged flues
• Poor draft from deterioration
• Gaps letting exhaust into living spaces

This is invisible, odorless, and deadly.

Structural Collapse

Failing chimneys can:

• Fall onto roofs, causing major damage
• Collapse into homes
• Injure people below
• Damage vehicles or property

Leaning or unstable chimneys are emergencies.

Water Damage

Water entering through failed chimneys causes:

• Rot in roof framing
• Ceiling and wall damage
• Mold and mildew
• Interior finish destruction
• Reduced home value

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Chimney Maintenance

Annual Inspections:

Have your chimney professionally inspected:

• By certified chimney sweep (internal condition)
• By mason (structural condition)
• Check mortar, bricks, crown, flashing
• Identify developing problems early

Regular Cleaning:

• Have chimney cleaned annually if you use it regularly
• Remove creosote buildup
• Inspect flue condition
• Check damper operation

Address Problems Promptly:

Don't wait when you see:

• Crumbling mortar
• Loose or missing bricks
• Water stains on interior walls near chimney
• Leaning or movement
• Crown cracks
• Flashing gaps

Small problems become expensive quickly with chimneys.

Waterproofing:

Waterproof your chimney every 5-10 years:

• Protects from water damage
• Extends mortar and brick life
• Prevents most deterioration
• Relatively inexpensive preventive measure

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Unused Chimneys Still Need Maintenance

"We don't use our fireplace" doesn't mean ignore the chimney.

Unused chimneys still:

• Are exposed to weather
• Deteriorate from age and moisture
• Can leak water into your home
• Present structural hazards if failing
• Need proper maintenance

Plus, unused chimneys should be:

• Capped to keep water and animals out
• Inspected for deterioration
• Maintained for structural integrity

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Related Services

Chimney work often includes:

• Tuckpointing - Mortar joint repair throughout chimney
• Brick Repair - Replacing damaged chimney bricks
• Caulking - Sealing flashing and crown joints
• Waterproofing - Protecting chimney from water damage
• Masonry Restoration - Complete chimney restoration

We handle all aspects of chimney repair and restoration.

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Common Questions

How often should chimneys be inspected? Annually. Chimneys take more abuse than walls and deteriorate faster.

Can I just tuckpoint my chimney? If only mortar is failing and bricks are sound, yes. But often chimneys need more than just tuckpointing.

My chimney is leaning slightly. Is this urgent? Yes. Leaning chimneys indicate foundation or structural problems that worsen rapidly. Get it inspected immediately.

Do I need to replace the whole chimney? Not always. We often rebuild just the section above the roofline, which is most exposed and deteriorates first.

Can you work on the chimney in winter? Yes, though mortar work has weather limitations. We work year-round with appropriate precautions.

How long does chimney repair last? Properly done tuckpointing and repairs last 25-30 years. Waterproofing extends this.

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Why Choose Arrow Masonry

Chimney Expertise

We've repaired and rebuilt thousands of chimneys over 50+ years. We know their unique problems and proper solutions.

Complete Service

From inspection to final waterproofing, we handle every aspect of chimney work.

Safety Focus

We prioritize structural safety and proper flue operation. Your family's safety matters.

Quality Materials

We use proper materials, not shortcuts. Chimneys are too important for cheap fixes.

See our chimney work and read reviews.

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Get Your Free Chimney Inspection

We'll assess your chimney's condition, explain what needs repair, and provide a detailed estimate.

Call: (847) 776-6400

Serving Chicagoland with professional chimney repair services.

Learn more about Arrow Masonry.

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Professional chimney repair since 1972. Keeping your home safe and dry.