Chimney Rebuilds (Partial and Full)
When your chimney shows signs of structural failure—spalling brick, step cracks, or significant movement—a rebuild may be necessary. We rebuild chimneys from the roofline up or, when needed, from below grade to ensure proper structural integrity.
What's included:
- Complete teardown to stable brick or footer level
- Inspection of all flue liners (replacement as needed)
- Rebuilding with Belden Brick whenever possible (severe weather-rated, made in Canton, Ohio—we've laid them for 50 years) or the ideal-match brick you approve of.
- New Portland crown with fiberglass rebar reinforcement
- Proper corbelling and drip edges to shed water
- All permits and city inspections required
- Scaffolding and safety equipment
- Complete cleanup and debris removal
Timeline: Most chimney rebuilds take 1-4 days depending on height and scope
Chimney Crown Replacement
The crown is the concrete cap at the top of your chimney. When it cracks or deteriorates, water infiltrates the chimney structure, causing accelerated damage. A proper crown extends over the top brick and is reinforced with rebar.
What's included:
- Removal of old, damaged crown
- Inspection of top courses of brick
- New Portland crown mix (not the weak mortar mix many use)
- Fiberglass rebar reinforcement throughout
- Proper slope to shed water away
- Flue liner extensions to proper height (4-5" above crown)
Timeline: 1 Day
Note: We don't use "crown coat" or temporary sealants—we rebuild properly the first time.
Flue Liner Replacement & Inspection
Flue liners protect your chimney structure from heat and corrosive gases. Terra cotta liners crack over time, especially in older chimneys. We replace damaged sections or install complete stainless steel flex liner systems when needed.
What's included:
- Camera inspection of existing liner condition
- Removal of damaged terra cotta sections (exposed during rebuild work)
- Installation of new 2-foot terra cotta sections, or
- Complete stainless steel flex liner system from appliance to cap
- Proper connection to furnace, boiler, hot water tank, or fireplace
- Top plate and rain cap installation
- Insulation wrap when required by code
Timeline: Liner replacement during rebuild: same day | Flex liner retrofit: 1-2 days
Materials: Heavy-wall stainless steel flex liners with lifetime warranty
Chimney Flashing Repair & Replacement
Flashing is the most common source of chimney leaks. Proper installation requires three critical layers: ice and water guard on the roof deck, step flashing along the slope, and counter flashing cut directly into the mortar joints.
For this specialized step, we partner with trusted subcontractors—generational tradesmen who share our commitment to craftsmanship and understand the critical connection between a roof and a masonry structure. Our families have worked together across generations, beginning with our grandfather and continuing with their second and third-generation craftsmen today.
What's included:
- Removal of old flashing and inspection of roof deck
- Ice and weather guard application (2 feet out from chimney, 4-6" up the brick)
- New step flashing (individual L-shaped pieces that interweave with shingles)
- Counter flashing cut into mortar joints and caulked (not just caulked to the brick to fail when caulk fails)
- 0.023 aluminum flashing rated for 30+ years
- Coordination with roofing contractors if needed
- We handle all flashing work—roofers shingle up to our flashing
Timeline: 1 day for most chimneys
Critical detail: Counter flashing MUST be cut into mortar joints. Caulked-on flashing fails within years; cut-in flashing lasts decades.
Full-Size Chimney Cap Installation
Our custom-fabricated stainless steel chimney caps keep 50% more water off your chimney than standard "top hat" flue caps. As we like to say: it's better to go out in the rain with an umbrella than a top hat.
What's included:
- Custom measurement and fabrication to your exact chimney dimensions
- 24-gauge, 304 stainless steel construction
- Powder coating in black or custom colors
- Anchored securely to the chimney
- Mesh screening to prevent animal entry
- Integrated drip edge design
Timeline: 2-3 weeks for fabrication, 2-3 hours for installation
Longevity: 30+ years with powder coating, 50+ years for stainless
Chimney Tuck Pointing
Deteriorated mortar joints allow water infiltration, leading to freeze-thaw damage and spalling brick. Tuck pointing restores the protective mortar barrier when done correctly—which means proper depth, cleaning, and striking technique.
What's included:
- Grinding out mortar joints 3/4" minimum depth
- Vacuum removal of all dust and debris
- Thorough soaking of joints (critical for fire brick)
- Custom mortar color matching
- Proper striking and compression of new mortar
- Repointing of all damaged areas identified during work
Timeline: Varies by extent of damage (typically 1-2 days)
Expected longevity: 7-10 years when properly sealed, 3-5 years without sealing
Note: Tuck pointing is a repair, not a rebuild. If movement is present, tuck pointing won't address the structural issue.