Spalled and cracked chimney bricks replaced in Mission Bay
Tell us which face is shedding pieces, and we start the assessment there.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Signs the chimney bricks need replacing
- Corners broken off several bricks
- Cracks running through single bricks
- Peeling paint taking brick surface with it
- Pitted brick from past harsh cleaning
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Brick replacement that deals with the cause
Soluble salts that push brick faces off
Water moving through masonry carries dissolved salts. Federal preservation guidance explains that when that water dries out below the surface, the salts crystallize inside the brick. The pressure can push the outer face off in flakes or sheets.
The white deposits sometimes seen on brick come from the same process, only at the surface. When crystals form inside instead, the face gives way. We look at where the damage sits and how the wall dries, because the replacement brick will face the same process unless the water is reduced.
Clearing dust and fragments from the opening
Dust and fragments left in the opening weaken the new bond. Brick industry guidance calls for the opening and its surroundings to be carefully cleared before the new brick goes in.
We brush and clear each opening, including the back where the new mortar must grip. Loose material is collected rather than pushed inward. A clean opening lets the mortar bond to sound brick on every side, which is what holds the new unit firmly in the wall. It takes a little longer than a quick sweep, and it shows in how well the unit holds.
Matching color and the range of shades
Few brick walls are one flat color. Brick industry guidance suggests that a sample for matching should represent the full range of colors and textures of the brick selected. A single perfect-looking brick may still stand out beside the variation in your chimney.
We look at the range across each face, not just one unit. Replacement bricks are chosen to sit within that range. Where several units are replaced together, mixing shades can look more natural than a block of identical new brick.
Matching how the brick performs, not only its look
Brick industry guidance asks for replacement brick that matches the physical properties of the existing brick as well as its appearance. A new unit much harder or much more absorbent than the bricks around it can behave differently in the same wall.
We consider how the existing brick handles water and wear alongside its color. A good-looking brick that soaks up water very differently can create new problems at the repair. We explain what we are weighing when we recommend a particular replacement.
Brick checks for chimneys in Mission Bay
- Replacement brick matched in size
- Surfaces dampened before setting
- New brick buttered and set in place
- Separate lines for crown or flashing work
What people ask about replacing bricks
What happens to the mortar around a replaced brick?
The joints around each new unit are filled completely and tooled to match the existing profile. The mortar is chosen to behave like the existing mortar, because a mix that is too hard can damage the bricks next to it.
Can you replace bricks on the part of the chimney above the roof?
Yes. Access is planned from the roof, with protection for the roof covering. Bricks near the top often take the most water, so we also check the crown and cap above them before replacing units.
What if my chimney brick has been painted?
New brick can go into a painted chimney, but paint peeling away with the brick face may be trapping moisture. We explain whether the paint is part of the problem. Any refinishing decision is yours and is not part of brick replacement.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Cap Installation and ReplacementProtect the chimney opening with a cap chosen for its fit, attachment and compatible system.
- Chimney Masonry RepairRepair affected chimney brickwork and joints with materials selected for the construction already in place.
- Gas Fireplace InstallationCreate a complete gas fireplace installation plan for the room, appliance and connected systems.
- Ventless Gas Fireplace ServiceService the identified vent-free appliance without bypassing its required safety components.
- Chimney TuckpointingRenew deteriorated mortar joints around chimney bricks that can appropriately remain.
Proudly American
Local service. Careful repairs. A fireplace worth coming home to.
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Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo