Chimney brick replacement done unit by unit in South Miami Heights
You see which bricks need replacing and which only look marked before approving any work.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
When chimney brick faces start to break
- Bricks that look loose or pushed out
- Earlier replacement bricks failing again
- Chipped edges where joints were ground out
- Vines rooted over damaged brick
Jump to
Choosing replacement brick for a chimney
Cutting the mortar around the opening
Once the broken unit is out, the old mortar around the opening has to go too. Brick industry guidance asks for that mortar to be cut and chiseled carefully, without damaging the adjacent brickwork.
We work the old mortar out by hand where the edges of the surrounding bricks are at risk. The opening ends up clean and square, ready to take a new unit and fresh joints. This is slow, careful work, and it decides how neat the replacement looks.
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.
Fresh joints that settle in color over time
New mortar around a replaced brick often looks brighter than the old joints at first. Federal preservation guidance explains that weathered mortar shows more of its sand, and fresh mortar has not weathered yet.
We match to sheltered, less weathered areas of the existing joints, because that is what the new joints will come to resemble. Staining new mortar to force a match is generally not recommended. In most cases, time closes the gap. Knowing that in advance means a slight contrast on the day of the work need not cause concern.
Replacing the whole brick, not only its face
When a brick loses its face, the damage may not stop at the surface you can see. The material behind may be weakened, cracked or holding water. Brick industry guidance describes removing and replacing damaged units rather than resurfacing them.
Replacing the whole unit restores a sound brick with an intact face and full joints around it. We explain why a partial fix, such as a thin facing or a mortar skim, would not last as long. The estimate lists each unit to be replaced in full.
What the free brick inspection covers
- Color, texture and range compared
- New brick buttered and set in place
- Protection for roof, windows and plantings
- Overnight cover for an open chimney top
Chimney brick questions we hear
Why do the faces of chimney bricks come away?
Usually because water gets into the brick and something stops it drying out through the joints. Soluble salts can crystallize under the face, and hard mortar or a film coating can make it worse. We look for the source before replacing units.
How does the inspection discount apply to brick replacement?
Say yes to the brick replacement within 72 hours after your free inspection and we take 10% off the services you book. Those hours run from your own inspection visit.
Will the new bricks look different from the old ones?
At first they may, because the old brick has weathered and the new mortar is fresh. A careful match of size, color and texture keeps the difference small, and it usually softens with time. We show you the proposed brick before approval.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Gas Fireplace Repair and ServiceGet a model-specific gas fireplace service plan for the fault you are seeing or the maintenance your unit needs.
- Gas Fireplace VentingAssess and repair the gas fireplace vent arrangement using components suited to the identified system.
- Ventless Gas Fireplace ServiceService the identified vent-free appliance without bypassing its required safety components.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
- Chimney Animal RemovalAssess occupied chimney openings and plan appropriate follow-up cleaning or entry protection.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo