
Restoring chimney brickwork in Bay Point
A workmanship warranty on the masonry repairs we complete, and a written record of what was done.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Signs the chimney brickwork needs attention
- Bricks that rock or sit loose
- Hard gray patches over the old mortar
- Stains on the attic side of the chimney
- Brick dust on the patio below
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Brickwork repairs that suit what is there
Finding out what the old mortar is
Before choosing a repair mortar, it helps to know what is already in the joints. Color, hardness, sand texture and how the mortar breaks all give clues on the visit.
Where the choice matters, for example on older or unusual brick, a sample of the existing mortar can be analyzed by a testing laboratory. The brick industry's maintenance guidance describes this step. We tell you when we think a sample is worth taking, what it would show and how it would affect the repair.
Preparing the joint so mortar bonds
Dry brick pulls water out of fresh mortar too quickly, and mortar that dries too fast does not bond well. The brick industry's repointing guidance calls for dampening the joints first, then letting the surface water soak in before mortar goes in.
That step takes a little time and is easy to skip. It is part of how we repoint, and it helps the new joints bond with the old masonry. We mention it because a joint that looks finished on the day can still fail early if the preparation was rushed.
Removing old mortar without damage
Repointing starts by removing the weak mortar from each joint back to sound material. The National Park Service's guidance on repointing explains that this must be done without chipping brick edges or widening the joints.
Wider joints and broken edges change how the wall looks and how it sheds water. We choose tools to suit the joint and the brick, and work carefully at edges and corners. The depth of removal depends on how far the mortar has decayed, and we describe it on the estimate.
Protecting open masonry overnight
Masonry work can leave joints open, courses removed or the top of the chimney exposed. Before we leave for the day, the open top goes under a cover and fresh joints are shielded from rain.
That cover keeps water out of the flue and the house and protects mortar that is still setting. We check the cover before leaving and remove it when work resumes. If weather interrupts the job for longer, the protection stays in place until we return. You do not need to touch it, and we check it again on arrival.
Masonry repair items we price separately
- Crack pattern mapped before repair
- Attic-side masonry checked where accessible
- Salvaged or new brick sourced to match
- Written record of the repaired areas
Questions about chimney brick repair
Will the new mortar match the color of the old joints?
We aim for a close match and compare samples wet and dry before the work. Weathered mortar can be hard to match exactly, so we show you the likely result before you approve.
Is joint work alone enough for my chimney?
Sometimes. If only the mortar has failed, chimney tuckpointing is the focused repair. If bricks are broken as well, mixed masonry repair fits better. The visit shows which case you have.
Is there a discount if I book the masonry work soon?
Yes. When you book within 72 hours of the free inspection at your home, 10% comes off any service on the estimate. The scope and materials do not change because of it.
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Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland Heatilator Heat & Glo
