Brick and mortar repairs on chimneys in Hollywood
A free inspection of the brickwork, then a written estimate that separates joints, units and larger sections.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
What failing chimney brickwork looks like
- Dark damp patches that stay after rain
- Hard gray patches over the old mortar
- Cracks in the chimney breast indoors
- A gap opening at the house wall
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What masonry repair means for your chimney
Masonry cracks on the chimney breast indoors
The part of the chimney that projects into the room is masonry too, often finished with plaster or paint. Cracks there can follow the mortar joints behind the finish, run through the finish alone or line up with cracks outside.
We look at the crack indoors and compare it with the masonry outside and in the attic. A crack only in the finish needs a finish repair. A crack in the masonry behind it needs masonry work, and we explain how that can be reached with the least disturbance to the room.
Holes left by old brackets and anchors
Antenna brackets, dish mounts, lights and cable clips often leave holes, rusted anchors and cracked brick behind. Each open hole lets water into the masonry, and rusting metal can crack the brick around it.
The Florida Building Code also does not allow a chimney to carry loads beyond its own weight unless it was designed for them. We note what is fixed to the chimney, remove unused anchors where you agree and repair the holes. Anything still in use is discussed with you before it is moved.
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.
Masonry should dry before it is sealed or painted
Brick holds water after rain, and more after a long leak. Sealing or painting damp masonry traps that moisture inside, where it can cause the same damage the repair set out to stop.
After repairs, we let the masonry dry before any optional surface treatment. The waiting time depends on the weather and how wet the wall was. We tell you when a treatment can go on, or advise leaving the surface as it is. Either choice is written into the scope so it is not forgotten.
What the masonry visit can include
- Cut-out and replacement of broken units
- Chimney breast cracks traced indoors
- Salvaged or new brick sourced to match
- Cover over open masonry each evening
Before you approve masonry repairs
Do you test for water entry before repairing brickwork?
When the job calls for it, a hose water test on one area at a time can confirm where water gets in. Most masonry visits do not need one, and we explain when it would help.
What do you need from me before the masonry visit in Hollywood?
Access to the fireplace, a clear path to the side of the house under the chimney and, if possible, the attic. Any records of earlier masonry work help, but the visit goes ahead without them.
Will masonry repair change how my chimney looks?
New work can look fresher than weathered brick at first. We discuss color, texture and joint finish before you approve, and show samples where the appearance matters to you.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Fireplace Hearth RepairRepair the hearth surface after considering the supporting assembly and fireplace requirements.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
- Chimney Liner Installation and ReliningPlan a compatible chimney liner installation with the existing passage, connections and maintenance access considered together.
- Chimney TuckpointingRenew deteriorated mortar joints around chimney bricks that can appropriately remain.
- Gas Fireplace InstallationCreate a complete gas fireplace installation plan for the room, appliance and connected systems.
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