Restoring chimney brickwork in Lauderdale West
Book the masonry work within 72 hours of your free inspection and save 10% on it.
- 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
- Crumbling brick near the roof line
- A gap opening at the house wall
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Brick, mortar and the cause behind the crack
Why film coatings harm chimney brick
Paints, sealers and coatings that form a film on the surface can stop brick from drying outward. Water that gets in behind the film stays in the masonry, and the film can then blister and peel with the brick face attached.
The brick industry's guidance advises against film-forming coatings on exterior brick. If your chimney already has one, we look at how it is holding up and what lies beneath failing areas. Removing a coating is a separate decision, priced apart from the masonry repair.
Masonry repairs ahead of a new roof
A new roof is a good moment to repair chimney masonry above and at the roof line. Working on the chimney after new covering is laid can mean disturbing it again, and fresh roofing is easily scuffed by masonry work.
If a roof replacement is planned, tell us the timing. We check the chimney first and schedule masonry repairs so they finish before the new covering goes on around the base. The flashing work at the junction is then coordinated between us and the roofer.
Wetting one face to confirm a masonry leak
Where it is needed to confirm a leak through the brick, we wet the masonry with a hose, one area at a time, while someone watches inside. We start low on the chimney and work upward, so each area is tested on its own.
Most masonry visits do not need a test, because the damage and the water path are clear. We explain beforehand which area will be wetted and what we hope to learn. A clear result can narrow the repair to the joints or units that actually let water in.
Mortar joints wear by design
Mortar is meant to wear before brick does. Over time, rain and sun erode the joint surface and soften the mortar behind it. Joints on the faces that take the most weather go first, often near the top.
Renewing worn joints is normal maintenance for masonry rather than a sign of poor construction. The question is how far the wear has gone. We describe the depth and extent in plain words so you can judge whether to repoint now or plan the work for later.
What your chimney mason prices
- Repointing of cracked and open joints
- Cut-out and replacement of broken units
- Painted brick condition assessed
- Tie-in with crown and flashing work noted
Chimney crack repair questions answered
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.
Why do you ask about earlier repairs to the chimney?
Earlier work explains a lot. A patch in hard mortar, sealant over cracks or a repair that failed quickly all change what we look for and how the new repair should be done.
What do you need from me before the masonry visit in Lauderdale West?
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.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Chase Cover ReplacementReplace the chase top with a properly planned cover and clearly defined pipe connections.
- Gas Fireplace Repair and ServiceGet a model-specific gas fireplace service plan for the fault you are seeing or the maintenance your unit needs.
- Chimney Cap Installation and ReplacementProtect the chimney opening with a cap chosen for its fit, attachment and compatible system.
- Gas Fireplace VentingAssess and repair the gas fireplace vent arrangement using components suited to the identified system.
- Fireplace RestorationCoordinate fireplace repairs while preserving suitable existing features and defining the intended use.
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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