Brick and mortar repairs on chimneys in Washington Park
Where a crack points to movement, we say so and explain what should be checked before repair.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
What failing chimney brickwork looks like
- Plants growing from chimney joints
- Cracks in the chimney breast indoors
- Caulk smeared over cracked joints
- A gap opening at the house wall
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Our approach to chimney brick and joints
Water is behind most masonry decay
The brick industry's maintenance guidance is clear that water drives most deterioration in brickwork. It softens mortar, carries salts to the surface and loosens the faces of bricks as it moves through them.
That is why the first question on a masonry visit is where the water comes from. It may enter at the top, through open joints, at the roof junction or from the ground. Finding the source before repairing the brick keeps the new work from facing the same soaking. We name the source on the estimate beside the masonry repair.
The sloped shoulders of the chimney
Where a chimney narrows above the fireplace, the step or slope between the wide and narrow parts is called the shoulder. Its surface faces the sky, so rain lands on it rather than running past it.
The brick industry's chimney guidance favors a solid surface of uncored brick or a mortar wash that fills each step. Exposed brick cores or a wash that bridges over the steps can hold water. We check the shoulder surface and the joints below it, and list any reshaping as its own item.
Sealant does not replace mortar
Caulk and other sealants have their place, for example where the chimney meets siding or where flashing enters a joint. They are not a substitute for mortar between bricks.
A sealed crack may look closed, but the sealant does not carry load or bond like mortar, and it traps water once it lifts. When we find sealant used as a mortar repair, we remove it before repointing. Where sealant belongs, such as at the siding joint, we use one suited to masonry and list it as its own item.
Comparing two masonry estimates
When comparing masonry quotes, look past the totals. Check that each describes the same areas, the same method of joint removal, the same kind of mortar and the same access and protection.
A lower price may mean a smaller area, a harder mortar or cleanup left out. Ask each company how they would choose the mortar and how they would handle more damage found during removal. We are glad to walk through our estimate line by line, so you can set it beside another.
Items in a brickwork repair scope
- Loose top courses taken down and relaid
- Repointing of cracked and open joints
- Plant growth removed and joints repaired
- Attic-side masonry checked where accessible
Chimney masonry questions asked in Washington Park
Can you repair cracks without taking the chimney down?
In many cases, yes. Cracks confined to joints or a few bricks can be repaired in place. Cracks that suggest movement need their cause assessed first, and we explain that before any price is given.
Can masonry repairs go ahead in wet weather?
Fresh mortar needs protection from heavy rain while it sets. We plan the work around the weather, cover open work at the end of each day and move a step when conditions call for it.
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.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Spalling Brick Repair and Chimney Brick ReplacementReplace deteriorated chimney bricks while retaining suitable surrounding masonry.
- Smoke Chamber RepairRepair identified smoke-chamber surfaces with the access and material requirements clearly defined.
- Gas Fireplace InstallationCreate a complete gas fireplace installation plan for the room, appliance and connected systems.
- Top-Sealing Damper InstallationFit a top-mounted damper only after checking the fireplace, product restrictions and control route.
- Chimney Damper Repair and ReplacementRestore a usable damper mechanism after checking the plate, frame and control linkage.
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Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo