Raking and repointing chimney joints in Coral Gate
We match color, texture and profile, and explain how new mortar weathers in.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Joint trouble you can spot from the yard
- White deposits that keep coming back
- Mortar pieces on the roof around the stack
- Joints on one face far worse than others
- Stepped cracks following the mortar lines
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What good tuckpointing looks like
How a chimney dries out through its joints
Masonry gets wet and dries out, and the joints are part of how it dries. Federal preservation guidance explains that moisture should move through the mortar rather than through the brick. Soluble salts carried with that water are then left in the joints, where damage is easier to repair.
Mortar that blocks vapor forces moisture to leave through the brick instead. Crystals of those salts can form under the brick face and push it off. We pick repointing mortar with drying in mind, not just with hardness or appearance.
Bonding agents are not a shortcut
Some repair products promise to glue new mortar to old joints. Federal preservation guidance says bonding agents are not a substitute for proper joint preparation and should generally be avoided. They are also hard to remove if smeared on the brick face.
A properly raked, cleaned and dampened joint bonds without them. We rely on preparation rather than additives. If an earlier repair on your chimney used a bonding product, we note any staining it left and explain whether it affects the new work.
Dust and noise while old mortar comes out
Federal preservation guidance is frank that joint preparation is noisy and can make a lot of dust. On a house, that means planning around windows, air intakes, vehicles and outdoor furniture near the chimney.
We agree with you which windows stay closed and where covers go before raking starts. Dust is controlled as the work proceeds and cleaned up at the end of each day. Tell us about anyone at home who is sensitive to dust, so we can plan the noisiest work accordingly.
Getting the site ready for joint work
A little preparation makes repointing smoother. Clear access to the base of the chimney, move vehicles parked beside it and bring in anything fragile from that side of the house. Keep pets indoors while raking is under way.
Tell us about plants you want protected, outdoor vents and any roofing that marks easily. We bring covers and protection for the rest. If you need to leave during the work, let us know how to reach you in case a question comes up.
Mortar joint checks for homes in Coral Gate
- Head joints cleared by hand
- Tooling at thumbprint hardness
- Curing care for the new joints
- Brushing off excess mortar
Your chimney tuckpointing questions
Will the new mortar match the color of the old joints?
We aim for a close match by choosing the sand and, where needed, a pigment, then comparing samples wet and dry against the existing joints. New mortar often looks brighter at first and settles as it weathers.
Can repointing be done safely on a hot day?
Yes, with care. Mortar that dries too fast bonds poorly, so we keep joints damp and shaded and may start earlier in the day. We plan around the conditions rather than rushing mortar onto a hot wall.
Why did earlier repointing fall out of the joints?
Shallow preparation is a frequent reason. When old mortar is not raked deep enough, a thin skin of new mortar has little to grip. A mix that is too hard, or water still entering the wall, can also cause it.
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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