Chimney repointing and mortar repair across Glenvar Heights
We rake out failed mortar to sound depth and repoint with a mix that suits your brick.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Chimney mortar damage worth a closer look
- Hairline cracks running along the joints
- White deposits that keep coming back
- Joints on one face far worse than others
- Caulk pushed into open joints
Jump to
Choosing mortar for a chimney repoint
Tooling joints when the mortar is thumbprint hard
The final layer of mortar is tooled once it reaches what brick industry guidance calls thumbprint hardness. A thumb pressed into it leaves a print without mortar sticking to the skin. Tooling at that stage compacts the surface and seals it against the brick.
Tooling too soon drags wet mortar across the brick face. Tooling too late leaves the surface poorly consolidated. We work along the chimney in sections so each area is tooled at the right time, which also helps the joints dry to an even color.
When access makes a larger area sensible
Access is a real factor on a chimney. Federal preservation guidance notes that where access is difficult, repointing a whole area can make more sense than returning for small patches. Setting up to reach the stack above the roof takes effort each time.
If several scattered areas need work and more are close to failing, we explain whether doing them together is the practical choice. We do not use access as a reason to inflate the job. The joints that are sound stay out of the scope, and the estimate shows why.
Cracks between the brick and the mortar
Sometimes the mortar is sound but has pulled away from the brick along a joint. Brick industry guidance lists cracks between brick and mortar among the conditions that call for repointing. They can let water into the wall.
Federal preservation guidance notes that a crack along the bond line is easier to repair than one through the brick itself. We rake out those joints and repoint them. We also look for the cause, since repeated bond cracks can point to movement or to mortar that was too hard.
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.
Separate lines for joints and bricks
- Dust cleared from the raked joints
- Pre-hydrated mortar placed in thin layers
- Brushing off excess mortar
- Dust control and covers during raking
Your chimney tuckpointing questions
Do you use power tools to remove old chimney mortar?
Hand tools are the least likely to damage brick edges. Power tools can help on some horizontal joints in skilled hands, but head joints are cleared by hand. We explain the method before work starts.
Can I use the fireplace while the chimney is being repointed?
The work is on the outside of the masonry, but fresh joints are still curing. We tell you whether a fire is fine during the project and when normal use can resume, based on where we worked and the mortar used.
Should the chimney be waterproofed after repointing in Glenvar Heights?
Not straight away. The brick industry's advice on clear coatings is to wait several months after repairs, because the repairs often stop the water on their own. A repellent after that is a separate item.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Stone Chimney RepairRepair affected stone chimney surfaces with the supporting construction and visual match considered together.
- Chimney Animal RemovalAssess occupied chimney openings and plan appropriate follow-up cleaning or entry protection.
- Fireplace Hearth RepairRepair the hearth surface after considering the supporting assembly and fireplace requirements.
- Chimney Crown RepairRepair the damaged chimney top with an approach matched to the crown and supporting masonry.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
Proudly American
Local service. Careful repairs. A fireplace worth coming home to.
Call Now (645) 465-4171We 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