Chimney mortar repair done joint by joint in Miami Beach
If joint work alone will not fix the problem, we explain what else the chimney needs.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Signs the chimney joints need repointing
- Sandy grit at the base of the chimney
- Plants rooting in the mortar joints
- Joints on one face far worse than others
- Thin mortar smeared over old joints
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How we approach chimney tuckpointing in Miami Beach
Clearing dust from the raked chimney joints
Raking leaves dust and loose grains in every joint. New mortar packed onto dust bonds to the dust. Brick industry guidance lists a few ways to clear it, including a stiff brush, oil-free compressed air or a rinse of clean water.
We clean each joint before filling it. Federal preservation guidance favors a rinse with water to carry away the last loose particles. The joints should then be damp but not running with water when the mortar goes in. Clean, damp joints give the new mortar the best chance to bond.
Measuring each mortar batch the same way
Color and strength both depend on consistent proportions. Brick industry guidance recommends measuring mortar materials by volume and following a set mixing procedure. Federal preservation guidance also asks for dry ingredients measured and blended before water is added.
Shovel-count mixing drifts from batch to batch. We measure each batch the same way so the joints on one face match those on the next. When a sample area has been approved, the full job uses the same measured mix. That consistency is part of what you are paying for.
Face grouting for fine joint cracks
Brick industry maintenance guidance describes face grouting as a way to fill small hairline cracks in otherwise sound joints. A thin grout is worked into the cracks with a brush. It is a lighter treatment than repointing.
It has limits. The joints end up looking slightly wider and smoother, because the sand texture is covered. The same guidance says repointing is generally recommended because it handles more kinds of joint damage. We explain whether your joints suit grouting or need raking out.
Booking chimney repointing in Miami Beach
To arrange joint work in Miami Beach, phone us or send the form further down this page. Tell us what caught your eye on the chimney, and we will set up a free inspection at a time that works for you. There is nothing to prepare on the roof.
During the visit, we check the joints and the parts that shed water onto them, then talk you through what we found. The written estimate lists each area. Say yes within 72 hours following that free inspection, and a 10% discount is taken off the services you book.
Your chimney mortar repair scope in writing
- Color and texture match to existing joints
- Separate lines for crown or flashing work
- Written record of faces and joints renewed
- Workmanship warranty on the agreed joints
Chimney mortar questions we hear
How deep are the old joints raked out?
Deep enough to reach sound mortar, to an even depth that relates to the joint width, as brick industry guidance describes. Shallow raking leaves new mortar too thin to hold, which is one reason earlier repointing sometimes falls out.
Is a stronger mortar better for my chimney?
No. Repointing mortar should be softer and more vapor-permeable than the brick, and no stronger than the original mortar. A mix that is too hard pushes stress into the brick and can damage its face.
Will you repoint the joints inside my firebox as well?
Firebox joints use refractory mortar and belong to firebox repair, a separate service. Chimney tuckpointing covers the exterior masonry. If both need work, each is priced on its own line so you can decide.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Gas Fireplace VentingAssess and repair the gas fireplace vent arrangement using components suited to the identified system.
- Chimney Sweep and Chimney CleaningArrange careful chimney cleaning in Miami with a defined scope, protected work area and useful findings.
- Stone Chimney RepairRepair affected stone chimney surfaces with the supporting construction and visual match considered together.
- Chimney Chase Cover ReplacementReplace the chase top with a properly planned cover and clearly defined pipe connections.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
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