Repointing chimney brickwork with matched mortar in River Oaks
Dust, grit and old mortar are cleaned up and hauled away when the job is done.
- 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
- Plants rooting in the mortar joints
- Mortar pieces on the roof around the stack
- Loose brick where joints have washed out
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How we approach chimney tuckpointing in River Oaks
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.
Comparing mortar samples wet and dry
Mortar changes color as it dries. Brick industry maintenance guidance suggests comparing new samples with the existing mortar while it is wet, then again when both are fully dry. A match judged only when wet can end up noticeably lighter.
We mix sample batches when the finish matters and compare them against the chimney before committing. That takes a little time, but it avoids a whole face of joints that looked right on the day and wrong once it dried. Several batches may be needed to reach a match.
Joint shapes that hold water on a chimney
Some joint finishes suit interior walls better than chimneys. Brick industry guidance does not recommend raked, struck, flush and similar joints outside. They are not compacted at the surface, or they leave small ledges where water can sit.
On a chimney, water resting on those ledges soaks into the joint and the brick edge. We point out when an existing profile is part of the water problem. Changing it is a choice with visual consequences, so we explain both sides before any repointing starts.
Looking at chimney joints from the ground
You can check the joints without climbing. Brick industry maintenance guidance suggests binoculars for looking at masonry high on a building. From the yard, look for joints that sit deep behind the brick face, dark lines of missing mortar or plants growing from the chimney.
Note which side looks worst and tell us when you call. Stay off the roof. A closer look is part of our free inspection, and the view from the ground is enough to help us plan where to begin.
Joint repair items on a written estimate
- Dust cleared from the raked joints
- Tooling at thumbprint hardness
- Brushing off excess mortar
- Workmanship warranty on the agreed joints
Chimney joint work, questions and answers
Should the chimney be waterproofed after repointing in River Oaks?
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.
Can you repoint a chimney that has stucco over the brick?
Stucco hides the joints, so there is nothing to repoint from outside. Cracked or loose stucco belongs to stucco repair. If bare brick shows above the roofline, we can assess those joints as a separate area.
How does the 72-hour window work on repointing?
If you approve the repointing, or anything else on the estimate, before 72 hours have gone by since your free inspection, we take 10% off. The clock starts at your own visit.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- 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.
- Chimney Chase Cover ReplacementReplace the chase top with a properly planned cover and clearly defined pipe connections.
- Smoke Chamber RepairRepair identified smoke-chamber surfaces with the access and material requirements clearly defined.
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Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo