Chimney Rebuilds
If only a few bricks are cracked or spalling (breaking off in fragments), they can typically be replaced. If your chimney has become too damaged, we will likely need to partially or completely tear down and rebuild the structure. With any chimney rebuild we try to use any existing bricks that are still in good condition. When you hire us to restore or rebuild your chimney, you can be sure that all work will be completed in accordance with state and local building codes.
Chimney Waterproofing
Most chimneys are built with porous brick and mortar. Over time, water can seep inside of the chimney, causing damage to the inside and outside of your home. Water leaks in your chimney can cause rusted damper and firebox assemblies, rotted wood, water stains on walls and ceiling, decayed exterior mortar, cracked flue lining or a tilting chimney structure. If not addressed, water leaks can eventually lead to complete failure of your chimney.
We can apply high-quality waterproofing agent that can add years to the life of your chimney. To waterproof your chimney, we use a protective sealant that is vapor permeable, which means that it allows the moisture that is inside of the chimney to escape, while preventing water from getting in from the outside. Waterproofing is an affordable way to protect the beauty and function of your chimney and save yourself money and hassle down the road.
Fireplace Dampers
If you have issues with smoke or drafts in your home, we can inspect your chimney and determine if your fireplace damper needs replacing. A damaged or improperly installed fireplace damper can reduce your home's comfort and energy efficiency, letting heated and cooled air escape up and out your chimney flue. A damaged damper can also let in water and moisture, which can cause cracks in the mortar and other serious problems. We can inspect your chimney damper and make sure it's working like it should. If your damper isn't functioning like it should, we can install a new one.
Chimney Crown Repair & Replacement
The chimney crown acts as a roof to your chimney structure, protecting the flue and top of the chimney against deterioration or damage from weather. The chimney crown is different from the chimney cap, which is an attachment that is added to the top of the flue pipe to keep debris out of the chimney flue.
If there are cracks or voids in your chimney crown, this can allow water to seep inside the bricks and mortar of your chimney, causing expensive damage over time. Our chimney technicians can repair or rebuild the crown of your chimney to help prevent the need for costly water damage repairs.
If your chimney crown is severely worn, has pieces missing, or is lacking structural integrity, it might be best to replace it with a new concrete crown. We can build a new crown for your chimney with durable concrete and a design that will direct water away from the bricks and mortar and keep your chimney as dry as possible.
Tuckpointing
If you notice that your chimney’s mortar is cracked or deteriorating, tuckpointing can help prevent further damage. Tuckpointing involves scraping out damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar to restore the original condition of your chimney. We will expertly match your existing mortar, so you won't notice where the mortar was replaced.
Cracked or crumbling mortar joints are not only ugly, but they can also allow water to seep inside your chimney, causing serious and expensive damage.
If you have loose bricks or stones or cracks in your mortar, our trained technicians will inspect your chimney and recommend the best solution to ensure it is functioning safely and looks beautiful.
Routine Maintenance
Regular chimney maintenance is important for preventing damage and expensive chimney repairs, however, all chimneys require repair at one time or another.
If you notice smoke coming into your home or that your home is drafty, you should consider having your fireplace damper inspected. In addition to masonry repair and restoration, Bone Dry Masonry also installs chimney caps, chase covers and chimney dampers.
