Service

Chimney repair

Most chimney damage starts with water. A cracked crown, an open mortar joint or loose flashing lets rain into the masonry, and every freeze-thaw cycle makes it a little worse.

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What it is and why it matters

Chimney repair covers the parts of the system that keep water out and heat in: the crown on top, the brick and mortar joints, the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, and the cap and damper. The IRC (Chapter 10) calls for the top of a masonry chimney to be capped with a crown sloped to shed water, and NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection after events that may have damaged the chimney, such as a storm or chimney fire. A good repair starts with an inspection that finds the cause, not just the symptom.

What the work usually involves

An inspection to find where the water or damage is coming from
Crown sealing or rebuilding, sloped to shed water
Repointing (tuckpointing) of open or crumbling mortar joints
Replacement of spalled or broken brick
Flashing repair or replacement where the chimney meets the roof
A written estimate with photos before work starts

Sources: International Code Council, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), Chapter 10: Chimneys and Fireplaces; NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. Codes are adopted locally, often with amendments; your building department can tell you which edition applies.

Mason repointing mortar joints on a brick chimney

Hairline crack running through brick above a fireplace opening

Signs it's time to book

Water stains on the ceiling or wall next to the chimney
Flaking, crumbling or popped brick faces (spalling)
Cracks in the crown or gaps around the flue tile
Mortar that is missing or easy to scrape out
White staining on the brick (efflorescence)
Rust on the damper, firebox or chase cover

Services and prices vary by member company. Not every company offers this service, so ask when you call and get a written estimate.

Book chimney repairs near you

Enter your ZIP code to see the company that serves your area, then ask whether they offer chimney repairs. Services and prices vary by member company.

Prefer to call? Dial 833-CHIMNEY ((833) 244-6639) and enter your ZIP when asked.

Chimney Repairs FAQ

What causes most chimney damage?

Water. Rain that gets into cracked crowns, open mortar joints or failed flashing soaks into the masonry. Where winters freeze, that water expands and breaks brick and mortar apart over time.

What is tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing, or repointing, means removing deteriorated mortar from the joints and replacing it with new mortar. It restores the joints that hold the masonry together and keep water out.

Can a cracked crown be sealed instead of rebuilt?

Small cracks can often be sealed with a product made for chimney crowns. A crown that is badly cracked, flat or breaking apart usually needs to be rebuilt. The inspection should tell you which.

Do I need an inspection before a repair?

Ideally, yes. NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection after events that may have damaged the chimney, and an inspection helps make sure the repair fixes the cause rather than the symptom.

How much does chimney repair cost?

It depends on the repair, the chimney and where you live, and each member company sets its own prices. Ask for a written estimate with photos of the damage before you agree to the work.