Chimney masonry restoration in Shorewood, IL
Mortar that has crumbled and bricks that have flaked weaken the whole stack. We repoint the joints, replace the bricks and rebuild the courses that cannot be saved.
- Repointing
- Brick replacement
- Rebuilt courses
A brick chimney is only as sound as its mortar
Brick is hard and mortar is soft on purpose, so the mortar wears first. Once the joints open, water gets behind the brick, freezes and pushes the face off.
Restoring the masonry means replacing what has worn with matching material, joint by joint, so the stack keeps standing and the water stays out.
- Mortar that is sandy or recessed
- Bricks with flaking or spalled faces
- A lean or a visible gap in the stack
- White powder on the brick surface
- Cracks that follow the mortar lines
- Bricks that move when touched
What you get with Masonry restoration
Strength restored
New mortar in the joints ties the bricks together again.
Water kept behind the face
Closed joints stop water from getting behind the brick.
A matching look
We choose brick and mortar to blend with what is already there.
Good before bad
Repointing in time is a modest job compared with rebuilding a stack.
Masonry work we do
The scale of the work follows the damage.
- Repointing: raking out and refilling failed joints
- Replacing cracked or spalled bricks
- Rebuilding the top courses of a stack
- Tuckpointing to match the original joint style
- Sealing the finished masonry where suitable
- Checking the crown and flashing while we are up there
Why mortar matters
Mortar is the part of a wall meant to wear so that the brick does not. When it is gone to a depth of a half inch or more, the joint no longer protects the wall. Repointing renews that sacrificial layer.
Masonry restoration questions
What is repointing?
It is removing the worn outer part of the mortar joints and packing in fresh mortar, which restores the seal and the strength of the wall.
Can you match my brick?
We pick the closest brick and mortar color we can find. A perfect match is not always possible on an older stack, and we say so beforehand.
How do I know whether the stack needs rebuilding?
If bricks are loose, the stack leans, or the damage goes deep through the wall, rebuilding is the safe answer. We show you what we see.
When is the best time for masonry work?
Mild, dry weather is best. Mortar cures poorly in a freeze, so in the cold months we plan the work, protect the stack from the weather, and wait when we have to.
Other services we provide
Chimney crown repair
Cracked or crumbling crowns sealed, resurfaced or rebuilt to shed water off the brick.
Chimney flashing repair
Step flashing and counter-flashing replaced or tied into the brick where the chimney meets the roof.
Chimney repair
Caps, crowns, flashing, flue pipe and masonry repaired, so water and sparks stay where they belong.
Ready to book your masonry work?
Fireplace, stove or insert? Tell us which, leave your number, and we call to set up a visit.