Chimney Repair & Rebuilding Services

Why Your Chimney Needs Regular Attention

Your chimney works hard every time you light a fire. It channels smoke, heat, and gases safely out of your home. But chimneys face brutal conditions. They endure extreme temperature swings, constant moisture exposure, and freeze-thaw cycles that crack masonry. Over time, these stresses cause real damage that puts your home and family at risk.

A damaged chimney is not just an eyesore. It is a safety hazard. Cracks in the chimney crown or flue liner let water seep into your walls and attic. Loose bricks can fall and cause injury. Structural leaning means your chimney might collapse during a storm. And gaps in the flue create dangerous carbon monoxide leaks that you cannot see or smell.

Here in Ann Arbor, we see chimneys take extra punishment from our weather. Rain soaks into small cracks, then freezes and expands every winter. That cycle repeats year after year until small problems become major failures. Regular inspections catch issues early, but once damage is visible, you need professional masonry repair right away.

Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair or Rebuilding

Do not wait until your chimney fails. Watch for these warning signs:

• Cracked or Crumbling Crown: The concrete crown at the top of your chimney seals out water. When it cracks, water pours into your masonry and causes rapid deterioration.
• Damaged Flashing: Metal flashing seals the gap between your chimney and roof. When flashing fails, water leaks into your attic and down your walls. You might see water stains on ceilings near the chimney.
• Spalling Bricks: When chimney bricks start flaking or popping off, moisture has gotten inside the masonry. This accelerates quickly and weakens the entire structure.
• Leaning Chimney: A chimney that tilts away from your house signals serious foundation or structural problems. This is an emergency that requires immediate attention.
• White Staining (Efflorescence): Those white deposits on your chimney mean water is moving through the masonry. This is an early warning sign you should not ignore.
• Damaged Flue Liner: Your clay or metal flue liner protects your chimney from heat and corrosive gases. Cracks or gaps let dangerous fumes escape into your home.

We recommend annual chimney inspections, especially before winter. A trained eye can spot problems that homeowners miss. Early detection means smaller, less expensive repairs.

Complete Chimney Repair and Rebuilding Services

Chimney Crown Repair

We rebuild damaged crowns with proper materials and techniques. A well-built crown has a slight slope to shed water and an overhang that protects the bricks below. We use high-strength mortar designed for crown work, not standard brick mortar.

Flashing Replacement

We install step flashing and counter-flashing that creates a waterproof seal between your chimney and roof. Proper flashing installation requires cutting into mortar joints and sealing everything with durable caulk. We do not take shortcuts that cause leaks later.

Brick and Mortar Repair

We replace damaged chimney bricks and restore deteriorating mortar joints. Our tuckpointing services bring your chimney back to full strength. We match original brick colors and patterns so repairs blend seamlessly.

Complete Chimney Rebuilds

Sometimes repairs are not enough. When a chimney is leaning, severely damaged, or structurally unsound, a complete rebuild is the safest option. We tear down the old chimney, inspect and repair the base if needed, then rebuild from the ground up using modern materials and code-compliant techniques.

Flue Liner Installation

Old clay liners crack and crumble over time. We install stainless steel flue liners that resist corrosion and last for decades. These liners improve draft, reduce creosote buildup, and make your fireplace safer and more efficient. This work pairs well with our brick restoration services for comprehensive chimney updates.

Frequently Asked Questions