Chimney Rebuilding & Repointing
Is your chimney showing signs of wear, cracking, or water damage? At REVMA, we offer chimney rebuilding and repointing services to ensure your chimney is structurally sound and watertight. Whether you're dealing with crumbling mortar, missing bricks, or even a leaning chimney, we have the team and experience to restore your chimney's function and appearance.
What Is Chimney Repointing?
Chimney repointing is the process of repairing the mortar joints between the bricks or stones of a chimney to restore its structural integrity and prevent water infiltration. Over time, exposure to weather elements such as rain, snow, wind, and temperature fluctuations can cause the mortar to deteriorate and crack, weakening the chimney and allowing moisture to seep in.
Repointing involves carefully removing the damaged or crumbling mortar to a specific depth, typically about ½" to 1" without disturbing the surrounding masonry, and then refilling the joints with new mortar.
This not only improves the appearance of the chimney but also reinforces its stability and extends its lifespan. Chimney repointing is a crucial maintenance task for older homes and buildings with visible signs of mortar decay.
Common Signs Your Chimney Needs Repointing
Don't wait until small issues become major problems. Watch for these warning signs:
Crumbling Mortar Between Bricks
Mortar that is flaking, cracking, or falling out of the joints indicates advanced deterioration requiring immediate attention.
Gaps in Mortar Joints
Visible gaps or recessed mortar joints allow water penetration and compromise structural integrity.
Loose or Missing Bricks
Bricks that wobble, are displaced, or have fallen out completely indicate serious structural issues.
Water Leaks
Water stains, moisture, or leaks inside the fireplace or attic signal water infiltration through deteriorated mortar.
White Stains (Efflorescence)
White, powdery deposits on brick surfaces indicate water carrying salts through the masonry—a sign of water infiltration.
Chimney Leaning
A visibly tilting or leaning chimney is a severe structural issue requiring immediate professional evaluation.
When To Rebuild Your Chimney
Chimney rebuilding is a major restoration process that involves partially or completely dismantling and reconstructing a damaged chimney to restore its safety, functionality, and appearance.
Rebuilding a chimney becomes necessary when the chimney has extensive structural issues such as loose bricks, crumbling mortar, chimney leaning, or water damage that cannot be resolved through repointing.
Rebuilding a chimney may include removing the upper portion of the chimney down to a stable base or, in more severe cases, tearing it down to the roofline and rebuilding from scratch.
New flue liners and copper counterflashing are usually installed when rebuilding a chimney to ensure long-term performance for proper ventilation and water intrusion prevention.
A Watertight Chimney Is Critical
Water is the number one enemy of masonry chimneys. When a chimney is not properly sealed or maintained, water will penetrate the brick and mortar. In freeze-thaw climates, this moisture expands and contracts, causing bricks to crack, mortar to fail, and internal damage to your flue and home.
Water intrusion can lead to:
- Spalling (flaking or popping) bricks
- Leaning chimney structure
- Rusted fireplace dampers
- Mold in your attic or walls
- Interior ceiling stains
- Improper ventilation from flue damage
Our Chimney Restoration Process
Inspection
Thorough assessment of chimney condition, structural integrity, and extent of damage to determine appropriate repair strategy.
Preparation
Safe scaffolding setup, protection of surrounding areas, and careful removal of damaged mortar or bricks as needed.
Restoration
Professional repointing or rebuilding using quality materials, proper technique, and color-matched mortar for seamless results.
Protection
Installation of new flue liners, chimney caps, and copper flashing to ensure long-term waterproofing and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Repointing is sufficient if mortar joints are deteriorating but bricks are structurally sound. Rebuilding is necessary when bricks are loose, the chimney is leaning, or there is extensive structural damage. Signs include crumbling mortar, gaps in joints, loose bricks, water leaks, white efflorescence stains, or visible chimney lean. A professional inspection can determine the best course of action.
Mortar deterioration is primarily caused by water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. When water seeps into mortar joints and freezes, it expands and causes cracks. Other factors include poor initial installation, incompatible mortar mix, lack of chimney cap or crown, UV exposure, and age. In the Northeast, harsh winters accelerate mortar damage significantly.
A typical residential chimney repointing project takes 2-5 days depending on chimney size, height, accessibility, and extent of damage. The process includes removing old mortar (1-2 days), allowing surfaces to dry, and applying new mortar in stages with proper cure time. Weather conditions can extend the timeline—work should be done in dry weather above 40°F.
Chimney rebuilding costs vary significantly based on extent of work. Repointing typically costs $1,500-$5,000 for a full chimney. Partial rebuilds (upper portion) range from $3,000-$8,000. Complete rebuilds from roofline can cost $8,000-$15,000+ depending on height, materials, and accessibility. Costs include scaffolding, materials, labor, flashing, and any necessary flue liner work.
Yes, we carefully match mortar color and texture to blend with existing masonry. We analyze the original mortar composition, mix custom batches, and create test samples for approval before full application. Proper color matching ensures seamless appearance, though new mortar may appear slightly different initially and will weather to match over time.
If your chimney cap or crown is cracked or missing, replacement is essential during rebuilding or repointing. The chimney crown (concrete top) and cap (metal cover) are your first line of defense against water intrusion. We assess condition during inspection and recommend repairs or replacement. Most chimney projects benefit from installing a quality stainless steel cap with mesh screening.
No, you should not use your fireplace during chimney rebuilding or repointing. The work requires sealing openings, removing sections of the chimney, and the mortar needs time to cure properly. Depending on the scope of work, your fireplace will be out of service for 1-3 weeks. We work efficiently to minimize disruption and restore use as quickly as safely possible.
Professional chimney repointing should last 30-50+ years with proper maintenance and quality materials. Complete rebuilds with new flue liners and proper waterproofing can last 75-100+ years. Longevity depends on mortar quality, installation technique, ongoing maintenance, and installing chimney caps/crowns to prevent water intrusion. Annual inspections help catch small issues before they become major problems.
Restore Your Chimney Today
Don't wait for small chimney issues to become major structural problems. Contact our expert masons for a free inspection and estimate.
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