Rebuilding a chimney

What has probably happened

• Decades of freeze and thaw with no cap and a failed crown.
• Mortar joints eroded right through, so the stack has lost its bond.
• Spalled and missing brick over several courses.
• A leaning or visibly bowed stack.
• Storm, tree or earthquake damage.
• A chimney that was never structurally sound to begin with.

What the technician does

• An inspection that tells you what is actually failing, with photographs.
• Rebuild above the roofline where that is what is needed — the usual answer.
• Full rebuild where the structure has gone, with proper footing and flashing.
• New crown, cap and liner as part of the work rather than as extras later.
• Matching brick and mortar as closely as the existing house allows.
• A straight answer when repointing and a new crown would do instead.

Questions people ask

Above the roofline or the whole thing?

Above the roofline is the common repair, because that is the part exposed on all four sides to rain and freezing. A full rebuild is for a stack that has failed below the roof as well, which is much rarer.

How do I know I am not being oversold?

Ask for photographs and a specific explanation. You should be able to see the failed joints or missing brick and understand what you are looking at, and a second opinion on a rebuild quote is always reasonable.

Can it be done in winter?

Masonry needs temperatures above freezing to cure properly, so cold-region rebuilds are usually scheduled for warmer months. A temporary cover can protect the stack until then.