Chimney Repair Services
At D. Thomas Masonry, we understand that your chimney is more than just an architectural feature—it’s a critical component of your home’s safety and efficiency. With years of experience in high-quality masonry work, our team is dedicated to restoring and fortifying your chimney so you can enjoy a warm, secure home.
Why Choose D. Thomas Masonry?
- Expert Craftsmanship: Our skilled masons are experienced in handling everything from minor repairs to significant restoration projects.
- Comprehensive Inspection: We begin with a detailed, professional inspection to accurately determine the condition of your chimney and identify any potential issues.
- Custom Solutions: Whether it’s repointing mortar joints, waterproofing, repairing cracks, or even a complete chimney rebuild, we tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
- Safety and Efficiency: Proper chimney repair not only ensures the structural integrity of your home but also optimizes the performance of your heating system, keeping your family safe.
D Thomas Masonry did an amazing job at our cottage. Patched cracks, repointed walls and replaced some stones. Tony was reliable, professional and a joy to work with. Work was started and completed in the timeframe as promised. Exceeded our expectations.
Our Chimney Repair Services
- Inspection and Assessment
Our certified experts perform thorough inspections to diagnose any structural or aesthetic issues—including damage from weather exposure, water leakage, or time-related wear and tear.
- Masonry Repair and Repointing
We carefully restore damaged bricks and repoint mortar joints to reinforce your chimney’s stability and beauty, ensuring a long-lasting repair.
- Waterproofing
Protect your chimney from the damaging effects of moisture with our specialized waterproofing treatments. This preventive measure helps extend the life of your masonry and reduce future repair costs.
- Complete Chimney Rebuild
When damage is extensive, our team is equipped to handle the rebuilding of sections or an entire chimney, so you can have confidence in its safety and workability.
- Chimney Caps & Dampers Repair
Ensure proper ventilation and protect your home from water damage with our repairs and replacements of chimney caps and dampers.
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Our Chimney Repair Process
At D. Thomas Masonry, we take pride in our approach to chimney repair, focusing on durability and longevity that surpasses standard practice. Below is an example process of a previous project:
1: Chimney Crown
In this example, we begin by inspecting a chimney crown with a 2-inch overhang.
2: Bond Break
We discovered a bond break between the brick of the chimney and the concrete of the cap. Brick and concrete expand and contract at different rates; if no bond break is used, a horizontal crack will most likely develop, causing a leak.
To rectify this, we use a quality 50-year silicone to seal the brick to the concrete after the forms are removed.
3: Drip Edge
The drip edge shown here is meant to direct rainwater away from the chimney, preventing water from running down the sides and causing damage.
4: Expansion Gap
We maintain a 1/4-inch expansion gap between the clay flue and the concrete cap. This gap accommodates the different expansion rates of the materials, preventing cracks. We seal this gap with the same durable 50-year silicone for added protection.
5: Solid Masonry Interior
We perform internal chimney repairs using only solid masonry construction. Plywood and concrete boards simply won't cut it!
6: Pour Preparation
We finish preparing the area before pouring the concrete cap.
7: Reinforced Concrete Pour
During the pour, we incorporate wire reinforcement to prevent cracks, resulting in a robust and long-lasting cap.
8: Finishing Touches
Once the concrete cap is poured, we rub out the green concrete to eliminate imperfections (such as holes), achieving a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish. We pay particular attention to the cap, as it is the starting point for most chimney issues.
Additionally, we replace any compromised material below the cap to prevent water penetration, which can freeze as well as crack the brick.
Chimney Repair FAQ
How often should I have my chimney inspected?
It's recommended to have your chimney inspected at least once a year, especially before the start of the heating season. Regular inspections help identify potential issues early, ensuring your chimney remains safe and efficient.
What are some common signs that my chimney needs repair?
Can I use my fireplace while my chimney is being repaired?
How long does a typical chimney repair take?
What is repointing, and why is it important for chimney repair?
How can I prevent chimney damage in the future?
What materials do you use for chimney repairs?
Ready to Restore Your Chimney?
Why let chimney issues turn into major headaches? You can count on D. Thomas Masonry for the best in chimney repair, complete with premium craftsmanship and personalized service. Whether it's a simple fix or a full-scale rebuild, we've got you covered!