Chimney Repair from Local Masons
Chimneys in Erie County take a beating: lake-effect snow, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and decades of exposure leave caps cracked and mortar joints open to water. D. Thomas Masonry specializes in the materials and techniques that keep a chimney structurally sound for the long haul.
Whether you’re dealing with a leaking cap, deteriorating mortar, or a chimney that needs to be rebuilt entirely, our crew has the experience to do it right. We’ve built our reputation on chimney repair done the way it should be done - proper reinforced caps, real counter flashing, and solid masonry from top to bottom.
Our Chimney Repair Services
Inspection
Our experts perform thorough chimney inspections to diagnose structural and aesthetic issues, including damage from weather exposure, water infiltration, and time-related wear. We’ll photograph the areas that need attention and send you a detailed estimate.
Chimney Rebuild
When damage is too extensive for repair, our team handles full or partial chimney rebuilds. We’ll assess the structure, recommend the right scope of work, and rebuild with the same attention to detail we bring to every job.
Masonry Repair
We carefully restore damaged bricks and repoint deteriorating mortar joints to reinforce your chimney’s structural integrity. All internal repairs use solid masonry only!
Chimney Caps/Crowns
A cracked or improperly installed cap is one of the most common causes of chimney leaks in our area. Our masons pour new, reinforced concrete caps with an overhang and drip edge. We’ll also seal the gap between the clay flue and the concrete cap to allow for expansion and prevent cracking.
Flashing Repair
Tar-based flashing is a temporary patch, not a permanent fix. D. Thomas installs proper counter flashing - a single piece of metal cut into the chimney, sealed with silicone, with overlaps at every seam. It’s the difference between a fix that lasts a season and one that lasts decades.
Waterproofing
Protect your chimney from moisture damage with specialized waterproofing treatments. This preventive measure extends the life of your masonry and helps you avoid costly repairs down the road - especially important in a region where freeze-thaw cycles can turn small cracks into big problems fast.
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 within the timeframe as promised. Exceeded our expectations.
Why Erie Homeowners Trust D. Thomas Masonry
- We Do It Right the First Time: From reinforced-concrete caps to counter flashing, we use the right materials and techniques. No shortcuts. No temporary fixes. No coming back next year to redo someone else’s work.
- We Protect Your Property: We go to great lengths to protect your home during every chimney repair, utilizing plywood on driveways, drop cloths for roofs, and coverings over outdoor equipment.
- We Use Solid Masonry: Every internal repair uses real masonry materials. Plywood and concrete board don’t belong in a chimney, and you won’t find them in any of ours.
- Clear Communication From Start to Finish: You’ll receive a detailed estimate by email before any work begins, a phone call 24-48 hours before we arrive, and a complete cleanup when the job is done. No surprises, no guesswork.
Get a Free Estimate
What to Expect When You Work With Us
We want you to know exactly what’s happening at every stage. Here’s how a typical chimney repair project works from the first call to the finished job:
| 1) Consultation | Give us a call or fill out our contact form. We’ll discuss your chimney concerns, then schedule a time to come take a look. |
| 2) Site Evaluation | We’ll meet you at the property, assess the chimney in person, and photograph all areas that need attention. |
| 3) Estimate | You’ll receive an estimate by email that outlines the necessary repairs and costs. No vague quotes, no hidden fees. |
| 4) Scheduling | Once you accept the proposal, we schedule the job and order all necessary materials so everything is ready. |
| 5) Job Notification | We’ll call you 24–48 hours before we arrive so you know exactly when to expect us. |
| 6) Repairs | Our crew scaffolds the chimney safely, completes all masonry or cap work, and addresses flashing issues. |
| 7) Cleanup | Scaffolding is dismantled, and all construction debris is removed. |
How We Protect Your Property
More than just the chimney, we strive to protect your roof, driveway, landscaping, and everything around the work zone.
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Driveways/Hard Surfaces |
Roof |
Landscaping/Grass |
HVAC/Outdoor Equipment |
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We lay down plywood and plastic sheeting to keep your surface clean and undamaged.
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Drop cloths and 24" × 24" plywood pads are placed beneath our planks to protect your roofing material.
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Plywood is placed over grassy areas to prevent damage from foot traffic, equipment, or materials.
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A/C units and other equipment near the chimney are covered to protect them from any accidental falling debris.
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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 Inspection
We start by inspecting the chimney crown, which features an overhang to shed water away from the structure.
2: Bond Break
Brick and concrete expand at different rates - without a bond break, horizontal cracks and leaks are nearly inevitable.
3. Drip Edge
The drip edge directs rainwater away from the chimney, keeping it from running down the sides and causing damage.
4: Expansion Gap
A 1/4-inch gap between the clay flue and concrete cap absorbs movement between materials, preventing cracks. We seal it with 50-year silicone.
5: Solid Masonry Interior
Internal repairs use solid masonry only. Plywood and concrete board don't belong in a chimney.
6: Pour Preparation
We clean and level the surface and set the forms before the concrete cap goes in.
7: Reinforced Concrete Pour
Wire reinforcement goes in during the pour, producing a cap that resists cracking for the long haul.
8: Finishing Touches
We rub out the green concrete to eliminate holes and imperfections for a clean finish. Any compromised material below the cap gets replaced.
Chimney Repairs: Before and After
Every chimney has a story. Here are a few examples of problems we’ve diagnosed.
Leaking Chimney with Cracked Cap and Efflorescence
The Problem: This chimney had a cracked cap that was allowing water to penetrate the structure. The white powdery residue visible on the brick is called efflorescence, a telltale sign of ongoing water infiltration. When water passes through masonry, it carries mineral salts to the surface, leaving that white deposit behind. If you see it on your chimney, water is getting in somewhere.
Our Fix: We removed the failing cap and poured a new 4-inch reinforced concrete cap with a 2- inch overhang and drip edge. The drip edge directs rainwater away from the chimney walls rather than letting it run straight down the brick. We also installed proper counter flashing: a single piece of metal cut into the chimney, sealed with 50-year silicone and1-inch overlaps at every seam.
Improper Cap Replacement
The Problem: This chimney was leaking due to an improperly installed cap that wasn’t shedding water away from the structure.
Our Fix: A new 4-inch-thick reinforced concrete cap with a 2-inch overhang and drip edge solved the problem completely.
Chimney Repair FAQ
How often should I have my chimney inspected?
At least once a year, especially before the heating season. In the Erie area, our freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on masonry, so annual inspections help catch small issues before they become expensive repairs.
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!
