Chimneys are exposed on every side, so they are often the first masonry on a house to show wear. Crumbling mortar, loose or spalling brick and a cracked crown are the usual warning signs, and fixing them early keeps water out of the house.
Why chimneys take a beating
A chimney sits above the roof, exposed to wind-driven rain, snow and sun from all directions. On Long Island, especially near the water, that exposure plus freeze-thaw cycles works into every joint. Water that gets into the masonry freezes, expands and breaks it apart from the inside.
Mortar deterioration
Mortar is designed to be the weaker part of the wall, so it wears before the brick. Joints that are recessed, sandy, cracked or missing let water in. Left alone, failing mortar leads to loose bricks and eventually sections that need rebuilding.
Repointing and tuckpointing
Repointing means grinding out damaged mortar and packing in fresh mortar. Tuckpointing is a related technique that uses a contrasting mortar line to create crisp-looking joints. Both restore the chimney's weather resistance when the mortar matches the existing brick. Our guide on when to repoint brick covers the signs.
Brick replacement and rebuilding
Bricks that are cracked or spalling (flaking off at the face) can be cut out and replaced. When damage runs through much of the chimney above the roofline, rebuilding that section and adding a new crown is often the better long-term repair.
See our masonry repairs service for the repair work Forte handles.
Indoor and outdoor fireplaces
Fireplace surrounds can develop cracked brick, loose stone or failing joints. Indoor surrounds can be refaced in brick or stone. Outdoor fireplaces face the same weather as chimneys and need the same attention. New outdoor fireplaces are covered in our outdoor fireplaces and kitchens guide and our brick and block masonry service.
Maintenance tips
Look at your chimney from the ground each spring for missing mortar, white staining, loose brick or a cracked crown. Inside, watch for water stains near the chimney. Catching problems early usually means a smaller repair.
Talk to Andrew about your project
If you are planning chimney or fireplace masonry repair anywhere in Suffolk or Nassau County, call Andrew at (631) 974-5285 or email fortebrickandconcrete@hotmail.com. Forte Brick and Concrete is family owned, every job is handled start to finish, and Andrew is on every job. Ask about the Senior Citizen Discount, or request a free quote online.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between repointing and tuckpointing?
Repointing replaces damaged mortar. Tuckpointing is a finishing technique that adds a contrasting line to give joints a crisp look.
What is spalling brick?
Spalling is when the face of a brick flakes or pops off, usually because water got in and froze.
Can a leaning chimney be repaired?
A chimney that has moved typically needs the affected section rebuilt. It should be looked at in person.
Do you repair outdoor fireplaces?
Yes, outdoor fireplace masonry repair is part of Forte's masonry repair work.