There are several common signs that indicate a chimney needs professional chimney repair, many of which are visible to the homeowner. These often point to an underlying issue, typically water damage.
Outside the home: Visible indicators include flaking or crumbling bricks (spalling), white stains on the exterior bricks (efflorescence), or a cracked chimney crown.
Inside the home: A chimney in need of repair may cause smoke to enter the living space, and potentially have flakes or shards of tile in the fireplace, which indicates a deteriorating flue liner. While these signs can be identified through a simple visual check, only a professional inspection can accurately determine the full extent of the damage and its root cause.
A leaky chimney is a clear symptom of one or more underlying structural failures. A chimney’s cap, crown, flashing, and mortar act as a series of protective barriers, keeping water from entering the structure. When an intrusion occurs, it signals failure by one of these barriers, and it can cause a variety of cascading damage including mold, masonry decay and structural weakening.
Water is masonry’s greatest enemy, causing freeze-thaw damage, mortar deterioration, and structural compromise. Install a properly sized chimney cap with screening to keep out rain and animals. Ensure flashing around the chimney base creates a watertight seal with your roof. Apply breathable masonry water repellent every 5-10 years, but avoid sealers that trap moisture inside. Maintain proper drainage around your home’s foundation and address any signs of water intrusion immediately. You can reach out to a professional masonry contractor to make sure.
The most frequent masonry issues homeowners in Minnesota encounter include cracked chimney crowns, deteriorated mortar joints, water infiltration, damaged chimney liners, brick spalling, white staining, and dangerous creosote accumulation.
Yes, we specialize in fireplace repair. We can fix cracked or damaged firebrick, perform tuck-pointing on the mortar inside the fireplace, and replace or reline cracked chimney flues. A proper repair ensures your fireplace is both beautiful and safe to use.
A fireplace is the part of the system inside your home, including the firebox where you build the fire. Chimneys are the structure extending from the fireplace through the roof to vent the smoke and gases. We offer services for both, from repairing the firebox to rebuilding the chimney stack.
Chimney tuckpointing involves carefully removing weathered or damaged mortar from between masonry units and replacing it with fresh mortar that matches the original in strength and appearance. This critical maintenance procedure restores structural integrity, prevents water penetration, and maintains the aesthetic appeal of your masonry. Tuckpointing becomes necessary when mortar joints show signs of cracking, crumbling, or erosion—typically every 25-30 years in most climates.
A chimney liner is a protective barrier inside your flue that keeps heat and dangerous gases from reaching the wood and masonry of your home. It channels smoke and fumes like carbon monoxide safely out of the house while improving the efficiency of your fireplace or heating appliance.
There are a few key signs to look for. You might see small pieces of clay tile or masonry flakes in your fireplace, which means the liner is breaking apart. Other signs include smoke coming back into your home, rust or corrosion if you have a metal liner, or a white, chalky residue on the outside of the chimney, which points to a moisture problem. The only way to be certain is with a professional inspection that uses a special camera to check the inside of the flue.
No. A cracked or broken liner can allow hot embers to escape and start a house fire, and it can let carbon monoxide leak into your living space instead of venting outside. We strongly recommend having your liner inspected before using your fireplace if you have any reason to suspect damage.
There are three main types. Clay tile liners are common in older homes — durable when maintained but prone to cracking. Cast-in-place liners use a cement-like material poured directly into the flue, ideal for structurally compromised chimneys. Metal liners — typically stainless steel — are the most common for new installations, available in rigid or flexible configurations, and often come with a lifetime warranty.
Yes. Potential buyers and home inspectors pay close attention to chimney condition. A properly installed, long-lasting stainless steel liner is a strong selling point that gives buyers confidence and can positively impact your home's resale value.
A chimney crown is the concrete or stone slab that sits on top of the chimney. Its job is to seal the top of the chimney and slope away from the flue to push water off and protect the masonry below. Chimney caps are covers sitting on top of the flue opening itself. It’s usually made of metal and has mesh sides to keep rain, debris, birds, and other animals from getting into the chimney.
The extent of damage determines the appropriate solution. Surface-level issues like minor cracks, loose mortar, or isolated brick damage can usually be repaired cost-effectively. However, structural problems such as significant foundation settling, widespread spalling, severely compromised mortar throughout the structure, or major water damage may require partial or complete reconstruction. A qualified mason can assess the damage and recommend the most economical long-term solution.
Professional-quality masonry repairs using appropriate materials can last 20-50 years or more, with many factors affecting longevity. Climate conditions, frequency of use, maintenance quality, and material selection all play crucial roles. For example, stainless steel chimney liners often carry 15-25 year warranties, while properly executed tuckpointing can last several decades. Regular annual inspections and prompt attention to minor issues significantly extend repair lifespan and prevent costly emergency situations.
We offer a wide range of masonry services for both homes and businesses. These include:
Yes, matching the existing materials is a crucial part of our work. Whether we are doing a small repair or a larger project, it’s essential to find new bricks or stone that match the color and texture of the original masonry. This ensures the repair looks seamless and does not stand out, preserving the appearance and value of your home or business.
The time it takes depends on the type of repair. A minor repair, like tuck-pointing a small section, can take only a few hours. More complex jobs, such as a partial or full rebuild, can take several days or even weeks to complete. The key here is that the work is done carefully and correctly to ensure the chimney is safe and lasts for a long time.
Tuckpointing is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your chimney investment. If you're seeing signs of mortar deterioration, don't wait — contact Klinefelter Co. Masonry for a free estimate and we'll assess what your chimney actually needs.
Contact us to get started on your chimney repair project.