Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service Is Your Local Broadway & Raleigh Chimney Masonry Experts
When you’re looking for quality chimney masonry work and professional-looking results in Broadway, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, look no further than Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service. Our team has extensive masonry experience and has been studying the craft and perfecting the techniques for close to two decades.
As chimney experts, we know the special masonry requirements of the chimney system and the importance of a job done right. We’ve seen firsthand how poor masonry installation, repair, and maintenance services can affect the performance, safety, and durability of the entire chimney and fireplace system.
That’s why our expert masons work hard to deliver the best and most professional-looking results possible – every time. If you find yourself in need of chimney masonry repair or restoration services, we’re your team. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-747-1859 today.
What Is a Masonry Chimney?
When you think of a chimney, the traditional masonry chimney is likely what comes to mind.
But what exactly does this look like, from a technical standpoint? It’s typically a structure built from brick or stone and secured with mortar. Masonry chimneys act as pathways that allow exhaust gases (produced by the fireplace) to safely exit a home or building. Chimneys are necessary if you have a home heating appliance such as a wood-burning stove, gas furnace, or oil furnace.
What Is the Lifespan of a Masonry Chimney?
Brick is strong and is meant to endure, but that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. A masonry chimney can last a lifetime, but that’s only if you keep up with regular maintenance.
A good maintenance plan requires annual chimney inspections, yearly sweepings, and taking care of repairs as they come up. A neglected chimney will break down over time due to normal wear and tear. If you don’t tend to it properly, it will cost you more time and money down the line.
What Chimney Masonry Repair & Restoration Services Does Mr. Smokestack Offer?
Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service provides an array of chimney masonry repair and restoration services for our customers. Whether your brick is chipping or you have a more severe issue, like a leaning chimney, we’re confident that we can find a solution for your problem.
We offer the following services:
Masonry Tuckpointing (Also Called Repointing)
Have you noticed cracking and crumbling mortar between the bricks of your chimney or hearth? We can help! Tuckpointing (or repointing) is the process of carefully removing that damaged and deteriorating mortar and replacing it with new, carefully matched and mixed mortar to reinforce and restore the structure. Our experts can evaluate the makeup of your chimney’s existing mortar and make sure that the new mortar matches in both makeup and color so that the results are seamless and strong.
Unfortunately, many repair people pay no attention to the composition of the existing mortar, and make unsightly repairs that actually weaken the entire structure. But with the professionals at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service on the job, you’ll never have to worry about poor or sloppy work. We’re masonry experts and guarantee professional results, every time.
Chimney Restorations
If your chimney system is still functional, but just doesn’t have the beauty and character that it once did, our team of expert masons can help. We’ve spent years studying our craft and have the skills, tools, and knowledge to fully restore your chimney to its former glory. From stain removal to brick and mortar repair, we can get your chimney and fireplace looking great once more.
Need relining services? Ask about getting the job done with FireGuard.
Chimney Rebuilds
Has your chimney system undergone extensive damage? Our team specializes in chimney rebuilds and will work to ensure you’re back to enjoying your fireplace and chimney in no time. Learning that you need a chimney rebuild can be frustrating and have you thinking in dollar signs, but when you work with Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service, you’re guaranteed honest prices, clean and respectful service, and beautiful, long-lasting results.
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After
New Construction
Adding a new chimney and fireplace to your home or business is a big investment that can significantly enhance your life for years to come – are you choosing the best company for the job?
You may not know it, but there’s a lot that goes into the construction of a chimney and fireplace, and hiring someone with an understanding of chimney physics and industry safety information is crucial if you want a finished product that’s beautiful, efficient, and running as safely as possible. Here at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service, we know what it takes to create a chimney and fireplace from the ground up, and can deliver a system that looks great and serves you well into the future.
Demolition
If you’re looking to remove a dangerous or unsightly chimney, Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service can help with that, too. We have the equipment and skills to safely and promptly demolish your chimney – and the best part is that we won’t leave you with a big mess on your property.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Masonry Chimney Damage?
Even well-maintained masonry chimney systems will need repair work on occasion. The first step in combating damage is understanding the most common causes of chimney deterioration and preparing your chimney against those threats. These are some of the most frequent instigators of chimney damage we see:
- Water damage. Water is one of the biggest threats to masonry chimneys. Rain, snow, and ice can cause moisture to seep into the chimney’s brick or stone and cause it to deteriorate. Water will wear down the mortar between bricks, leading to gaps and weakening the chimney’s structure.
- Creosote buildup. Burning firewood in a fireplace or stove produces a highly flammable substance called creosote. This tar-like material accumulates within the chimney system and clings to its interior walls. Creosote can corrode the metal components of the chimney, such as the damper and the flue liner.
- Chimney fires. Most homeowners don’t know they’ve experienced a chimney fire until a chimney technician finds signs of one during an inspection. Chimney fires can cause damage to the chimney system including cracks, warping of the flue liner, and compromised structures near the chimney.
- Neglect. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends yearly chimney inspections and cleanings to keep your fireplace in good condition. Sometimes, those annual check-ups can fall through the cracks. If you skip several inspections, it’s a chance for small problems to grow into big ones that are harder – and more expensive – to fix.
- Missing chimney liner. A flue liner protects your chimney from the effects of extreme heat and the acidic toxins produced by a burning fire. Liners can wear down or become damaged over time. It’s also not uncommon for older homes to have a chimney without a flue liner. In these cases, installing a liner or relining the chimney is a must to ensure the safety of your household.
- Natural disasters. Chimneys are usually the tallest structure on a home, making them more vulnerable to the whims of Mother Nature. A severe storm, hurricane, or lightning strike are just a few examples of naturally occurring events that can damage your chimney.
- Poor construction. Chimneys are structures built by humans, so they’re not free from possible human errors. For example, improperly mixed mortar can be more susceptible to water absorption or a poorly fitting flue liner could allow toxins to weaken the structural integrity of your chimney.
How Do I Know When My Chimney Needs To Be Repaired?
By the time you start to see signs of masonry chimney damage, it could be an indication that your chimney has had problems for a while. However, there are some signs to look for when problems are in the early stages:
- Leaking water or visible stains. Water stains on the walls or ceiling near your chimney or inside the firebox could be an indicator of water damage. Moisture can cause wallpaper and paint to peel and crack.
- There are stains on the exterior chimney. Water damage can lead to the build-up of efflorescence – a white, chalky substance that can appear on the outer surface of masonry chimneys. Green stains are a symptom of vegetation growth which is another consequence of moisture.
- There are cracks along the chimney. Cracks come in all sizes and some aren’t easily visible to an untrained eye. Cracks don’t have to be large or cover a wide surface of the brick to be a problem – water is opportunistic and can seep into the tiniest spaces.
- The mortar is crumbling. Chunks of missing mortar are more than an aesthetic issue, it could be a precursor to structural problems. A chimney with deteriorating mortar isn’t properly reinforced, but we can take care of it with tuckpointing.
- Your chimney is leaning. It’s normal for a chimney to shift over time as your home’s foundation settles. But if there is a sudden change in your chimney’s appearance and its titling more than usual, call Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service right away.
- The brick is spalling. Spalling occurs when the surface of bricks begins to deteriorate and break apart, often resulting in small pieces or flakes of the brick surface coming off.
If you’re not sure if you need your masonry chimney repaired, get in touch with Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service. One of our CSIA-certified chimney professionals can inspect your chimney and give you a clear picture of what needs to be done. Call us at 919-747-1859 or schedule an appointment online.
Why Would I Need a Masonry Fireplace or Chimney Rebuild?
When we can, we try to catch problems early to help our clients save on repair costs. Unfortunately, there are instances when problems have had time to brew and a repair isn’t a viable option. In situations like this, we’ll recommend a chimney rebuild.
These are some circumstances that call for a chimney rebuild:
- Your chimney isn’t stable. If a chimney has notable structural issues, such as leaning, or if it’s at risk of collapsing, it poses a safety hazard to you and your neighbors. It’s crucial to rebuild the chimney to restore its structural integrity.
- There’s too much spalling. Severe spalling, crumbling bricks, or excessive mortar deterioration makes it harder to complete spot repairs. Rebuilding the chimney is often more practical for your time and budget.
- A chimney fire has caused extensive damage. It is possible to repair the damage caused by a chimney fire, but a rebuild is needed if the fire has damaged a large portion of the chimney system or any of its support structures.
- Weather-related damage. Natural disasters, like earthquakes or severe storms, can damage chimneys beyond basic repair, meaning a more intense intervention will be necessary.
- The chimney isn’t up to code. When undergoing home renovations or upgrading your heating system, you may find that you need to bring your chimney up to current building codes and standards. This may involve rebuilding or modifying the existing chimney to comply with local regulations.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Masonry Chimney?
This is the question we get the most – and while we wish we could quote you an estimate without a chimney inspection, it wouldn’t be fair for us to do so.
We offer a wide range of masonry repair services that we tailor to your needs. You may have brick damage that calls for tuckpointing which is more budget-friendly than a rebuild, but even tuckpointing costs themselves will vary depending on how much of your chimney is affected. That’s why we don’t like to give out any estimates until we have a full grasp on your needs.
The easiest way to keep your costs at a minimum is to schedule annual chimney inspections and cleanings. The sooner we can diagnose and resolve issues in your chimney system, the better it’ll be for your bottom line.
Are Chimney Repairs Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies only cover repairs in the event of a sudden occurrence, such as a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, or collision. In fact, your insurance company will usually require proof of regular maintenance before they pay claims, even for these kinds of issues.
This means that if the damage is triggered by neglect (like a chimney fire that occurred because you didn’t schedule your sweeping), then it probably won’t be covered.
If you have a chimney repair that you’re not sure is covered by your homeowner’s insurance, we encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider.
Can I Do Chimney Masonry Repair as a DIY Project?
There is something soothing about taking on a hands-on project and doing the dirty work on your own, but that doesn’t mean you should. The ability to perform masonry chimney repairs requires a combination of expertise, skill, experience, and proper equipment that can only be found with a certified chimney technician.
Chimneys are complex systems and attempting to complete repairs without the oversight of a qualified professional could be putting your home in danger and it could end up in expensive repairs that were preventable.
Don’t risk your safety to cut corners. Trust Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service to get the job done right the first time.
Do I need permits for chimney repair or restoration?
You might need a permit or an inspection by a city representative depending on your local ordinances. This is another reason to hire a professional chimney service. We have experience dealing with town officials and understand the requirements needed to meet local building codes. We’ll navigate the red tape, so you don’t have to.
Why Should I Trust Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service?
Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service has provided exceptional masonry chimney repair services to residents in and around Raleigh and Broadway for almost two decades. Founded in 2006, we’ve served clients in Wake County, Orange County, Lee County, Chatham County, Moore County, Harnett County, and Johnston County. We’re fully licensed and insured, our chimney technicians are CSIA-certified, and we are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). You can trust that our team is ready to handle anything.
We’re Here to Help with Your Masonry Chimney Needs
Are you looking for a local, trusted chimney company to repair your masonry chimney? Look no further. The crew at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service is here for you.
Does your chimney need tuckpointing? Do you need a complete rebuild? Are some chimney crown repairs in order? We can do it all. Reach out to our customer service team by calling 919-747-1859 or schedule with us online. We can’t wait to get started!
If you need a gas fireplace service or repair, you’re in luck with our expert chimney and vent services. Give us a call now to get scheduled.