Can a Chimney Be Rebuilt?

Winter is slowly approaching, and the temperatures have dropped which means it’s a great time to sit around the fireplace. However, if you have a chimney with damage, this is an issue. Many house fires start on the second floor, due to the chimney, so having one that is safe and sturdy is of the utmost importance if you want to use that fireplace this winter. 

In some cases, it’s much more cost-effective to replace the entire chimney, but not in all cases. Of course, there is no way to know without actually taking a look at your chimney, but if the damage is minor and an expert agrees, there’s no reason why you can’t rebuild instead of replace. 

Regular Chimney Rebuilds are Necessary

Like every area of your home, chimneys require continual maintenance, and not just on the inside. While it’s smart to have your chimney cleaned and swept at least once a year, it’s essential to have masonry professionals come out annually to check on the brickwork of your chimney. 

Depending on what type of damage your chimney is suffering will dictate the type of rebuild it will require. 

Partial Rebuild

When masonry workers do a partial rebuild, they remove the damaged part of the chimney and replace it with new materials. This could be anything from the roofline, the firebox, the crown, or the surrounding brick. 

Total Rebuild

A total rebuild is a full replacement. But, as we’ve mentioned, damaged chimneys are dangerous to you and the other people who live in your home. If the damage is just too severe, the whole chimney will be torn down and rebuilt from the ground up. Severe damage includes leaning, missing or damaged bricks, or issues with the chimney’s foundation. 

Tuckpointing

When the chimney damage includes simple cracks and gaps in the masonry, the expert will fill them in. This process is common and should be done as soon as cracks or gaps are discovered to avoid having to rebuild the entire chimney later. 

Repointing

When the mortar joints are damaged, the masonry expert your chimney needs repointing. Mortar joints refer to the spaces between the bricks in your chimney. They are an essential part of the structure and give the chimney structural integrity, weather resistance, and an appealing look. 

Roofline-up Rebuild

This rebuild is when everything around the interior structure of your chimney is replaced, but the flue and other interior materials stay intact. While this sounds a bit like a replacement, it isn’t the same because, with that, the interior parts of the chimney are replaced as well. 

Do You Need a Chimney Rebuild Near Frankfort, IL?

If you need a chimney rebuild in the Dyer, Saint John, Frankfort, or Orland Park area, contact Custom Brick & Stone today. With over 20 years of experience in chimney rebuilds, we are dedicated to preserving your home with exceptional masonry work.