Stone chimney repair specialists for Dover Manor homes

Two layers of barrier behind the lath

Behind the lath, the barrier matters most. The instructions we follow call for the water-resistive barrier to be installed as two separate layers, lapped shingle fashion so water runs down and out instead of in. The layers wrap continuously around inside and outside corners.

Where veneer has been removed for repair, we look at the barrier closely. Torn, missing or reverse-lapped barrier is replaced before new lath goes up. It is hidden work, and it is the work that keeps the framing behind a stone chase dry.

Finding hollow stones by tapping

A stone with voids behind it sounds different when tapped. On a veneer chimney, we tap every stone within reach and mark the ones that sound hollow or move.

One hollow stone in a sound wall may just be reset. A cluster of hollow stones points to a wider bond problem in the setting bed or scratch coat, and the plan changes accordingly. The findings show where the hollow areas are, so you can see why a repair covers the area it does.

Cleaning manufactured stone the gentle way

Dirt on cast stone needs a light touch. The instructions we follow say it can be removed with granulated soap or detergent in water and a bristle brush, rinsed right away with fresh water. They rule out wire brushes, acid or acid-containing products, power washing and sandblasting.

Those methods can strip the colored surface of cast stone and leave marks that do not come out. We clean with the gentle method first and never reach for pressure or acid on manufactured stone.

• Detergent, water and a bristle brush
• Rinse right away with fresh water
• No wire brush, acid, pressure or blasting

Reaching the upper stones safely

Upper stones, the cap and the roof flashing are reached from the roof or from staging. The roof pitch, the roofing material and the chimney height decide which.

We plan access during the free inspection and protect the roofing around the chimney with pads and tarps. Tools and stones stay off the shingles. The access plan is written into the estimate, so you know what to expect on the day.

Association reviews and exterior changes

Some homeowner associations review changes to how a home looks from outside. A repair that matches the existing stone usually changes nothing, while re-cladding a chase in a new stone or color may need approval first.

If your home belongs to an association like that, we can provide the product names, colors and a description of the work for its review. Sorting that out before the job avoids delays once work has started.