Stone veneer chimney repair by local pros in McDonald

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.

How deep to rake out stone joints

The National Park Service's Preservation Brief 2 sets the raking depth at 2 to 2 and a half times the joint width as a minimum, so new mortar bonds and stays put. For stone masonry with wide joints, that can mean several inches.

Loose or crumbling mortar beyond that depth also comes out. The brief shows new mortar falling out of a joint that was not prepared deeply enough. We rake to a sound depth and show you the prepared joints before filling.

• At least 2 to 2 and a half times the joint width
• Deeper where mortar is loose
• Square back so new mortar locks in

Stone faces that flake or spall

Spalling is when the outer face of a stone flakes or pops off. Moisture moving through the stone is usually involved, especially where hard mortar or a non-breathable coating keeps it from leaving through the joints.

Lightly spalled stones can stay if the cause is fixed. Badly damaged ones are replaced. Either way, the joints around them are repointed with a compatible mortar, and any coating that is trapping moisture is discussed before anything else is done.

What the free stone chimney inspection covers

The free inspection covers the stone type and construction, loose and hollow stones, the joints and earlier repairs, the cap and drip edge, the roof flashing, the base, clearance and drainage on veneer and the runoff around the chimney.

You receive written findings and a written estimate, both at no cost. There is no obligation to book, and the estimate stays valid long enough for you to think it over.

Upfront pricing on stone chimney repair

Stone repair can sound open-ended, since you cannot always see how deep the damage goes. Our pricing is upfront. After the free inspection, every part of the job has its own price on the written estimate before any work starts.

No hidden fees are added later. If opening an area reveals something new, we stop, show you and give you the choice. The price you approve is the price of the work described.