Chimney masonry repair for homes in Stoneybrook Hills

How deep old mortar has to come out

Deteriorated mortar should be removed, per Technical Note 46, to a uniform depth of no less than twice the joint width, which usually works out to about three quarters of an inch, or until sound mortar is reached.

Shallow work is the usual reason a repointed joint pops out again. New mortar laid over a skim of old material has little to grip. We cut to the depth the guidance calls for, clean the joint and only then start filling it.

Rust on steel supports in the masonry

Accumulated rust on steel lintels or shelf angles is one of the conditions brick industry guidance lists as possibly structural. Rusting steel expands and can crack the masonry around it.

Where a chimney has steel supporting masonry, such as over an opening or at a change in width, we check it for rust and cracking. When the steel itself is failing, we say so plainly and explain whether an engineer's evaluation should come before the masonry repair. Replacing or treating that steel is a separate decision from the masonry around it, and the estimate keeps the two apart.

What a masonry estimate should list

Our written masonry estimates list the parts of the job that decide price and result, so you can compare them fairly with any other proposal.

• The repair area, marked from sound to sound masonry
• The mortar type and how it matches the existing joints
• Replacement brick, if any, and the expected match
• Removal of old patches, sealant and loose material
• Access, roof protection and cleanup
• Separate lines for crown, flashing or other work

Combining masonry findings into one visit

Masonry repairs on the same chimney are usually cheaper and neater done together than in separate trips, since access, roof protection and setup happen once.

Where it makes sense, we combine findings into one scope and one visit, and tell you which items could be split off if you prefer. Items that have to happen in order, such as a repair that must cure before the next stage, are scheduled accordingly. Combining also means one set of roof protection and one cleanup, which keeps disruption at your home to a single visit where possible.