Chimney Repair & Repointing in Massachusetts

A chimney takes more weather than any other masonry on a New England house. It stands exposed on all four sides, sheds water from the roofline, and goes through every freeze-thaw cycle of the winter with no shelter at all. Joints open, the crown cracks, water finds the path in, and the damage moves downward out of sight. Using incompatible mortar is the leading cause of premature failure in New England chimneys. Modern high-cement mortar is harder than older brick, so instead of the joint absorbing movement, the brick face does, and it spalls. We analyze the existing mortar for composition, color, sand size and hardness and build a custom-tailored mix, lime-based where the structure calls for it, so the repair is structurally compatible and breathable. We also repair and rebuild crowns, which is where most water intrusion actually starts.