From the ornate chimneys of Chestnut Hill stone mansions to the simple brick stacks on Fishtown twins, we address every failure point: cracked crowns, spalling brick, deteriorated flashings, and unstable liners.
Philadelphia's weather is particularly brutal on chimneys. Winter ice dams force water into cracks, while summer thunderstorms drive rain sideways into uncovered flues. We rebuild using steel reinforcements where needed and install code-compliant caps to prevent animal intrusions—a frequent issue near Fairmount Park.
For historic properties, we salvage and clean original bricks whenever possible. Modern replacements (when necessary) are kiln-matched to blend seamlessly. Most chimney projects take 3-7 days depending on masonry height and accessibility.
Philadelphia's weather is particularly brutal on chimneys. Winter ice dams force water into cracks, while summer thunderstorms drive rain sideways into uncovered flues. We rebuild using steel reinforcements where needed and install code-compliant caps to prevent animal intrusions—a frequent issue near Fairmount Park.
For historic properties, we salvage and clean original bricks whenever possible. Modern replacements (when necessary) are kiln-matched to blend seamlessly. Most chimney projects take 3-7 days depending on masonry height and accessibility.
Our Process
- 01 Step 1: Scaffold setup with protective sheeting to contain debris
- 02 Step 2: Remove compromised brick and assess underlying structure
- 03 Step 3: Rebuild with new flashing integration and seismic ties
- 04 Step 4: Apply penetrating sealant to slow future water damage
Benefits
- Eliminates fire hazards from cracked flue tiles
- Prevents attic leaks that stain ceilings
- Stops mortar bees from nesting in soft joints
- Maintains proper draft for fireplaces and furnaces
Frequently Asked Questions
My chimney leans—is that dangerous?
Any tilt over 5° needs immediate attention. We use plumb bobs and laser levels to assess stability, then reinforce with helical anchors if repointing alone won't suffice.
Do you work on terra cotta flue liners?
Yes—we partner with specialty masons who reline damaged flues using refractory mortar. This is common in West Philly's early 1900s homes.