Old mortar joints ground out and refilled with matched mortar, so water stays out of the chimney and the brick looks crisp again.
The mortar between the bricks is the part of the chimney that was meant to wear first. It takes the weather so the bricks do not have to. After decades of sun, rain and freezing nights, joints crack, recede and crumble, and water begins to slip behind the face of the brick. Tuckpointing replaces that mortar before the damage spreads into the bricks themselves.
We grind out the old joints to a clean, even depth, blow out the dust, dampen the brick and pack in new mortar in thin layers. Then we tool each joint to match the original profile. Done properly, the chimney looks freshly laid and sheds water the way it should for many years.
We cut joints to a consistent depth without chipping brick edges. Too shallow leaves weak mortar behind and too deep can harm the wall.
The new mortar should be softer than the brick it surrounds and match its color. We test samples before the job so you can approve the look.
Mortar goes in thin lifts so it bonds fully and does not shrink away from the sides. Rushing this step is the usual reason repairs fail.
Concave, flush and struck joints each have a look. We copy the original profile so the chimney keeps its character.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterNo chipped edges.
Samples first.
Full, tight joints.
A strong bond.
Looks like new.
No smears left behind.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Project situationOlder and Historic HomesOlder chimneys have soft brick, old mortar and no liner. They need a gentler approach and the right…Learn more 
Material guideBrick and MortarBrick and mortar are the classic chimney materials. Here is how they work, wear and are repaired.Learn more 
Project situationLeaks and Water DamageWater finds every weakness in a chimney. Here is where leaks come from and how they are stopped.Learn more Pick what you see or smell to learn what it may mean and how urgent it is.
You tell us about the chimney, fireplace or stove and what you have noticed, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We look closely at the chimney, inside and out, ask how you use it and take photos of anything of note.
We explain what is urgent, what can wait and what is optional, and give you a written scope and options.
We lay drop cloths, seal the firebox and protect the roof and landscaping before any work begins.
We sweep, repair or install with the right tools and materials, checking our work as we go.
We clean up, show you what we did, share tips and set a reminder for your next visit.
Crumbling, sandy mortar, gaps beside the brick and joints that look recessed are the signs. A key pushed into the joint sinks in easily when it is soft.
Grinding makes dust. We use shrouded tools and a vacuum, and we protect the roof and landscaping.
The words are used loosely. Both mean replacing old joints with new mortar.
It can look lighter until it cures. Our matching and curing time bring it in line.
Yes. We can start with the areas that leak and plan the rest for later.
Brick and Stone Chimney RepairCracked, spalling and loose bricks and stones replaced and reset with matched materials, so the chimney looks original…Explore 
Chimney Waterproofing and SealingA breathable water repellent applied after repairs lets the masonry shed rain without trapping moisture inside.Explore 
Chimney RebuildingLeaning, crumbling or failing chimney tops taken down course by course and rebuilt with new brick, a proper…Explore 
Chimney Crown RepairCracked or crumbling crowns repaired or rebuilt with a sloped, overhanging top that sheds water away from the…Explore Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
