Riverside's curving, tree-lined streets were laid out in 1869, and the homes along them carry some of the oldest masonry chimneys in the western suburbs. That age is part of the village's character, but it also means brick and mortar that have absorbed water through more than a century of winters. Freeze-thaw damage is the quiet enemy of these chimneys, and it is preventable.
How freeze-thaw takes a chimney apart
Brick and lime mortar are porous. Rain soaks in, then freezes and expands on a cold night, prying the masonry apart by a fraction. Thaw, refreeze, repeat through a Chicago winter and hairline cracks become open joints, brick faces pop off, and the crown splits. The damage is slow and cumulative, which is why a chimney that looked fine five years ago can suddenly need serious work.
Where old Riverside chimneys are most vulnerable
- Soft original lime mortar that has receded from the joints
- A crown poured without an overhang, so water runs straight onto the brick
- Decorative corbeling that traps water on flat ledges
- Flashing that has pulled away from the roofline
- Brick faces already flaking from past winters
Protecting the masonry the right way
The order matters. First, stop water at the source: repair or rebuild the crown with a proper overhang, replace a missing cap, and repoint failed joints with a mortar that matches the original softness so it does not damage the old brick. Only then apply a breathable masonry water repellent that sheds rain while letting trapped moisture escape. Sealing a wet, cracked chimney with the wrong product locks the water in and makes the next winter worse.
Respecting the house while fixing the chimney
On a landmark home, the goal is a chimney that is sound and looks right. Color-matched mortar, brick that matches the original where replacement is unavoidable, and a rebuilt crown that keeps the historic profile are all part of doing this work properly in Riverside.
Homeowners in Riverside can read more about our local work on our Riverside chimney sweep page, or see the full chimney repair and masonry service.
Protect a historic Riverside chimney
Careful work, up-front pricing, seven days a week in La Grange and the western suburbs.
Call (708) 432-5330Frequently asked questions
Is a little cracked mortar on an old chimney urgent?
It is worth addressing before winter. Open joints are where water gets in, and each freeze-thaw cycle widens them. Repointing early is far cheaper than rebuilding later.
Can you match the original mortar on a historic home?
Yes. Using a mortar of similar softness and color protects the old brick and keeps the chimney looking original.
Should I waterproof my chimney before or after repairs?
After. Fix the crown, cap, and joints first, then apply a breathable repellent to sound masonry.
What is the white staining on my chimney?
Efflorescence, salts left behind as water moves through the masonry. It is a sign water is getting in and worth investigating.
Written by Adam Evans, owner of Chimney Sweep Brothers and a chimney technician with 12 years of experience serving La Grange, IL and the western suburbs.
Published: September 14, 2026