Chimney Repair & Masonry

Water is the number-one enemy of a masonry chimney. Here is how breathable waterproofing protects it — and when it is worth doing.

Birds, squirrels, and raccoons love an uncapped chimney. Here is how to handle a nest safely — and keep animals out for good with a cap.

Most chimneys are lined with clay tile or stainless steel. Here is how they age differently and what it means for your inspection and any reline.

The liner keeps heat and gases inside your chimney and out of your home. Here is how to know when a cracked or corroded liner means it is time to reline.

Tuckpointing restores the mortar joints between your chimney bricks — and since failing mortar lets water in, it is one of the most important chimney repairs.

The chimney crown sheds rain away from the masonry. When it cracks, water pours in. Here is how to spot crown damage early and what the fix involves.

A leaking chimney almost always traces to a cracked crown, a missing cap, failed flashing, or porous masonry. Here is how to stop the leak for good.

A chimney cap is one of the cheapest, highest-value parts of your chimney — it keeps out water, animals, and embers and prevents costly repairs.