Chimney Repair, Repointing and Leak Services in Southeastern Massachusetts

Water appearing near a chimney does not always come from the same component.

Possible entry points include:

• Failed or missing step flashing
• Loose or deteriorated counterflashing
• Cracked crown material
• Missing, damaged or incorrectly sized caps
• Open mortar joints
• Cracked or spalled bricks
• Porous exterior masonry
• Damaged shingles or roofing beside the chimney
• Failed roof-to-wall or siding transitions
• Water collecting behind a wide chimney
• Condensation or interior flue conditions
• An unrelated roof or interior source

The location of an indoor stain may not identify the actual entry point. Water can travel along roof decking, framing, masonry or flashing before it becomes visible.

FC Home Improvement evaluates accessible exterior conditions and explains whether the likely source appears to involve the chimney masonry, flashing, roofing or another nearby component.

The answer depends on how much of the exposed chimney is damaged and whether the remaining masonry is stable enough to retain.

A targeted repair may be appropriate when:

• Damage is limited to a small number of bricks or joints
• Most of the exposed masonry remains stable
• Deterioration is concentrated near the crown or roofline
• Flashing or another roof transition is the main source of water entry
• The crown or cap can be corrected without rebuilding the stack
• Previous damage has not affected a broad section of masonry

A partial rebuild may be more practical when:

Numerous bricks are loose, cracked or spalling

• Mortar joints have failed across a large exposed area
• The chimney above the roofline is leaning or visibly unstable
• Repeated patch repairs have failed
• Crown or upper-stack deterioration is extensive
• The remaining masonry cannot support a durable localized repair

FC Home Improvement focuses on eligible exterior repairs and partial rebuilding. Conditions involving major structural movement, interior flues or full-height reconstruction may require additional specialists.

Chimney flashing is designed to direct roof water around the chimney and back onto the roofing surface.

Depending on the roof and existing construction, the system may include:

• Step flashing integrated with roofing courses
• Counterflashing secured into suitable masonry joints
• Apron flashing on the lower side
• Back-pan flashing or a cricket behind the chimney
• Sealant at limited approved joints
• Roofing underlayment and surrounding shingles

Applying surface caulk over failed flashing may temporarily change the leak, but it does not necessarily correct damaged, missing or improperly integrated metalwork.

When flashing is confirmed as the source, the repair scope should account for the surrounding roofing, mortar joints, chimney width, roof slope and water flow.

Exterior chimney masonry is exposed to rain, snow, wind and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Common warning signs include:

• Cracked or missing mortar
• Deep or eroded mortar joints
• Loose bricks
• Flaking or spalling brick faces
• White mineral deposits
• Gaps around flashing
• Cracks near the crown
• Moss or persistent moisture staining
• Pieces of mortar or brick found on the roof or ground
• Previous patching separating from the masonry

Repointing is not simply coating mortar over the face of an existing joint. Eligible deteriorated mortar is removed to an appropriate depth before compatible replacement mortar is installed and tooled.

The replacement mortar should be suitable for the existing masonry. Mortar that is significantly harder than older brick can contribute to additional brick damage.

Chimney Caps

An appropriately selected cap can help reduce direct rain, debris and animal entry into eligible flue openings. The proper cap depends on the chimney, flue, appliance and existing venting components.

Chimney Crowns

The crown is the top masonry or concrete surface around the flue. It should direct water away from the chimney rather than allowing it to collect near the flue or masonry edges.

Cracked or deteriorated crowns may require repair or rebuilding depending on their condition.

Chimney Crickets

A cricket is a raised roof structure installed behind certain chimneys to divide water and snow around the stack.

A cricket may be appropriate when the chimney width, roof slope and drainage pattern cause water to concentrate behind the masonry.

Masonry Water Repellent

A breathable masonry water repellent may help reduce water absorption in suitable exterior brick and mortar.

It should not be used to hide failed joints, cracked crowns, damaged bricks or incorrect flashing. Necessary repairs should be completed before an appropriate treatment is considered.

FC Home Improvement’s chimney work is focused primarily on exterior masonry, flashing, caps, crowns, crickets and roof-related transitions.

Unless specifically confirmed in writing, the service should not be assumed to include:

• Chimney sweeping or soot removal
• Fireplace cleaning
• Flue-liner replacement
• Combustion testing
• Draft or appliance-venting certification
• Boiler or furnace service
• Interior smoke-chamber repair
• Structural engineering
• Full chimney demolition
• Indoor air-quality testing
• Mold remediation

When an exterior evaluation indicates that the problem may involve a flue, heating appliance, fireplace system or major structural condition, an appropriate chimney, HVAC, masonry or engineering specialist may be recommended.

1. Describe the problem

Provide the property address, building type and visible symptoms.

Helpful details include interior stains, loose bricks, missing caps, deteriorated mortar, roof leaks or previous repairs.

2. Evaluate accessible conditions

FC Home Improvement examines accessible exterior masonry, flashing, crown, cap, surrounding roofing and related transitions.

3. Identify the likely source

We explain whether the visible problem appears related to flashing, masonry, the crown, cap, roofing or another exterior component.

4. Receive a written proposal

The proposal should identify the planned work, included materials, known limitations and important exclusions.

Applicable warranty information should be stated in the written proposal.

5. Complete the approved work

The crew performs the approved repair, repointing, cap, crown, flashing or partial-rebuild work.

Previously concealed or additional damage should be explained before work outside the original scope proceeds.

6. Cleanup and final review

The work area is cleaned and the completed exterior work is reviewed. Maintenance or follow-up observation recommendations may be discussed.

FC Home Improvement is based in Taunton and evaluates eligible residential and commercial chimney projects throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and select Cape Cod communities.

Taunton and East Taunton

Exterior chimney repair, repointing, flashing, crown and cap services are available for eligible properties throughout Taunton and East Taunton.

Cape Cod

Chimney and exterior services may be available in select Cape Cod communities depending on property location, access, project scope, scheduling and crew availability.

FC Home Improvement also evaluates projects throughout Bristol County, Plymouth County and surrounding Massachusetts communities.

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