What this covers
When a chimney has leaned, lost its mortar or been struck by a tree, a vehicle or an earthquake, repointing is not enough and the upper chimney is rebuilt. The company erects scaffolding with guardrails, protects the roof, and takes the chimney down course by course to sound masonry, usually at or below the roofline. It is relaid with new brick matched to the house, new flue tiles or a liner, proper clearances between the flue and the brick, a reinforced crown with a drip edge, and new flashing and counterflashing set with the roofer. Where the local code requires a permit and inspection, the company arranges both.
When to call
- A chimney that leans or has a visible gap on one side.
- Brick above the roofline that is soft, loose or missing in whole courses.
- Damage from a chimney fire, a lightning strike, a fallen tree or an earthquake.
- Repointing that keeps failing because the brick itself is gone.
What to expect
- Inspect and planThe extent of failure, the liner and the flashing are assessed and the rebuild height set.
- ScaffoldScaffolding goes up with guardrails, the roof is protected, and material is staged.
- Take down and relayBrick is removed to sound masonry and the chimney relaid with new flue tile and brick.
- Crown and flashThe crown is poured, cap and flashing set, and the chimney inspected before use.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
How far down is the chimney taken?
To the first sound course, which is often just below the roofline where the brick was protected. If the damage runs lower, the rebuild goes lower.
Can the chimney be used right after?
Mortar needs time to cure before the flue is heated, usually several days to a week. The company gives you a date, and a sweep or inspector checks the flue where required.
Rebuild or repair?
Repair when the brick is sound and the problems are in the crown, joints and flashing. Rebuild when the brick itself has failed, the chimney leans, or the structure was struck.
Related: Chimney repair · Chimney fire damage repair · Earthquake damage repair · All concrete and masonry
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.