Let's talk about your chimney

For most homes that burn wood regularly, once a year is the right rhythm — typically before the heating season. Even light or occasional users should have the chimney inspected annually, since a yearly check catches small problems before they become expensive ones.

Common signs include white staining (efflorescence) on the brick, crumbling mortar joints, cracked or spalling brick, a damaged crown, rust on the damper or firebox, water in the firebox, or a musty smell. If you're seeing any of these, it's worth an inspection.

Look for cracks across the concrete cap at the top of the chimney, chunks that have broken away, or pooling water. A damaged crown lets water into the masonry below, so it's one of the most important parts to keep sound in our freeze-thaw climate.

Repointing (also called tuckpointing) is removing old, cracked, or crumbling mortar from between the bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. It restores the chimney's strength and its ability to shed water, and it's one of the most effective ways to extend a chimney's life.

When deterioration has gone beyond what repointing or crown work can fix — badly crumbling brick, structural movement, or masonry that's failing over a large area. Often only the section above the roofline needs rebuilding, which is a more cost-effective partial rebuild.

Yes. We install and replace chimney caps to keep rain, snow, animals, and debris out of your flue. If you're missing a cap or yours is rusted, a new cap is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your chimney.

Yes. We install and replace chimney liners, sized correctly for your appliance and flue, for safer and better-performing draft. Liner condition is part of every inspection.

Yes. We inspect, repair, and replace the flashing where your chimney meets the roof. Failed flashing is a very common source of leaks that get blamed on the chimney, so it's often the first place we look.

Yes. We apply breathable masonry waterproofing that keeps water out while still letting the chimney release trapped moisture — protecting brick and mortar from the freeze-thaw damage that cracks masonry over time.

We serve Massachusetts and Southern New England, including Framingham, Boston, Worcester, Lowell, Cambridge, Newton, Waltham, Quincy and the surrounding areas, plus Providence, Cranston and Pawtucket in Rhode Island and Manchester and Nashua in New Hampshire. Don't see your city? Give us a call.

Absolutely. If you're not sure what's going on, send us a few photos of what you're seeing and a short description. We'll take a look and let you know how we may be able to help. You can upload photos right on our contact page.

The fastest way is to call us. You can also request an appointment through the form on our contact page, and we'll get back to you to find a time that works.