Chimney repair and masonry in Lake Forest, IL
Water is the enemy of brick and mortar. We find where it is getting in and repair the damage the right way.
A masonry chimney is built to last a long time, but it sits on the roof with nothing to protect it from rain, snow and the freeze-and-thaw swings we get around Lake Michigan. Water soaks into the brick and mortar, freezes, expands and slowly breaks things apart. Left alone, small cracks turn into loose bricks and leaning chimney tops.
Our chimney repair work starts with finding the cause, not just patching what shows. If the mortar is failing, we repair the joints. If bricks are cracked or flaking, we replace them. If the top of the chimney has deteriorated badly, we talk to you about rebuilding that section. We aim to match the existing brick and mortar as closely as we can so the repair does not stick out.
Common masonry repairs
- Tuckpointing: grinding out failing mortar joints and filling them with fresh mortar
- Replacing cracked, spalled or missing bricks
- Rebuilding the top section of a chimney that has loosened or started to lean
- Sealing small cracks before they let more water in
- Repairing the chimney crown and flashing where they are part of the problem
Signs that masonry needs attention
- Mortar that is sandy, crumbling or recessed between the bricks
- Bricks with flaking faces or white powdery stains
- A chimney that leans or has visible gaps at the top
- Daylight or water showing at the chimney base inside the attic
- Pieces of brick or mortar in your yard or gutters
If you can see damage from the ground, there is often more up close. We would rather you call early, when the fix is smaller. For the parts that sit right at the top, see chimney crown repair and flashing and waterproofing.
Questions we hear
What is tuckpointing?
It is the process of removing worn mortar from between bricks and filling the joints with new mortar so water cannot get in.
Can a leaning chimney be saved?
Sometimes. It depends on how far it has moved and why. We would need to see it, and we will tell you honestly if the safer answer is to rebuild.
Will the new mortar match the old?
We work to match color and texture as closely as possible. Older mortar weathers, so a perfect match is not always possible, and we will tell you what to expect.
Is it worth repairing a small crack?
Usually yes. Small cracks let water in, and water is what turns a cheap repair into an expensive one.
Other services
Tell us what you’re seeing
Leave your name, number and a few words about the chimney or fireplace. We read every request and call you back. If it is urgent, call us instead: (224) 271-0137.