Chimney repair in Chanhassen, MN that stops water at the source
A chimney sits outside, takes every season head-on and slowly wears. We repair crowns, flashing, mortar joints, damaged brick and dampers for homes in Chanhassen and the nearby towns, and we explain each repair before we start.
What chimney repairs do you handle?
The common ones, grouped by where on the chimney they happen.
Crown
The concrete or mortar slab across the chimney top sheds water away from the brick. Cracks in it let water in. We rebuild or seal it.
Mortar and brick
Tuckpointing replaces crumbling mortar joints. We also replace brick that has flaked or split.
Flashing
The metal where the chimney meets the roof. Gaps or rust here are a frequent source of leaks.
Damper
A damper that sticks, rusts or will not seal wastes heat and lets cold air down the flue. We repair or replace it.
Firebox
Cracked firebrick and open joints inside the fireplace get repaired so heat stays where it belongs.
Chase and siding
On framed chimneys, we look at the cover, the chase top and the wood around the flue.
How can I tell my chimney needs repair?
Look from the yard first. A chimney tells you a lot when you stand back from it. These signs deserve a call:
- Mortar that is sandy, recessed or missing between bricks
- White powdery stains on the brick, which is a sign water is moving through
- Brick faces that flake or pop off
- A lean or a gap between the chimney and the house wall
- Cracks across the crown at the top
- Rust stains, a rattling damper or a fireplace that smells musty in wet weather
If a chimney leans or pieces of it are falling, keep clear of the area and stop using the fireplace until we have looked at it.
Why does masonry fail in Minnesota winters?
Brick and mortar absorb water. When temperatures dip below freezing, that water turns to ice and expands, pushing the surface apart. Minnesota swings across freezing many times a year, so a small crack grows into a bigger one season after season.
That is why a repair works best when it goes after the water entry point. A new coat on top of a bad crown, or fresh mortar behind a leaking flashing, hides the symptom and lets the problem return. We trace where the water gets in, then repair that spot and the damage it caused.
What happens on a repair visit?
Look it over
We examine the chimney from the ground, the roof and the fireplace, and find where the damage starts.
Explain the options
You hear what is wrong, what each repair involves and what happens if you wait.
Repair it
We grind out loose mortar, replace bad brick, rebuild the crown or reset the flashing as the job requires.
Clean up and review
We clear debris from the work area and walk you through what changed.
Chimney repair for older and newer Chanhassen houses
Chanhassen has older pockets, such as the ramblers and split-levels platted in the 1960s and early 1970s, where masonry chimneys have had decades of freeze-thaw. Mortar in those chimneys often shows its age first.
Houses built in the 1990s boom are heading into the stage where flashing seals, caps and crowns begin to wear. Catching a small gap now keeps water out of the attic later.
We repair chimneys across Chanhassen, Victoria, Chaska, Carver, Waconia and the lake towns. If water is already coming inside, the chimney leak repair page walks through how we track it down.
What decides the cost of a chimney repair?
Repair work varies a lot, so the cost follows the job. These are the factors:
- The type of repair, from a damper adjustment to a rebuilt crown
- How much of the chimney is affected
- The height and how safely the roof can be reached
- The materials the repair needs, such as matching brick or mortar
- Whether water has damaged anything inside the house
Call and describe what you see. We will tell you how we would approach the visit.
Chimney repair questions
What is tuckpointing?
Tuckpointing means removing worn mortar from the joints between bricks and packing in fresh mortar. It restores the seal that keeps water out of the wall.
Is a cracked chimney crown serious?
It can be. Water enters the crack, freezes and widens it, and then reaches the brick and the flue below. Small cracks can be sealed. Larger ones usually call for a rebuilt crown.
Can I still use my fireplace if the chimney needs repair?
It depends on the damage. Cracks in the flue liner or loose brick can make a fire unsafe. Call us, describe what you see and we will tell you whether to hold off.
Do you repair a leaning chimney?
A lean can come from a failing foundation, loose mortar or water damage. We look at the cause first, then explain whether the chimney can be repaired or rebuilt.
What is the white powder on my brick?
It is a mineral deposit called efflorescence, left behind when water moves through brick and evaporates. It tells you water is getting in, so we look for the entry point.
Should I get a liner or cap along with a repair?
Sometimes. A damaged flue is a liner question, and a bare chimney top invites water. See liner installation and cap installation for when each fits.
Chimney service across the southwest metro
From our base in Chanhassen (ZIP 55317) we work in every town below. Each page covers what is different about the homes and chimneys there.
Chanhassen and Carver County
South Lake Minnetonka
Minnesota River valley and the southwest metro
Further reading
Chimney service across the southwest metro
From our base in Chanhassen (ZIP 55317) we work in every town below. Each page covers what is different about the homes and chimneys there.
Chanhassen and Carver County
South Lake Minnetonka
Minnesota River valley and the southwest metro
What you can count on
- 10 years in the chimney tradeSweeping, inspection and repair on brick and factory-built chimneys
- Licensed and insuredBrickstone Chimney Sweep is licensed and insured
- Open every day, 8 AM to 8 PMCall any day of the week to set a time
Further reading