Chimney Repair & Rebuilding Services

Why Your Chimney Needs Regular Attention

Your chimney does a tough job. It carries smoke and dangerous gases out of your home while standing up to extreme temperatures, rain, snow, ice, and wind. Over time, this constant exposure takes its toll. Bricks crack, mortar crumbles, and metal components rust. What starts as a small problem can quickly become a safety hazard.

A damaged chimney can leak water into your walls and ceilings, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Even worse, structural problems or blocked flues can trap carbon monoxide inside your home. This colorless, odorless gas is deadly, and chimney issues are one of the main causes of carbon monoxide buildup in homes.

In Columbia, MO, our freeze-thaw cycles make chimney problems even more common. Water gets into small cracks, freezes, expands, and makes those cracks bigger. One winter can turn a minor crack into a major structural issue. Regular inspections and prompt repairs keep your chimney working safely for years. If you notice problems with other areas of your home masonry in Columbia, we handle those repairs too.

Common Chimney Problems We Fix

What Can Go Wrong with Your Chimney

We have repaired hundreds of chimneys across Columbia, and certain problems come up again and again. Here is what we fix most often:

• Damaged chimney crowns that let water pour down inside your chimney and damage the flue liner
• Failed flashing where the chimney meets your roof, causing leaks into your attic and walls
• Cracked or missing bricks that weaken your chimney structure and let moisture penetrate
• Deteriorating mortar joints between bricks that need repointing to prevent collapse
• Leaning chimneys that indicate serious foundation or structural problems requiring immediate repair
• Damaged flue liners that cannot properly vent dangerous gases out of your home

Each of these problems requires a different solution. A damaged crown needs rebuilding with the right slope for water drainage. Failed flashing needs complete removal and reinstallation with proper sealing. Leaning chimneys might need partial or complete rebuilding depending on the extent of the problem. We assess your specific situation and recommend the right fix.

When to Repair vs When to Rebuild

Making the Right Decision for Your Chimney

Not every chimney problem needs a complete rebuild. In fact, many issues can be fixed with targeted repairs that cost far less than starting over. We always look for the most cost-effective solution that keeps your chimney safe and functional.

Minor issues like cracked bricks, small mortar gaps, or a damaged crown typically need repairs only. We replace the damaged sections, repoint the mortar joints, and rebuild the crown with proper waterproofing. These repairs can add decades to your chimney life at a fraction of the cost of rebuilding.

However, some chimneys need to be rebuilt. If your chimney leans more than a few inches, has extensive structural cracks throughout, or shows signs of severe water damage to the core structure, a partial or complete rebuild is the safer choice. We never recommend rebuilding unless it is truly necessary, and we always explain why.

During our free inspection, we assess every part of your chimney from the crown down to the foundation. We tell you exactly what is wrong, show you the damage, and give you options with honest pricing. If you also need brick repair services elsewhere on your property, we can handle everything in one project.

How We Repair and Rebuild Chimneys

Chimney work takes specialized skills and the right equipment. We have the experience, tools, and knowledge to handle any chimney project safely and correctly. Here is what you can expect when you hire us.

First, we conduct a thorough inspection from top to bottom. We check the crown, flashing, bricks, mortar joints, and flue liner. We look for cracks, leaks, structural movement, and any signs of water damage. We take photos and show you exactly what needs fixing so you understand the scope of work.

Next, we create a detailed plan and estimate. For repairs, we identify which bricks need replacing, how much repointing is required, and whether the crown or flashing needs work. For rebuilds, we determine how much of the chimney needs to come down and what materials we will use for reconstruction.

During the work, we protect your roof and property with tarps and safety equipment. We carefully remove damaged materials and dispose of debris properly. We use quality bricks and mortar that match your existing chimney and stand up to Missouri weather. All flashing gets installed with multiple layers of waterproofing to prevent future leaks.

Finally, we clean up completely and conduct a final inspection to ensure everything meets our high standards and local building codes. We also provide maintenance tips to help you spot problems early in the future. Many homeowners also benefit from our tuckpointing services to maintain other masonry around their home.

Frequently Asked Questions