Call Coopertown for Masonry Chimney Repair Services in Memphis & More

What Chimney Masonry Repair Services Does Coopertown Offer?

Masonry repairs can encompass a lot, so how can you know whether or not we do the specific brick-related job you need? Well, fortunately, our masonry services are comprehensive, covering a wide range of chimney masonry needs, so whatever you’re looking for, we’re sure we can handle it.

The services we most commonly perform include:

Tuckpointing Mortar Joints
This is the process of removing weakened, damaged, and deteriorating mortar from the joints between the bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. This technique restores the structural integrity of the chimney and improves its overall appearance.

Tuckpointing helps to prevent future water infiltration, as well as extend the lifespan of the chimney, and it improves the overall appearance of the chimney by creating clean, sharp lines.

Brick Replacement
Brick replacement involves removing damaged, cracked, or spalled bricks and replacing them with new, matching bricks. This helps maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic consistency of the chimney.

Having a professional replace your bricks restores the chimney’s strength, prevents water infiltration and further damage, and helps your home maintain visual appeal. If you spot cracked, loose, missing, or spalling brickwork, or if you’re noticing significant brick discoloration, don’t wait to call us in.

Chimney Rebuilds
A chimney rebuild is a more extensive repair process that involves dismantling and reconstructing a part of or all of the chimney. This is necessary when the chimney is severely damaged or deteriorated – well beyond the point of simple repair jobs.

If your chimney is tilting, leaning, or is in especially bad shape, the sooner you can have a rebuild completed the better, as you may be at risk of experiencing a collapse. A rebuild will ensure the chimney is safe and structurally sound, so that the rest of your home doesn’t face any damage – and no one gets hurt.

A rebuild can also be done if the current look of your chimney is no longer meeting your design tastes. It may be outdated or it could be clashing with other improvements made around your home. Whatever the case, we’d be happy to help.

Masonry Waterproofing
Waterproofing brick and mortar involves applying a specialized, breathable water-repellent sealant to the exterior of the masonry surface. This prevents water from entering this notoriously porous material, thus reducing the risk of water damage.

The benefits of waterproofing are extensive: it protects against water infiltration, it helps prevent freeze/thaw cycles, it reduces the chance of discoloration or efflorescence, it extends the lifespan of the chimney, and it helps the chimney maintain a nice appearance.

All that said, it’s always best to entrust waterproofing services to a professional, as using a product that’s too weak (or applying the product incorrectly) can lead to even bigger and more costly issues down the line.

Best of all, though, knowing that your chimney is in good condition provides peace of mind. You can use your fireplace or heating system without worrying about potential hazards.

All in all, it’s really hard to beat the classic look of a brick or stone chimney. If you need your chimney custom-built to your tastes, needs, and preferences, we’re here to help. Call or book with us online today.

Can I Build or Repair My Own Chimney?

Building or repairing your own masonry chimney is a challenging project that requires a solid understanding of masonry, structural engineering, and local building codes. While it is (technically) possible for a skilled DIY enthusiast to build a chimney, it’s a complex and labor-intensive task…and, frankly, we can’t say we’d recommend taking this approach.

Here’s why hiring a professional for your chimney rebuild or masonry repair is always the better route:

• Building Code & Permit Considerations: You will likely need a permit to build a chimney, and you’ll have to ensure your design complies with local requirements regarding height, materials, and safety standards.
• Necessary Skills & Knowledge: Building a chimney requires extensive knowledge of masonry techniques, structural integrity, and fire safety. Professionals take courses and invest in certifications to ensure they get the job done just right.
• Materials Needed: There are a lot of necessary materials needed for masonry repairs and builds, including bricks, mortar, trowels, levels, scaffolding, and more. Do you have everything you need?

• Safety Concerns: Building a chimney involves working at heights and handling heavy materials. Having the proper safety equipment and knowledge of safe working practices is imperative. This is something professionals train for.

• Design & Planning: Planning the chimney’s design, including its dimensions, height, and the type of flue liner it needs, is no small feat. Not only does it need to look good, but it needs to meet appropriate clearances and regulations.

• Foundational Needs: A chimney needs a solid foundation to support its weight, which includes excavating and pouring a concrete footing. This should only be done if you know how to go about it correctly and safely.

• Chimney Crown Construction: At the top of this chimney, a properly built chimney crown should be constructed. An expert will know appropriate dimensions and regulations to ensure your new chimney is adequately protected.

As you can see, building a chimney requires careful planning, skill, and adherence to safety standards and building codes. For most homeowners, consulting with or hiring a professional mason is the best route for ensuring everything is constructed safely and effectively.

Would you like to consult with our experts about the next best steps for your household? We’d be happy to go over things with you! Call or book online with us today.

What Is Chimney Tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is a specialized technique we use in masonry restoration to repair or enhance the appearance of our customers’ brickwork. During the process, we remove the old, deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks, then replace it with fresh mortar. This technique can also involve using two different colors of mortar to create the illusion of fine, sharply defined joints.

The steps involved with tuckpointing include:

1. Inspect the brickwork to identify areas where the mortar has deteriorated or where aesthetic improvements are desired.
2. Clean the brick surface to remove dirt and debris.
3. Use a grinder, chisel, or hammer to carefully remove the damaged or old mortar from the joints to an appropriate depth (usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep).
4. Brush out the joints to remove loose mortar and dust, ensuring a clean surface for the new mortar to bond to.
5. Prepare a new batch of mortar that matches the color and composition of the original mortar as closely as possible.
6. Fill the cleaned joints with the new mortar, packing it in tightly and smoothing it to create a uniform finish.
7. If desired, and after the initial mortar has set slightly, apply a thin line of contrasting color mortar (often white or light-colored) down the center of the joints. This creates the appearance of very thin, precise joints, which is the defining characteristic of traditional tuckpointing.
8. Use a tuckpointing tool to smooth and shape the mortar joints, ensuring a consistent appearance.
9. Allow the mortar to cure properly, which can take several days depending on the weather and type of mortar used.

How Can I Avoid Chimney Masonry Damage in the Future?

Preventing chimney masonry damage involves investing in regular maintenance, booking annual inspections, and taking proactive measures to protect your chimney from outside elements.

Here are some key strategies we suggest to prolong the life of your brickwork:

• Book Annual Inspections: Have your chimney inspected by a certified professional at least once a year. They can identify early signs of damage and recommend appropriate repairs.
• Perform Self-Checks: Periodically check your chimney for visible cracks, deteriorating mortar, or other signs of wear and tear. Notify an expert right away to resolve the issue.
• Have a Professional Apply a Waterproof Sealant: A quality waterproof sealant prevents water from soaking into the brick and mortar, thus reducing the risk of freeze/thaw damage.
• Have Flashing Professionally Installed: Ensure the metal flashing around the base of the chimney is intact and properly sealed to prevent water from seeping into the structure.
• Invest in Chimney Cap Installation: Have a chimney cap installed to keep out rain, snow, debris, and animals – all things that can break down your masonry.
• Book Needed Chimney Crown Repairs: Your chimney crown is responsible for directing water out and away from your masonry walls. Ensure the chimney crown is sloped and in good condition so that it can effectively shed water.
• Invest in a Quality Flue Liner: Make sure the chimney flue is properly lined. A damaged or missing liner can allow gases and moisture to deteriorate the masonry from the inside.
• Maintain Good Airflow & Draft: Ensure proper airflow to avoid condensation within the chimney, which can lead to moisture damage.
• Have Tuckpointing Completed: As needed, have an expert tuckpoint the chimney to replace deteriorating mortar, preventing water from entering the brick joints.
• Use Appropriate Fuel: Use only the recommended fuel for your fireplace or stove, as burning inappropriate materials can lead to excessive creosote buildup and increased moisture.
• Maintain the Surrounding Area: Trim trees and branches near the chimney to prevent them from falling and causing damage.
• Invest in Seasonal Preparation: Consider installing a weatherproof cover if your area is prone to heavy rainfall or snow. Before winter, ensure your chimney is clean and in good repair to handle the stress of colder temperatures and freeze/thaw cycles.
• Consult With an Expert: When in doubt, consult with chimney and masonry professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and climate conditions.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of chimney masonry damage and ensure the longevity and safety of your chimney structure.

Can I DIY Tuckpointing & Brick Replacement?

DIY tuckpointing and brick repair aren’t tasks we’d recommend a homeowner take on – even the most ambitious DIYer.

Why not? These tasks involve selecting the right mortar mix and/or brick pieces, matching them to the existing brickwork (both in color and composition), and properly removing old mortar without damaging the surrounding bricks.

And mistakes won’t just leave you with cosmetic issues… They can lead to structural issues, water infiltration, and stability problems, potentially causing more extensive and costly repairs in the future.

All in all, professional masons have the necessary tools and experience to perform the work safely and efficiently, ensuring a durable and visually consistent result.

To Enjoy a Safer Chimney for Years To Come, Trust in Us

Coopertown Services technicians build strong, durable masonry chimneys, but in order for any chimney to stay strong and functional, a certain amount of maintenance is required. Annual chimney inspections and chimney sweeping will make sure your new masonry chimney performs correctly year after year. But don’t worry – Coopertown Services offers maintenance services as well.

Coopertown Services can build a beautiful, functional and long-lasting masonry chimney for you, and keep it looking and working like new for years to come. Call us at 901-358-7777 or reach out online to schedule an appointment.

 

We often discover that annoying and often dangerous chimney leaks are caused by faulty or missing flashing. Hire us to track down the problem and fix it!