Chimney Rebuilding | Chimney Brick Repair, Firebox Repair, And More
Chimney Rebuilding
Many chimneys (especially in older homes) in the Washington, DC area are so severely compromised that they are past the point of repair and must be torn down (sometimes only partially) and rebuilt with brand-new brick and mortar.
So, how can you tell if your chimney needs a partial or complete rebuild? Some of the signs that require a chimney to be rebuilt:
- Flue tiles are falling into the fireplace
- Bricks are cracking, crumbling, or spalling
- Extensive mortar decay or gaps in the joints
- Bricks are turning white
- The Chimney crown is severely damaged
Certified Chimney Professionals
Our certified chimney professionals are highly skilled masons with extensive knowledge in the demolition, rebuilding, restoration, and repair of traditional masonry, prefabricated, and metal chimneys. Whether it’s a partial chimney repair or complete rebuilding from the foundation to the crown, our talented masonry experts will ensure your chimney is constructed using the highest quality materials and craftmanship in compliance with local building and fire safety regulations. Bethesda Chimney provides chimney restoration and rebuilding services for residential, commercial, and government buildings in Falls Church, VA, Laytonsville, MD, Mount Vernon Square, DC, and surrounding Capital Beltway communities.
We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Your satisfaction is guaranteed, and we perform all work following NFPA industry standards and local building and fire safety regulations.
Chimney Tuckpointing Vs. Rebuilding
There is a difference between tuckpointing and rebuilding. Tuckpointing is a restoration process that replaces crumbling and decaying joints with a new durable mortar compound, the layer of cement between the brickwork. Tuckpointing restores the strength of the chimney, making it safe to operate your fireplace for many years to come.
Your chimney is often a good candidate for tuckpointing when the masonry damage is limited to the mortar joints, the bricks are still in good condition, and there are no serious structural issues.
On the other hand, when flaking, crumbling, and spalling is present the chimney's structural integrity may be compromised, so a partial rebuild or complete rebuilding may be necessary.
Chimney Crown – Partial Rebuilds
Your chimney may need a partial rebuild when the masonry damage is limited to the upper portion of the chimney, from the roof line to the crown. Since the chimney crown is often the structure's highest point, it takes the brunt of the weather. Foundation settling, thunderstorms, ice, snow, and even lightning can damage the chimney crown. When the damage is caught early and limited to surface cracks, usually with an annual inspection, chimney crown repair is an easy fix. However, when there is extensive chimney crown damage or the damage has spread to the brickwork below the crown, a partial rebuild is necessary to restore the structure and prevent a total chimney collapse.
Chimney Rebuilding
With severe masonry damage, including spalling or missing bricks, gaps in the mortar joints, and other structural issues, the best solution is to tear down the original structure and rebuild the chimney. The advantage of chimney rebuilding is that it allows you to be part of the customization process and have a brand new chimney that meets your unique lifestyle and enhances curb appeal.
Our chimney rebuilding process includes, but is not limited to:
- Chimney design and blueprints
- Tear-down of the original structure
- Traditional masonry or prefabricated
- Foundation pouring
- Custom chimney cap
- Stainless steel flue liner
- Compliance with local building and fire safety codes
- Compatible with new or existing gas or wood-burning heating appliances
- Single and multiple flues
- Indoor/Outdoor
Expert Chimney Rebuilding in Germantown – Reston – Capitol Hill, DC
Is your masonry or prefabricated chimney old, inefficient, or damaged beyond repair? Bethesda Chimney provides expert chimney rebuilds and rebuilding for residential, commercial, and government buildings in Olney MD, Sterling VA, Gaithersburg MD, Manassas VA, Silver Spring MD, Garrett Park MD, Washington DC, Northern VA, and Montgomery County, MD. Call 301-969-4444 or 703-935-4444 to schedule an appointment for a free repair estimate today!