Quality Chimney Repairs

Although masonry chimneys are durable structures that stand tall for decades, a constant battle with rain, wind, ice, and heat cause many common problems that require the repair of one of our experienced CSIA and NFI certified chimney professionals.

At Bethesda Chimney, our Certified Chimney Professionals and masonry experts provide the highest quality repairs and craftsmanship with the best possible customer service for residential, commercial, and government customers throughout Washington, DC, and the Washington DC Metro Area.

Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is an accessory installed over the flue opening to prevent rain, wind, and debris like blowing leaves and twigs from clogging the vent. It may also have a mesh screen and spark arrestor that keeps out wildlife and prevents sparks from landing on the roof. The chimney cap also helps protect the chimney crown, minimizing repairs. However, it needs immediate replacement when it is damaged or blows away in a storm. Otherwise, water will drip down the flue and leak into the fireplace. When your chimney cap requires replacement, we can provide a custom chimney cap that is tailored specifically for your chimney. It is built to provide years of protection from moisture, pests, and debris intrusion.

Chase Top

If you have a prefabricated or factory-built chimney, it likely has a metal chase top that covers the entire top of the chimney to protect the masonry and crown from moisture intrusion. However, many chase tops are manufactured using lower-grade galvanized steel that is more prone to rust than stainless steel. Therefore, when the chase top starts to rust, it should be repaired or replaced before moisture and corrosion damage the chimney crown and nearby areas.

Chimney Crown Repair

It is very common for chimneys to require chimney crown repair. This is because the concrete or cement surface is prone to cracking from settling, moisture, and storm damage. Even a hairline crack can allow water to enter the chimney that can damage the interior masonry walls surrounding the flue pipe. It can also damage the flue liner. For minor chimney crown damage, we reseal the crown with a durable, water-resistant coating; otherwise, it may need to be rebuilt to avoid masonry damage that will require rebuilding the upper section of the stack.

Chimney Flashing Repair

Flashing repairs are also common because heavy rain, ice, snow accumulation, and heat can eventually cause it to warp or corrode. In addition, flashing damage will allow moisture to enter the chimney system resulting in water stains around the ceiling and walls near the fireplace, resembling a roof leak. Improper flashing installation is another common repair we do. Our crews provide expert flashing repairs and sealing.

Chimney Liner Repairs & Relining

Many older chimneys have clay terra cotta tile liners that are flaking, cracking, and peeling, making it perhaps our most common repair in Montgomery County, MD, and the Washington DC area. Cracks in the flue liner reduce fireplace efficiency and increase the risk of fire and exposure to poisonous carbon monoxide gas. When the flue liner is severely damaged or deteriorated, we reline the chimney with a stainless-steel liner that will increase heating efficiency and reduce creosote build-up, making the chimney easier to clean and maintain. The stainless steel chimney liners are also insulated, making your flue meet "zero-clearance" to combustibles. If a chimney fire should occur, this would help contain the fire so it did not spread to other areas of the home.

Tuckpointing & Repointing

When you notice that the mortar is cracking or looks like it is disappearing, but the bricks are undamaged, our skilled masonry experts can use tuckpointing and repointing to fill the joints with new mortar material and color-match it to your chimney’s brickwork. It will strengthen your chimney so that it will look and operate as well as new.

Brick Replacement

As the mortar cracks, crumbles and washes away, the adjacent bricks can loosen and separate from the chimney. As the mortar decay worsens, it can also cause bricks to crack and crumble. Our masonry experts can replace damaged or missing bricks to help you avoid the time and expense of a partial or complete chimney rebuild.

Chimney Rebuilding

Sometimes the masonry damage is severe due to moisture intrusion or storm damage that compromises the chimney's structural integrity. Our skilled masons will tear down the original structure and rebuild the chimney. A partial or complete rebuild will avoid a structural collapse which can cause extensive property damage.