A chimney is a hard‑working structure exposed to sun, wind, rain, and freeze–thaw cycles year after year. Small defects—hairline crown cracks, open mortar joints, or a loose cap—allow water to enter. That moisture expands when temperatures drop, pushing bricks apart and accelerating deterioration. Left unaddressed, minor issues become leaks, staining, and draft problems that impact comfort and safety. Cheshire Chimney Specialists provides comprehensive chimney repair services throughout Cheshire, CT designed to stop water at the source, restore structural integrity, and keep your flue venting safely and efficiently.
We diagnose problems methodically. During an inspection we identify where water originates, how it travels, and which materials have failed. Then we match the repair to your chimney’s construction and your home’s aesthetics. Our masons use compatible brick and mortar, rebuild crowns to shed water properly, install caps and top‑sealing dampers, and correct flashing so the roof‑to‑chimney joint is watertight. The objective is a durable fix—not a temporary patch—that performs in Connecticut’s climate.
Cheshire, CT and nearby central Connecticut communities.
(203) 720-6528
info@cheshirechimneyspecialists.com
New England weather is tough on masonry. We frequently see the same failure patterns across Cheshire, Connecticut: cracked or poorly sloped crowns that pool water; missing or ineffective caps that invite rain and animals; flashing that no longer seals; mortar joints eroded by freeze–thaw cycles; and spalled bricks where faces flake away from repeated moisture expansion. Gas and oil by‑products can also attack liners and metal components, causing corrosion and staining. Each symptom has a root cause; our job is to find it and fix it correctly.
Repairs tailored to your chimney’s construction and exposure.
The crown is your chimney’s roof. It should be formed from a durable, non‑porous material, sloped to shed water, and overhang the brick with a drip edge. Many older crowns were built from basic mortar that cracks and soaks up water. We remove failed materials and pour or form a new crown engineered to resist Connecticut’s weather. Where appropriate, we add expansion joints around flue liners to prevent stress cracking and ensure long‑term performance.
Open or recessed mortar joints allow water to enter and weaken the wall. Our masons grind out deteriorated joints to a uniform depth and pack them with compatible mortar matched in color and composition. If individual bricks have spalled or fractured, we replace them with matching units and tie them properly into the surrounding courses. Done right, tuckpointing restores structural integrity and appearance without the expense of a full rebuild.
After structural repairs are complete, we often apply a breathable, vapor‑permeable water repellent to exterior masonry. These treatments reduce water absorption while allowing trapped moisture to escape, which is critical in freeze–thaw regions like Cheshire, CT. Waterproofing is not a substitute for structural fixes, but it adds an important layer of protection against future weathering.
Flashing is the metal system that seals the roof‑to‑chimney joint. When it lifts, rusts, or was installed incorrectly, leaks appear on ceilings and walls near the fireplace. We repair or replace step and counter‑flashing, integrate it correctly with shingles, and seal transitions to prevent capillary water intrusion. Where roofs are being replaced, we coordinate with your roofer to ensure the new system remains watertight.
Every flue needs a properly sized cap to keep rain, animals, and embers under control. We install stainless‑steel caps that resist corrosion and include mesh sized to deter wildlife while maintaining airflow. For improved energy efficiency and draft control, we also install top‑sealing dampers that close tightly when the fireplace is not in use, helping to stop conditioned air from escaping up the chimney.
A rough, stepped smoke chamber disrupts airflow and collects deposits. We smooth (parge) this area with appropriate refractory materials to improve draft and reduce turbulence. In the firebox, we repair loose or cracked firebrick and joints with high‑temperature refractory mortar, restoring both safety and appearance.
Water follows the path of least resistance—it doesn’t always fall straight down. Our technicians track stains, inspect roof planes and counter‑flashing overlaps, and evaluate crowns, liners, and chase covers to pinpoint entry points. We fix causes, not just symptoms, so you don’t see the same stain reappear next season.
Outcome you can expect: A dry, stable chimney that vents properly, looks right for your home, and holds up to New England weather.
1) Assessment: We begin with an inspection to document existing conditions, identify moisture pathways, and evaluate structural soundness. You’ll see photos of any defects we find.
2) Plan & options: We explain repair options in plain language, including materials, expected lifespan, and how each choice addresses the root cause. When multiple concerns exist, we prioritize fixes for safety and water control first.
3) Materials & match: We select brick, stone, and mortar that complement your home. For crowns, we use durable mixes designed for exterior exposure. For metalwork, we choose corrosion‑resistant stainless or appropriate flashing metals.
4) Execution: Work areas are protected, setup is neat, and debris is managed. We stage safely, follow best practices, and keep you informed of progress.
5) Finish & prevention: On completion we review the work with you, provide care guidance, and—where suitable—apply breathable water repellent to extend service life.
Older homes around Cheshire often feature soft brick and lime‑rich mortar. We use compatible repair methods that respect those materials while improving weather resistance.
Factory‑built chimneys require manufacturer‑specific components. We replace chase covers, caps, and storm collars with correct sizes and corrosion‑resistant metals.
Thermal shock can crack tiles and damage mortar. We’ll evaluate liner integrity and recommend targeted repair or relining to restore safe operation.
Quick answers to common repair questions from local homeowners.
Look for cracks on the top surface, pooled water, or pieces of crown material on the roof. Inside the home, water stains near the fireplace or a damp odor after rain are clues. We’ll confirm with photos and recommend repair or rebuild based on severity.
They’re often used interchangeably. In practice, we remove deteriorated mortar to a set depth and pack joints with compatible new mortar, restoring strength and appearance.
Waterproofing helps prevent future absorption, but it won’t fix structural problems or failed flashing. We repair those defects first, then apply a breathable repellent to protect the masonry.
We primarily serve Cheshire, CT and nearby communities in central Connecticut. Call us to confirm current scheduling in your area.
Schedule chimney repair with Cheshire Chimney Specialists. We’ll diagnose the cause, provide a clear plan, and deliver durable, weather‑ready results for your home in Cheshire, CT.