Chimney Repair & Rebuilding Services
We fix dangerous chimney problems before they become safety hazards or expensive disasters.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
Most homeowners don't think about their chimney until something goes wrong. But by the time you notice water stains on your ceiling or smell smoke in your living room, the damage is already serious. Your chimney faces constant assault from rain, snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and extreme temperature changes from the fire below.
Here's the truth: chimneys don't last forever. Even well-built chimneys eventually need repairs or rebuilding. The key is catching problems early when they're still manageable and affordable. We've seen too many chimneys collapse or cause house fires because warning signs were ignored.
Watch For These Warning Signs
- •Cracked or damaged chimney crown that lets water seep into the structure
- •Spalling bricks where pieces are flaking or breaking off the chimney
- •White staining (efflorescence) showing that moisture is moving through the masonry
- •Leaning or tilting chimney indicating serious structural problems
- •Deteriorating mortar joints between bricks that need immediate attention
- •Rusted or damaged chimney cap and flashing that's no longer keeping water out
- •Interior water damage like stains on walls or ceilings near the chimney
If you're seeing any of these issues, don't wait. Water damage accelerates fast, especially during Spokane's wet winters. What starts as a small crack can turn into a complete chimney rebuild within a year or two. Our team at SKA Spokane Masonry can inspect your chimney and give you an honest assessment of what needs fixing.
Our Chimney Repair Services
We handle every type of chimney problem, from simple repairs to complete rebuilds. Here's what we can do for you.
Chimney Crown Repair and Replacement
Your chimney crown is the concrete or mortar cap at the very top of your chimney. It's your first line of defense against water, and when it cracks or deteriorates, water pours straight down into your chimney structure. We rebuild crowns using proper sloping techniques and weather-resistant materials that shed water away from the flue. A good crown can add decades to your chimney's lifespan.
Brick and Mortar Repair
When individual bricks crack or the mortar joints between them crumble, we carefully remove and replace the damaged sections. We match your existing brick and mortar so the repair blends seamlessly. This targeted approach saves you money because you're only fixing what needs fixing, not tearing down and rebuilding the entire chimney.
Flashing Repair and Installation
Flashing is the metal barrier where your chimney meets your roof. It's supposed to keep water from running down your chimney and into your attic. Bad flashing is one of the most common causes of chimney leaks. We install new copper or aluminum flashing that's properly sealed and integrated with your roofing system. No more water stains or attic damage.
Complete Chimney Rebuilding
Sometimes a chimney is too far gone for simple repairs. If your chimney is leaning, has extensive brick damage, or shows signs of structural failure, a rebuild is the safest option. We carefully tear down the damaged chimney and rebuild it from scratch using modern materials and techniques. Your new chimney will be stronger and last longer than the original, and it'll pass any inspection with flying colors.
Why Chimney Problems Are Dangerous
A damaged chimney isn't just an eyesore. It's a genuine safety hazard. When your chimney's structure breaks down, you're at risk for house fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and expensive structural damage to your entire home.
Here's what can happen: cracks in the chimney liner let heat and sparks reach combustible materials in your walls or attic. A leaning chimney can collapse without warning, taking part of your roof with it. And deteriorating mortar joints create gaps where toxic gases like carbon monoxide can leak into your living spaces instead of venting safely outdoors.
Water damage is equally serious. Once water gets inside your chimney, it soaks into bricks, mortar, and even the wooden framework around your fireplace. This leads to rot, mold growth, and structural weakening. During winter, that trapped water freezes and expands, cracking bricks and mortar from the inside. The damage compounds every year until you're facing a complete chimney failure.
We take chimney safety seriously. Every repair we do follows local building codes and industry best practices. We're fully licensed and insured, so you know the work is done right. And if we find problems beyond the chimney itself, like issues with your brick foundation or masonry walls, we'll let you know and explain your options.
Don't gamble with your family's safety. If your chimney shows any warning signs, get it inspected now. We offer free on-site consultations where we climb up, check the structure from top to bottom, and give you a clear explanation of what's wrong and how we'll fix it. And if your mortar joints are failing, our expert tuckpointing services can restore them before the damage spreads to the entire chimney.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should have your chimney inspected at least once a year, especially if you use your fireplace regularly. Even if everything looks fine from the ground, problems can develop in areas you can't see without climbing up on the roof.
We recommend inspections in late summer or early fall, before you start using your fireplace for the winter. That gives you time to make any needed repairs before the busy heating season. If you notice any warning signs like water stains or crumbling mortar, call us right away for an inspection.
It depends on how extensive the damage is. If you have isolated problems like a few cracked bricks or a damaged crown, repairs are usually the most cost-effective solution. But if your chimney is leaning, has widespread brick damage, or shows signs of structural failure, a rebuild is safer and makes more financial sense in the long run.
We'll give you an honest assessment after inspecting your chimney. Sometimes homeowners are surprised to learn that a rebuild costs less than they expected, especially when you factor in the improved safety and decades of additional life you get from a new chimney.
Simple repairs like crown rebuilding or replacing a few bricks usually take one to three days. A complete chimney rebuild typically takes three to five days, depending on the height and complexity of the chimney.
Weather affects our timeline because mortar needs dry conditions to cure properly. We'll give you a realistic schedule before we start, and we always clean up thoroughly at the end of each day so you're not living in a construction zone. Most importantly, we don't rush. Quality masonry takes time, and we'd rather do it right than do it fast.