Broken Chicago chimney RK Masonry and Tuckpointing is number one for chimney repair in Chicago and its suburbs. Chicago winters and its freeze-thaw cycle are detrimental to brick and stone mortar work. Chimneys are exposed to water which causes deterioration and cause cracks and breakdown of brick and mortar.

See our photo gallery for some images of our chimney repairs.

They don’t call Chicago the “Windy City” for nothing, and wind can damage your chimney along with water. Wind damage may even occur in new construction during the curing of the mortar, which can take months. Most chimneys require at least some repair after 20-30 years of exposure.

Historic Chicago chimney repair

RK Masonry and Tuckpointing is often called to repair chimneys of historic structures common in Chicago. Older chimneys were built for the high heat of coal burning. These coal-burning heavy-duty chimneys are not ideal for today’s use of gas for heating and lead to increased water condensation and resulting damage including chimney cracks and leaks. Older structures and their chimneys often make it difficult to properly match the color of brick and mortar with today's materials. We have the experience and know-how to do it right.

Chicago chimney inspection

Chimneys require inspection every year or two to make sure they are maintaining integrity. In Europe tough laws mandate regular evaluation and inspection of chimneys, but in Chicago homeowners often allow their chimneys to go unchecked for years, lending to unsafe indoor air quality and the threat of further property damage such as chimney fires and water seepage. Lack of inspection can cost you in the long run! We evaluate and inspect Chicago chimneys.

Chimney cap selection and replacement

Chimney caps (also called chimney crowns or rain covers) protect from the elements and keep birds and bats out. An attractive chimney cap can add curb value to your home. A proper chimney cap can stop dangerous gases and drafts from entering your home. We help you choose the right cap and offer chimney cap installation, replacement, and repair.

Chicago chimney flashing repair

Chimney flashing is the seal between the roofing material and the chimney. It prevents rain water from running down the chimney where it can damage rafters, walls, joists and other elements of your structure. Leaking chimneys are often caused by faulty flashing and a quick repair is the replacement or repair of this flashing.

Fireplace chimney repair

Gas and wood fireplaces add beauty and value to your home, but they also add to your maintenance responsibilities. Fireplace chimney maintenance should take into account the unique nature of these chimneys such as fireplace liner systems, special fireplace caps and water condensation and accumulation of creosote and other residue. We're experts in the repair of Chicago fireplace chimneys.

Waterproofing Chicago chimneys

Dampness in your attic is often the first sign of chimney trouble. Hairline cracks can occur even in new construction because of mortar shrinking during the curing process. Masonry materials are porous and absorb water. Defective mortar joints and deteriorating brick result and lead to even greater water damage. Several new products are effective at waterproofing chimneys. These new sealants allow the masonry to breathe out condensation but not take it in. We can discuss options with you to stop water damage and save you from the major expense of a rebuilding your entire chimney in the future.

Proper repair of Chicago chimneys

There are many reasons to make sure that your chimney repair is done right. Damaged chimneys can emit poisonous gases into your home and pose a health hazard. Pieces of your chimney may even fall off posing a danger to property and anyone unlucky enough to be caught below. Don’t take chances! RK Masonry fixes Chicago chimneys right!

Some chimney problems need only a quick fix (usually tuckpointing and the use of sealants). Other times it is cost effective to rebuild the chimney. We perform a careful evaluation and present repair options to you up front.

Contact RK Masonry and Tuckpointing today!

 

We are proud to fix chimneys in:

Aurora, IL  Chicago, IL  Kenosha, WI  Aurora, IL  Elgin, IL  Gary, IN  Joliet, IL  Naperville, IL

Arlington Heights, IL  Bolingbrook, IL  Cicero, IL  Evanston, IL  Hammond, IN  Palatine, IL

Schaumburg, IL Skokie, IL Waukegan, IL Kankakee, IL and more (50 miles around Chicago)