What we repair
| Problem | What it looks like | Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Worn mortar joints | Joints recessed, sandy or cracked, worst near the top | Grind out and repoint with a color-matched mortar |
| Spalled brick | Brick faces flaking or popping off, chips on the roof | Cut out and replace the damaged bricks |
| Efflorescence | White powder or streaks on the brick | Find where water enters, then clean and seal |
| Failed top courses | Loose bricks above the roofline | Rebuild from the damaged course up |
| Leaning or separating chimney | A gap between chimney and wall, stair-step cracks | Inspect first, then flashing, rebuild or referral to a foundation specialist |
Why DFW masonry wears out
Brick and mortar absorb water. DFW averages 29 freezes a season, and when absorbed water freezes it expands and breaks the brick face. During the February 2021 storm, DFW stayed at or below freezing for 139 straight hours. Spalled brick showed up on chimneys across the metro afterward.
The ground matters too. Much of Dallas County sits on clay with very high shrink-swell potential. When soil dries and swells, foundations move, and a heavy chimney on its own footing can move differently from the house.
How we do it
- Joints ground out to a consistent depth, not just smeared over
- Mortar matched to your brick's color and to the original mortar's strength
- Replacement brick matched as closely as available
- Breathable water repellent after repairs, so the brick can still dry
Every repair is priced in writing before any work starts, and repair estimates are free.
Questions about masonry & tuckpointing
What's the difference between tuckpointing and repointing?
People use both words for the same job: removing worn mortar from the joints and replacing it. Strictly, tuckpointing adds a thin contrasting line for a crisp look, but on chimneys the goal is sound, watertight joints.
How much does chimney tuckpointing cost?
Cost guides put tuckpointing at about $500–$2,500, depending on how much of the chimney needs it and how high it is. See the Dallas price guide.
Is a leaning chimney dangerous?
It can be. Stop using the fireplace, keep people away from the side it leans toward, and have it inspected. We'll tell you whether it's a masonry repair or a foundation problem.