Chimney Masonry Repair Services in Burr Ridge, Chicago & Northwest Indiana

Tuckpointing, Crown Rebuilds, Full Chimney Rebuilds — Certified Experts, Year-Round Service

Your chimney is more than a stack of bricks on your roof—it’s a critical system that protects your home, ensures safe venting, and contributes to your property’s curb appeal. But over time, Chicago’s unpredictable weather, freezing winters, and heavy rains can wreak havoc on chimney masonry. Cracks form, mortar crumbles, and crowns deteriorate. Left untreated, these issues can cause serious problems: leaks, structural instability, fire hazards, and costly repairs.

At Chimney Bear, we specialize in comprehensive chimney masonry repairs that restore strength, prevent water damage, and keep your home safe. Whether you need tuckpointing, crown resurfacing, chimney rebuilds, or even chimney removal, our certified masonry professionals bring decades of experience and top-grade materials to every project. Serving Burr Ridge, Chicago suburbs, and Northwest Indiana, we provide year-round service to homeowners who want the best in chimney care.

Why Chimney Masonry Matters

When most homeowners think about their chimney, they picture bricks stacked neatly above the roofline or the cozy fireplace at the heart of their living room. But what many people don’t realize is that a chimney is a highly engineered system designed to handle extreme temperatures, vent toxic gases, and protect your home from fire hazards. The masonry—bricks, stone, and mortar—forms the backbone of that system. When the masonry begins to fail, so does your chimney’s ability to perform safely and efficiently.

At Chimney Bear, serving Burr Ridge, Chicago, and Northwest Indiana, we specialize in masonry repair and restoration. Our team understands the unique stresses Midwestern chimneys face: freezing winters, humid summers, and constant freeze-thaw cycles that wreak havoc on brickwork. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to preserving, repairing, and rebuilding chimneys with expert craftsmanship and high-quality materials.

The Anatomy of Chimney Masonry

To understand why masonry repairs matter so much, it helps to break down the chimney into its essential components:

• Mortar Joints – These act as the glue that holds bricks together. Mortar is porous and vulnerable to moisture. Over time, it can crack, crumble, or wash away, leaving gaps that allow water infiltration.

• Bricks or Stone – Provide the chimney’s strength and aesthetic character. If the bricks spall (flake, crack, or chip), the chimney loses stability and visual appeal.

• Chimney Crown & Wash – The protective “roof” of your chimney. The crown should be sloped to shed water away, while the wash directs water off the masonry. If damaged, water seeps inside and accelerates deterioration.

• Chimney Cap – A metal cover that keeps rain, snow, and debris out of the flue. Without it, moisture can pour directly into the chimney.

• Flashing – The metal barrier at the roofline where chimney meets shingles. Damaged flashing is one of the most common sources of water leaks inside the home.

Each of these parts works together as a system. When one fails, the rest of the chimney suffers. Masonry repair isn’t just about improving appearances—it’s about ensuring every part of the chimney continues to function as intended.

Why Masonry Problems Are So Common in Chicago & NW Indiana

Our service area is particularly tough on masonry. Burr Ridge, Chicago, and NW Indiana experience wide temperature swings, heavy snow, driving rain, and high humidity. Water is masonry’s worst enemy, and when that water freezes, it expands and causes bricks and mortar to crack apart.

The most common problems we encounter include:

• Cracked Mortar Joints – Expansion and contraction cause mortar to separate from brick.

• Spalling Bricks – Bricks that pop or flake due to trapped moisture.

• Crown Damage – Cracked crowns that let water seep down into the chimney interior.

• Leaning Chimneys – Often a sign of foundation settling or long-term neglect.

• Efflorescence – White salt deposits on brick surfaces, a clear indicator that water is moving through the masonry.

• Interior Leaks – Water stains or damp walls near the fireplace that often trace back to exterior masonry failures.

Ignoring these problems never makes them go away. Instead, they spread, eventually leading to full chimney collapse or costly emergency rebuilds.

Masonry Repair Services We Provide

At Chimney Bear, we offer a full range of chimney masonry services tailored to each homeowner’s situation.

1. Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is one of the most requested services we provide. This process involves removing deteriorated mortar joints and replacing them with fresh mortar carefully matched to the existing color and texture of the chimney.

Why it’s important:
Mortar joints are the first line of defense against water. Once mortar begins to crack or crumble, water penetrates the chimney and damages the bricks themselves. Tuckpointing restores both strength and appearance.

Our process:

1. Use specialized tools to remove failing mortar.

2. Mix fresh mortar to blend seamlessly with your existing brickwork.

3. Apply new mortar with precision, ensuring clean lines and durable joints.

4. Seal the repaired areas for added protection.

Example: In Burr Ridge, a homeowner noticed piles of sand-like mortar on the ground near their chimney. After tuckpointing, their chimney not only looked new again but was once more structurally sound.

2. Chimney Rebuilds

Sometimes the damage is too extensive for spot repairs. If a chimney is leaning, severely cracked, or structurally unstable, a full or partial rebuild may be required.

Our approach:

• Carefully dismantle unsafe portions.

• Rebuild the chimney with high-strength brick and mortar engineered for Midwest weather.

• Reinforce the footing if necessary.

• Match the new masonry to the style and color of the home.

A full rebuild may sound overwhelming, but it restores complete safety, functionality, and longevity to your fireplace system.

3. Chimney Crown Rebuilds

The chimney crown is a crucial but often overlooked feature. Its job is to direct water away from the chimney interior. When cracked or broken, it funnels water straight down into the masonry.

Signs you need a new crown:

• Cracks visible on the top surface

• Water leaks inside the fireplace

• Rusted dampers or firebox components

Our solution: We remove the damaged crown and install a new, reinforced crown with proper slope and overhang. We also add weather-resistant sealants to maximize longevity.

4. Chimney Crown Resurfacing

If the crown damage is minor, resurfacing may be the best choice. This process applies an elastomeric waterproof coating over the existing crown, sealing small cracks and preventing future leaks.

Benefits:

• More affordable than a full rebuild

• Extends crown life 10+ years

• Provides immediate leak protection

5. Chimney Wash Rebuilds

The “wash” is the sloped mortar surface surrounding the flue tile at the very top of the chimney. When it cracks, water flows directly into the bricks.

Our process:

• Remove deteriorated wash layers

• Rebuild with durable mortar

• Apply a water-repellent finish

Why it matters: This simple repair prevents leaks, protects against brick spalling, and restores the chimney’s clean appearance.

6. Chimney Removal

In cases of severe neglect or when a chimney is no longer used, removal may be the safest option.

Our removal process:

• Dismantle the chimney brick by brick

• Safely haul away debris

• Restore the roof or siding where the chimney once stood

This ensures your home is safe, secure, and no longer at risk from a collapsing structure.

Why Masonry Repairs Are Essential

It’s easy to think of chimney masonry repairs as purely cosmetic, but they are absolutely vital for:

1. Water Protection – Keeping rain, snow, and ice from entering your chimney system.

2. Structural Safety – Preventing leaning or collapse.

3. Curb Appeal – Maintaining your home’s beauty and resale value.

4. Fireplace Efficiency – Ensuring strong draft and safe venting.

5. Code Compliance – Meeting current safety and building regulations.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you see any of the following, schedule an inspection right away:

• Loose or missing bricks

• Cracked or crumbling mortar

• Leaning chimney structure

• White efflorescence stains

• Water leaks around the fireplace

• Musty or smoky odors indoors

The Chimney Bear Difference

What sets Chimney Bear apart from other masonry companies?

• 👷 Certified Masons – Trained to National Chimney Sweep Guild standards

• ⚙️ Advanced Tools – Video inspection cameras, HEPA vacuums, cold-weather masonry techniques

• 🧱 Premium Materials – Mortar, brick, and waterproofing engineered for Midwest conditions

• 💯 Transparent Estimates – No hidden charges or unnecessary upsells

• 🏡 Local Expertise – Serving Burr Ridge, Chicago suburbs, and NW Indiana with a trusted reputation

FAQs About Chimney Masonry Repair

How long does tuckpointing last?
When done properly, tuckpointing can last 25–30 years.

Can you match new mortar to my existing chimney?
Yes, we custom-match for seamless results.

How much does a rebuild cost?
Typically $3,000–$8,000, depending on size and extent of damage.

Can repairs be done in winter?
Yes—we use cold-weather additives and techniques.

Does insurance cover chimney damage?
In some cases, especially when caused by storms or accidents.

How long does a rebuild take?
Most projects take 2–5 days.

Maintenance Tips After Masonry Repair

• Schedule annual chimney inspections

• Reapply waterproofing sealant every 5–7 years

• Keep chimney caps in good condition

• Avoid DIY mortar fixes—improper work usually worsens damage

Case Study: Burr Ridge Chimney Restoration

A Burr Ridge homeowner noticed water stains above their fireplace. Our inspection revealed cracked mortar joints and a deteriorated crown. We performed tuckpointing, rebuilt the crown, and applied waterproofing.

Result: No more leaks, restored draft, and a chimney that looks brand new—all completed within three days.

Why Homeowners Trust Chimney Bear

At Chimney Bear, we believe in Chimney Care, Redefined. That means:

• Educating homeowners with honest advice

• Using only top-grade materials

• Prioritizing safety and longevity

• Delivering five-star service with every job

Schedule Your Masonry Repair Today

Don’t wait until small cracks turn into major hazards. Whether you need tuckpointing, a crown rebuild, or a full chimney reconstruction, Chimney Bear is here to help.

📞 Call us at (630) 601-6993 or book your service online.

👉 Experience Chimney Care, Redefined—with Chimney Bear.