Wind-driven rain, salt-air moisture, and freeze–thaw cycles in New London, CT are tough on chimneys. Water is the #1 enemy of masonry and liners, and small breaches grow quickly into costly interior damage. Our repair philosophy is simple: fix the cause, not just the symptom—then build in long-term protection through proper crowns, flashing, caps, and breathable waterproofing.

Common Chimney Problems We Solve

• Leaking crowns and hairline cracks: We repair or rebuild with the right slope, drip edge, and expansion joints.
• Missing or undersized caps: We fit stainless/copper single or multi-flue caps to keep rain and animals out.
• Spalling brick and failed mortar joints: Tuckpointing/repointing with matched mortar to restore integrity.
• Flue tile gaps, offsets, or corrosion: Relining options for wood, gas, and oil appliances.
• Jagged smoke chambers: Parging to smooth turbulence and improve draft, reducing creosote.
• Damaged flashing: Proper step/counter flashing detail to stop roofline leaks.

Crown Repair & Rebuilds

A correct crown sheds water and protects the top of the chimney. We form crowns with the appropriate overhang and drip edge to move water away from the masonry below. For minor cracking, we use flexible crown repair compounds; for severe damage or poor design, we rebuild the crown to spec for lasting performance.

Repointing & Masonry Restoration

New London’s freeze–thaw cycles can powder mortar and pop faces off bricks (spalling). We grind out failed joints, repoint with compatible mortar, and replace damaged brick where needed. Finally, we apply breathable waterproofing that resists moisture penetration without trapping water vapor inside the wall.

Chimney Relining

Tile voids, cracked liners, or appliance changes often call for a new liner. We install stainless steel systems sized to the appliance for proper draft and safe venting. Relining helps contain heat and gases, reduces condensation, and restores safety to older flues—especially important for gas/oil systems that can produce corrosive byproducts.

Smoke Chamber Parging

Rough or stepped smoke chambers cause turbulence and creosote accumulation. We smooth and insulate this section with high-temperature materials to improve draft and reduce deposition, a key upgrade many older fireplaces need.

Flashing Repair & Roofline Sealing

Many “chimney leaks” are actually flashing leaks where the chimney meets the roof. We repair or replace step and counter-flashing to create a clean, layered path that directs water away. We avoid over-reliance on temporary sealants in favor of proper metalwork.

Waterproofing That Breathes

We use vapor-permeable solutions that allow interior moisture to escape while blocking rain penetration. This prevents efflorescence, spalling, and freeze damage—essential for coastal Connecticut homes.

Our Repair Process

1. Assessment & Photos: We diagnose the source of the leak or damage, not only the visible symptom.
2. Clear Estimate: Options with scope, materials, and timelines—no surprises.
3. Quality Execution: Manufacturer-approved techniques, weather-appropriate scheduling, and clean job sites.
4. Prevention: Caps, crowns, flashing, and waterproofing to guard against future issues.

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FAQ: Chimney Repair & Masonry

How do I know if the leak is from the crown, cap, or flashing?

We trace staining patterns, inspect the roofline and top, and use moisture meters where needed. Photos show our findings and the exact fix we recommend.

Can you match my existing brick and mortar color?

We do our best to source close matches and tint mortar for a cohesive look. On older chimneys, subtle variation is normal and often preferable to “perfect” patches.

Will waterproofing trap moisture?

No—our solutions are vapor-permeable. They block rain intrusion while allowing interior moisture to escape, which is crucial for long-term health.

What’s the lifespan of a new crown or liner?

Quality crowns last many years when properly formed and maintained; stainless liners often carry long warranties when installed per manufacturer specifications.

Related Services

• Chimney Cap Installation to keep rain, embers, and animals out
• Chimney Sweeping to reduce creosote and improve draft
• Chimney Inspection to document conditions and plan repairs