Chimney Repair Across New England — Licensed & Certified Masons
Whether it's deteriorating mortar, a cracked crown, or a liner that needs replacing — we diagnose the problem, explain it clearly, and fix it right the first time.
What We Repair
From mortar that's crumbling to liners that need full replacement — here's what we handle.
Tuckpointing
Remove and replace deteriorated mortar joints between bricks. Prevents water infiltration and brick movement. Essential for New England homes exposed to harsh freeze-thaw cycles.
Chimney Crown Repair
The concrete crown at the top of your chimney keeps water out of the flue. Cracks allow water inside, causing major damage. We repair or replace crowns to factory specs.
Chimney Cap Replacement
Chimney caps keep rain, animals, and debris out of your flue. We install heavy-duty stainless steel caps that last decades and include mesh screens for animal exclusion.
Flashing Repair
Chimney flashing is the metal sealing at the base of your chimney where it meets the roof. Failing flashing is the #1 cause of chimney-related roof leaks. We reseal or replace as needed.
Chimney Liner Repair/Replacement
A damaged liner allows dangerous combustion gases into your living space. We repair damaged clay tile liners or install new stainless steel or cast-in-place liners.
Chimney Waterproofing
We apply professional-grade masonry waterproofer to protect your chimney from New England's wet climate. This breathable treatment prevents water absorption while allowing moisture vapor to escape.
Warning Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
Catching chimney damage early saves thousands. Here's what to look out for:
White Staining (Efflorescence)
White chalky deposits on chimney bricks indicate water is moving through the masonry, carrying salts to the surface. This can signal significant moisture damage inside.
Crumbling or Missing Mortar
Mortar naturally deteriorates over 20–30 years, but New England's harsh winters accelerate this. Missing mortar allows water and debris into the chimney structure.
Cracks in Chimney Crown or Bricks
Cracks allow water to penetrate the chimney system. Even small cracks can rapidly expand through freeze-thaw cycles if not sealed promptly.
Water in Firebox After Rain
Finding water inside your firebox is a clear sign of failed flashing, a damaged crown, or liner cracks. Water damage compounds quickly — act fast.
Chunks of Tile in Firebox
Pieces of clay tile in your firebox indicate your liner is deteriorating. A damaged liner is a serious safety hazard and requires immediate attention.
Rust on Damper or Firebox
Rust indicates moisture is getting into your firebox. This usually means the chimney cap is damaged or the crown is cracked, allowing rainwater in.
Customer Reviews
See what New England homeowners say about our chimney repair work.
Had significant mortar deterioration on our 100-year-old chimney. Above Services did a complete tuckpointing job — looks like new. The crew was professional, covered everything, and the workmanship is excellent. Already recommended them to two neighbors.
Andrew B.
Boston, MA • April 2024
Water was coming into our home through the chimney every time it rained. Above Services found a cracked crown and failing flashing. They repaired both in one visit and waterproofed the exterior masonry. Completely solved the problem. Very professional team.
Nancy P.
Newton, MA • May 2024
Our chimney liner was old clay tile, badly cracked. Above Services installed a new stainless steel liner and it made an incredible difference in fireplace draft and efficiency. Fair price and great work. They also cleaned the chimney while they were at it.
Kevin S.
Waltham, MA • March 2024
Chimney Repair FAQ
Common questions about chimney repair in Massachusetts and Southern NH.
How do I know if my chimney needs repairs?
Common signs include white staining (efflorescence) on the exterior, crumbling or missing mortar between bricks, cracks in the chimney crown, rust stains on the firebox or damper, water intrusion into the fireplace, and chunks of tile in the firebox (indicating liner damage). If you see any of these, schedule an inspection right away.
What is tuckpointing and do I need it?
Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar joints and replacing them with fresh mortar. New England's freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on chimney mortar. If your mortar is crumbling, eroded, or missing, tuckpointing is essential to prevent water infiltration and structural damage. Neglected mortar can lead to brick instability over time.
How much does chimney repair cost?
Chimney repair costs vary widely depending on the scope of work. We provide free detailed estimates for all work — pricing varies based on height, extent, and materials. Call us to discuss your situation and we'll give you a clear, itemized quote before any work begins.
How long do chimney repairs take?
Minor repairs (cap replacement, partial tuckpointing) can often be completed in a single visit of 2–4 hours. More extensive work like full tuckpointing or liner installation may take 1–2 days. Mortar work requires 24–48 hours curing time before use.
Do I need to stop using my fireplace after repairs?
It depends on the type of repair. Masonry work using mortar requires a curing period of at least 48–72 hours before you fire up the fireplace. Liner replacements, cap installations, and other non-masonry repairs typically don't require any waiting period. We'll give you specific instructions after every job.
Do you repair gas fireplace chimneys?
Yes. We repair all types of chimney systems including gas fireplace vents, prefabricated metal chimneys, and traditional masonry chimneys. Gas systems have their own unique repair needs — we're trained and equipped to handle them all safely.
Call Above Services Now — Save 10% on Repairs
Don't let small chimney damage become a major expense. Call today, save 10%, and get a full assessment before any work begins. Serving all of New England.
Licensed & Insured · CSIA Certified · Serving New England Since 2013