Chimney Repair & Rebuilding Services

Signs Your Chimney Needs Attention

Your chimney works hard every time you light a fire. It channels smoke and dangerous gases out of your home while standing up to extreme temperature changes, rain, snow, and wind. Over time, even the best-built chimneys start to show wear. Catching problems early can save you from expensive repairs or even a complete rebuild down the road.

Most homeowners do not think about their chimney until something goes wrong. Maybe you notice water stains on the ceiling near your fireplace, or you spot loose bricks on your roof. These warning signs tell you it is time to call a professional before minor damage becomes a major hazard.

• Cracked or deteriorating chimney crown: The crown is the concrete top that seals your chimney. Cracks let water seep in and cause serious damage.
• Damaged flashing: The metal flashing where your chimney meets the roof is a common leak point. Rust, gaps, or loose flashing means water is getting in.
• Spalling bricks: When chimney bricks start flaking or crumbling, moisture has penetrated the masonry and is causing damage from the inside out.
• Leaning or tilting chimney: A chimney that leans away from your house signals foundation problems or structural failure that needs immediate attention.
• White staining (efflorescence): Those white streaks on your chimney are salt deposits left behind by water, proving moisture is working its way through the brick.
• Rusted damper or firebox: Rust inside your fireplace or on the damper indicates water is getting in through cracks in the chimney structure.

At AGM Augusta Masonry, we have repaired and rebuilt hundreds of chimneys throughout Augusta, GA and the surrounding areas. We know how to spot problems that other contractors miss, and we fix them right the first time.

Repair or Rebuild: What Does Your Chimney Need?

When Repair Makes Sense

Many chimney problems can be fixed without tearing everything down and starting over. If your chimney has solid structural integrity but shows minor to moderate damage, targeted repairs are usually the smart choice. We can replace damaged bricks, repoint deteriorated mortar joints, rebuild the crown, install new flashing, or fix cracks in the flue liner.

Repairs cost less than rebuilding and take less time, but they only work if the foundation and core structure are sound. We never recommend a quick fix if your chimney needs more extensive work. That approach just wastes your money and leaves you with ongoing problems.

When You Need a Rebuild

Sometimes a chimney is beyond repair. If the structure is leaning significantly, the foundation has failed, or damage extends throughout most of the masonry, rebuilding is the safer and more cost-effective option. A partial rebuild might involve taking down the chimney from the roofline up, while a complete rebuild starts at the foundation.

During a rebuild, we can also address design flaws in the original construction, improve the flue liner system, and upgrade materials for better longevity. Modern chimney construction techniques and materials last longer and perform better than older methods.

Complete Chimney Solutions

We handle every aspect of chimney repair and rebuilding. Our team has the skills, experience, and equipment to tackle any chimney project, from minor brick replacement to complete structural rebuilds. Here is what we offer:

Chimney Crown Repair and Replacement

The crown protects your chimney from water damage. We repair cracks or pour a new crown using proper materials and techniques that shed water away from the flue.

Flashing Installation and Repair

Properly installed flashing creates a watertight seal between your chimney and roof. We use quality materials and proven methods to eliminate leaks.

Brick and Mortar Restoration

We replace damaged bricks and repoint mortar joints to restore structural integrity and prevent water intrusion. Our brick repair services include color matching to preserve your home's appearance.

Chimney Liner Repair and Installation

A damaged flue liner poses serious safety risks including carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. We inspect, repair, or replace liners to keep your home safe.

Complete Chimney Rebuilds

When repair is not enough, we rebuild your chimney from the ground up using modern materials and techniques. We handle all permits and inspections to ensure code compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions