Chimney Repair, Repointing & Flashing in NYC
Chimneys take a beating from wind, rain and freeze-thaw cycles, and they are a leading source of roof leaks. East NYC Roofing repairs brick and mortar, rebuilds crowns, and installs flashing that keeps water out where the chimney meets the roof.
- 20 years in business
- 10-year warranty on replacements
- Within 2 hours for leaks
- Free written estimate
Problems this solves
- Crumbling or missing mortar joints
- Spalling or cracked bricks
- Cracked or deteriorated chimney crown
- Leaks at the base where chimney meets roof
- Failed or rusted flashing and counterflashing
- White staining (efflorescence) on the brick
- Leaning or loose chimney top
- Damaged or missing chimney cap
- Water coming into the fireplace or flue
- Loose bricks falling onto the roof or sidewalk
Chimney Repair explained
Chimney repair covers the masonry stack above the roof and the flashing that seals it to the roof. Brick and mortar absorb water, which then freezes, expands and breaks the masonry apart from within. Repointing replaces failed mortar joints, crown work restores the cap that sheds water off the top, and flashing repair seals the joint with the roof. Where bricks are badly deteriorated or the stack is leaning, partial or full rebuilding may be necessary. A chimney with structural concerns should be inspected promptly.
Options and materials
Repointing
Grinding out failed mortar joints and filling them with compatible mortar, restoring the masonry's protection against water before the brick itself starts to break down.
Crown repair or rebuild
Repairing or replacing the cap at the top of the chimney so that rain and snowmelt run off the stack instead of soaking down into the brick below it.
Flashing and counterflashing
Installing metal flashing at the base, with counterflashing cut into the mortar joints and integrated with the roof, to stop leaks at the roofline where chimneys leak most.
Brick replacement and partial rebuild
Replacing spalled or loose bricks and rebuilding the top courses of a deteriorated stack, so the chimney is sound and safe from the roof to the cap.
Chimney caps and waterproof sealer
Fitting caps to keep rain and animals out, and applying a breathable masonry sealer where it suits the brick, since non-breathable coatings can trap moisture.
Our process
- Chimney and roof inspectionWe inspect the stack from the roof, checking mortar, brick, crown, cap and flashing, and note any signs of movement, lean or water entry.
- Written scopeYou receive a clear scope, from repointing and flashing to a partial rebuild, with the reasoning for each item so you can decide what to include.
- Safe access and protectionWe set up safe access, protect the roof and surrounding areas, and contain masonry dust and debris so they do not end up in your gutters or yard.
- Masonry repairFailed mortar is removed, damaged bricks are replaced, and the crown is repaired or rebuilt using materials compatible with the existing brick and mortar.
- FlashingBase flashing and counterflashing are installed and sealed, and tied into the roof covering so water sheds over the joint instead of getting behind it.
- Cleanup and warrantyWe clear debris, provide photos and a written workmanship warranty. The terms are on our warranty page for you to read before work starts.
What affects the price
Chimney height and size
Taller or larger stacks require more material and scaffolding or specialized access, which adds to both the labor and the equipment involved in the job.
Extent of masonry damage
Light repointing is quicker than replacing bricks or rebuilding the top of the stack, so the amount of deterioration is a major driver of the work.
Roof pitch and access
Steep roofs and hard-to-reach chimneys need extra safety setup and staging before anyone can work on the masonry or flashing safely.
Flashing complexity
A chimney in the middle of a pitched roof with a cricket needs more detailing than one on a simple slope, and more flashing pieces to be cut and fitted.
Mortar and brick matching
Older buildings may need mortar and brick matched to the original, which takes more care, sourcing time and material than a standard repair.
Combined with other work
Doing chimney repair together with roof work can save on setup and ensures the flashing is coordinated with the new roof covering around it.
Getting a price
Because these factors change from roof to roof, we don't publish one-size-fits-all prices. We inspect your roof for free and give you a written, itemized estimate before any work starts.
Every chimney repair job includes
- Inspection of chimney, crown and flashing
- Written scope and explanation
- Safe access and property protection
- Permit handling where the scope requires it
- Mortar removal and repointing as scoped
- Brick replacement as scoped
- Flashing and counterflashing installation
- Debris removal and cleanup
- Photo documentation of the work
- Written workmanship warranty, terms on our warranty page
Written workmanship warranty on every job; full roof replacements carry our 10-year warranty. Warranty terms.