Our Process

Repairing chimney stucco in Bertha, step by step

Matching the stucco texture

Stucco finishes range from smooth troweled faces to sand, float and dashed textures. Preservation Brief 22 asks for the finish coat to be worked to match the texture of the original, since texture decides how well a repair blends in long before color does.

Our stucco specialists study the finish on your Bertha chimney before mixing anything, and they try an unusual texture on a sample first. You see that sample before the final coat goes on the chimney, so the finished patch holds no surprises.

Preparing brick so new stucco bonds

Stucco applied straight to masonry needs something to grip. Preservation Brief 22 describes raking out brick or stone mortar joints to a depth of about 5/8 inch where needed to ensure a good bond, and it notes that the irregular masonry or a scratched, roughened face provides the key.

On a brick chimney in Bertha that has lost its stucco in places, our masons clean the exposed brick, rake soft joints where the bond calls for it and check the brick itself before new stucco goes on. Any loose brick found under the stucco is priced as a masonry repair on its own line.

Cleaning stucco without damaging it

Stucco can be cleaned, gently. Preservation Brief 22 describes cleaning with a low-pressure water wash, supplemented by scrubbing with soft natural bristle brushes, and notes that algae, mold and metallic stains can be removed with poultices and appropriate solvents.

The brief also warns that dirt on heavily textured stucco can be hard to remove without taking some of the texture with it, so our team works slowly on your Bertha chimney. Cleaning also shows the true condition of the finish, and any crack hidden under the growth is added to the repair plan.

What your stucco estimate lists

A stucco chimney repair can involve several trades in one job. The written estimate for your Bertha chimney separates the stucco area and the number of coats, any lath or barrier work, crown, cap or flashing repairs, cleaning, and painting or coating, each as its own line.

That layout lets you approve the repairs that stop water first and schedule the cosmetic finish later if you prefer. Our family-owned team keeps upfront pricing with no hidden fees, and when you book within 72 hours of your free inspection, 10% comes off the work.