Services
Getting chimney masonry right in Geneva
How we plan a masonry repair on your Geneva chimney, from the first crack to the final joint.
Cutting out old mortar to the right depth
On a repair that includes joint work, the old mortar comes out before new mortar goes in. National Park Service guidance calls for removal to at least two to two and a half times the joint width, which for most brick joints works out to about half an inch to an inch, plus any loose mortar beyond that.
Shallow patching over crumbling mortar tends to fall out within a few seasons. The same guidance warns that power saws on thin brick joints almost always chip the brick edges, so our masons rely on hand tools and closely controlled equipment next to the brick. Joint-only jobs are booked as their own service; this step matters here when a crack repair crosses worn joints.
Removing old patches and smeared sealant
Many chimneys carry earlier repairs: roofing cement smeared over joints, caulk pushed into cracks, or a skim of mortar spread across the brick faces. These patches often trap water behind them and hide how far the damage has actually gone.
Before repairing, we remove failed patch material from the area being worked on so the masonry underneath can be judged properly. That sometimes changes the scope, and if it does, we stop and explain the change before going further. Nothing is added to your bill without your approval, and the reason for any change is written down.
Brick, block, stucco or stone
From the street, a chimney finished in stucco or stone veneer can look much like a brick one, yet each needs its own repair method and materials. We confirm what the chimney is built of and what covers it before recommending anything.
This service covers brick and mortar. Stucco and stone chimneys have their own repair services with their own materials, and a framed chimney chase is another job again. Knowing exactly which one you have keeps the estimate accurate and keeps you from paying for the wrong fix. If a chimney combines materials, each part is priced for what it is.
