Our Services
How we repair chimney leaks in Markham
Same-day leak visits in Markham when the schedule allows, with a temporary cover if repair day must wait.
Checking entry points from the top down
Water travels downhill, so the search starts at the chimney top. We check the cap and the flue opening first, next the crown and the joint at the flue tile, then the brick and mortar, and last the flashing where the chimney meets the roof.
Following that order stops us from repairing something low while the real entry sits higher up, and it catches chimneys that leak in two places at once. Each finding is recorded with how strongly the evidence points to it, so the estimate starts with the likely cause and does not overlook the others.
Open mortar joints
Mortar joints wear faster than the brick around them. Once they open, rain moves into the wall with every storm and comes out inside as dampness or stains.
Repointing removes the loose mortar to a sound depth and packs the joint with new mortar. The National Park Service advises that new mortar be softer and more vapor permeable than the brick, so the joints keep taking the wear instead of the brick faces. The mortar we use is chosen for your chimney's brick, never simply the strongest mix we could buy.
Letting the masonry dry
A chimney that has been soaking for months holds water in its brick and mortar for some time after the leak is stopped. Stains may stay visible and some dampness may linger inside.
After the repair, you learn what to expect and which signs would mean water is still getting in. Fresh moisture after a storm deserves a call, while an old stain slowly fading does not. Keeping the two apart saves you from worrying over a repair that is working.
Water coming in after hours
Heavy water through a chimney rarely waits for business hours. Our 24/7 line takes the call, helps you protect the room and arranges the next available visit.
When the permanent repair cannot happen right away, a temporary cover can close the flue top until repair day. The cover and the repair are priced separately, and you approve each one before the work is done.
