top of page
468962966_10161101503546925_1483741777567388185_n_edited_edited.jpg

Chimney Repairs

Chimneys standing tall above the home and exposed to the elements are probably the type of masonry structure that degrades the fastest. Our years of experience and expertise have shown us how to build chimneys that are up to code and that will last the test of time

40+ years of rebuilding chimney

We are Montreal's foremost experts at rebuilding and repairing chimneys. Serving the entire island including the West-Island, Vaudreuil-Dorion, St-Lazarre and Rigaud. Watch one of our head masons masterfully rebuild a chimney in this video.

Before and after of middle chimney brick replacement repair in Montréal

Let's repair that chimney!

In Montreal and throughout Quebec, chimneys are especially vulnerable to water infiltration, freeze-thaw cycles, deteriorated mortar joints, and spalling bricks or stone. Our Services include: repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged bricks or stones, correcting flashing issues, or rebuilding sections of the chimney that have weakened over time.

 

When deterioration is extensive, a full or partial chimney rebuild ensures is required. Expert chimney masonry not only restores appearance but also protects against leaks, fire hazards, and other costly structural damage.

The Importance of a properly Designed Chimney

Water is the #1 cause of chimney damage and failure.

 

  Chimney crown (concrete or metal):

    Your Crown is the chimney's first line of defense. It sits atop the chimney brick or stonework and acts as a kind of mini roof that keeps water off of the masonry. If you keep water off the masonry, the chimney stops deteriorating. Important elements of a chimney crown are a strong drip edge and a proper slope to shed water on the top. The crown can be built out of concrete or if you have an existing chimney that just needs extra protection we can install a metal crown for you.

 

  Proper flashing at roof intersections:

    The chimney flashing is located at the junction of the roof and chimney. It prevents water that runs along the roof from entering at this crucial point. The flashing should compose of a base flashing and a counter flashing. acting together they will keep your home dry. If your chimney is wide or if you have a steep slope behind the chimney, you may need an additional chimney saddle. The chimney saddle is a triangular built out portion of the roof that will divert water to the sides of the chimney. Another common flashing problem occurs when water runs into the chimney flashing and then leaks down the side of the chimney. In these cases we recommend installing a flashing diverter ​

Before and after photo of a repaired chimney. Stone and bricks mixed in Montreal
Before and after photo of a repaired brick chimney in Montreal

 

Step-by-step chimney rebuild process

  1. Site assessment & scope

    • Identify what’s failing (crown, flashing, mortar, spalling brick, leaning, tie failure).

    • Decide: partial rebuild (above roofline) vs full rebuild (down to roof deck/attic line or lower).

  2. Safety + setup

    • Permits if required.

    • Fall protection, debris control, protect roof, skylights, siding.

    • Set scaffold or roof staging; confirm access for materials.

  3. Demolition to sound masonry

    • Remove crown/cap, damaged brick and mortar.

    • Continue demolition until you reach solid, stable, well-bonded masonry.

    • Clean/prepare the top of remaining chimney for proper bond.

  4. Verify structure & alignment

    • Check plumb, footprint, and stability.

    • Confirm support at roof/attic line; correct any framing/roof deck issues if chimney is shifting.

  5. Rebuild the masonry

    • Lay new brick (or reuse matching brick where appropriate).

    • Maintain correct bond pattern, joint thickness, and plumb.

    • Tool joints properly for water shedding.

    • Rebuild/resize smoke flue/liners as needed (clay liners or stainless system).

  6. Install/repair flue liner (if needed)

    • Replace broken clay liners or install stainless liner (often required for appliances/inserts).

    • Insulate liner where required by the system/manufacturer.

  7. Chimney crown (wash) + drip edge

    • Form a proper concrete crown with slope away from flue.

    • Provide overhang + drip edge.

    • Include expansion joint around flue tile/liner with appropriate sealant.

  8. Flashing & counterflashing

    • Install base flashing properly integrated with shingles/roofing.

    • Install counterflashing (reglet cut into mortar joint or step/cap style).

    • Ensure clearance so water sheds off flashing without soaking the brick.

  9. Cap / Chinmey hat / Spark arrestor

    • Install the correct cap for the flue (rain protection, animal screen, draft considerations).

    • Verify secure attachment and corrosion-resistant materials

  10. Waterproofing & finishing (optional)

  •  Apply breathable masonry water repellent if appropriate (never “seal” a wet chimney).

  • Remove Crown Form

Quick rule of thumb on scope

  • Above-roofline rebuild: most common when crown/brickwork is failing but the lower chimney is sound.

  • Full rebuild: needed if the stack is leaning, separating, severely spalled, or failing below the roofline.

Reference Photos

The components of a chimney

chimney diagram showing all the different chimney components and parts. crown, flashing, flue

What an ideal Concrete chimney crown should look like

chimney crown diagram explaining what a well built crown should look like

Metal Chimney Crown Examples

example of what a Chimney metal crown looks like
chimney before and after with metal crown

Chimney Flue with a stainless steel liner installed

Chimney liner installed inside a chimney flue. to repair broken terracotta tile chimney flue

Chimney Flashing installation on a stone chimney

Chimney hats and crown

chimney_hat and crown

Color chart for Metal crowns and Flashing

metal colors for flashing and chimney crowns
bottom of page