Chimney Masonry Repair & Tuckpointing Services: Trust Dunrite in Centereach, Long Island & Surrounding Areas
Whether you’re building a new home with a fireplace, remodeling your current chimney, or just need some chimney damages addressed, we’re the team to trust with all of your masonry-related chimney and fireplace services. Book online today.
What Is Chimney Tuckpointing? How Do I Know if I Need Tuckpointing?
Even the most well-built and well-maintained chimneys require maintenance from time to time. Your bricks and mortar are constantly facing the elements and, without regular repairs and preventive maintenance, they’ll be much more susceptible to damage.
Tuckpointing (also known as pointing or repointing) is done by grinding out the existing damaged mortar joints to a consistent depth, then “tucking” new mortar into those cracks. Our techs are trained to match your old mortar to the new, ensuring the repairs are virtually unnoticeable. And once that’s complete, we can waterproof your chimney to keep it from happening again.
Signs you may need chimney tuckpointing include:
- You have cracked or loose mortar. One of the most obvious signs is spotting crumbling or missing mortar joints – tuckpointing will restore the structure and prevent further damage.
- You’re experiencing chimney water leaks. If you notice water leaking into your firebox or into your home around the chimney area, it could indicate damaged mortar joints that need to be sealed.
- Your brickwork is spalling. This occurs when water infiltrates the bricks, causing them to break apart or crumble – tuckpointing and waterproofing can help repair these damaged areas.
- Your chimney is leaning. A cause for immediate concern, if your chimney appears to be leaning or shifting, tuckpointing might be needed to reinforce its foundation and mortar joints.
- You spot mortar powder on the ground. Finding mortar powder around your chimney base is a clear sign that the mortar is deteriorating and requires attention.
- Your bricks are damaged or discolored. Discolored or damaged brickwork can be an indication that moisture has been getting into the joints, and tuckpointing will help address the issue.
Have any concerns? Our experts can help – call or book online today.
How Do Bricks & Mortar Break Down?
Why is your masonry so vulnerable when left exposed and unprotected? Aren’t bricks known for being strong and indestructible?
Well, bricks and mortar are both porous materials that absorb water when exposed to it. Over time, this soaked-in water causes the materials to break down, and when winter arrives, the freeze/thaw process will cause the bricks to spall and mortar joints crack.
Once your mortar starts crumbling, tuckpointing services are a must. The longer you avoid repairs, the worse the issues will become, and eventually an entire rebuild may be necessary. It’s always going to be better to invest in repair services early on rather than an expensive rebuild down the line.
And after your repair services are complete, be sure to book waterproofing services to avoid any recurrences down the line.
How Can I Protect My Masonry Chimney?
What else can you do to ensure your chimney and masonry in Centereach, NY stays better protected for the long haul?
- Crown Repairs/Rebuilds: A well-built and reliable crown will do a lot to keep your masonry in good shape for many years. The crown’s main job is to direct water out and away from the sides of your chimney, so your bricks and mortar face less exposure overall. But in order to do this it needs to be built right – and from the right materials too.
- Chimney Waterproofing: We mentioned it above, but it’s worth mentioning again. Waterproofing is the best way to keep your masonry protected against water, snow, sleet, and any other moisture it might be exposed to. It ensures the water beads up and rolls off, rather than soaks in, helping you avoid major damage over time.
- Chimney Cap Installation: Chimney caps keep water from entering the inside of your flue, where it can then break down your masonry from the inside out. Chimney caps play a big role in protecting your system from water entry, and they offer many other benefits as well, so be sure to invest in one that’s reliably built – and have a professional properly install it.
- Chimney Inspections: Not sure where your system stands? Schedule an inspection with our team today, and we’d be happy to look things over. Many times bigger masonry-related issues could have been easily avoided if an inspection was completed and minor flaws were spotted ahead of time. This is why annual inspections are so encouraged in this industry!
We’re Owens Corning Dealers
We are a proud dealer of Owens Corning products, which means we can take your drab, boring fireplace and give it a boost with brick, rock, or cultured stone. Once we’re through, your old fireplace will finally be that beautiful centerpiece you’ve been dreaming of.
Looking to dress up the exterior of your home, as well? We can install matching stones on both your home and chimney, creating a custom look unlike anything else in your neighborhood.
Call Today
When it comes to your masonry, delaying the necessary will only make things harder – and more expensive – to address down the line. Our certified and experienced crew specializes in all things masonry, and we can build, rebuild, repair, or remodel your fireplace and chimney in Centereach or Long Island, no problem. Trust in us to get the job done right.
Give our experts a call today or request your next appointment online.
Our chimney, stove, and fireplace repair services come complete with professional chimney relining services, so give us a call.