Expert Chimney Repair Services for Northern NJ & CT Homes
Your chimney is one of the most exposed structures on your home. It endures constant assault from rain, snow, ice, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles that are particularly harsh in Northern New Jersey and Connecticut. Over time, mortar joints deteriorate, bricks crack, crowns fail, and flashing separates — creating entry points for water that can cause extensive damage to your roof, walls, and interior.
At Mimar Construction, we specialize in chimney repair and restoration throughout Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Tenafly, Greenwich, Darien, and surrounding communities. With 30 years of masonry experience, our team can handle everything from minor repointing to complete chimney rebuilds, restoring both the function and appearance of your chimney.
Our Chimney Repair Services
- Chimney Repointing — Removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh, properly mixed mortar that matches the original color and profile. Repointing restores the structural integrity of your chimney and prevents water infiltration through failed joints.
- Crown Repair & Replacement — The chimney crown (the concrete cap on top) is your chimney's first line of defense against water. We repair cracked crowns and replace severely damaged ones with properly sloped, reinforced crowns that shed water effectively.
- Flashing Repair & Replacement — Chimney flashing is the most common source of roof leaks. We install step flashing, counter flashing, and cricket/saddle flashing using quality materials that create a watertight seal between your chimney and roof.
- Brick Replacement — Cracked, spalled, or missing bricks are replaced with matching bricks to maintain your chimney's appearance and structural soundness.
- Chimney Rebuild (Above Roofline) — When deterioration is too extensive for repair, we rebuild the chimney from the roofline up using matching brick and proper mortar, restoring it to like-new condition.
- Chimney Cap & Chase Cover Installation — Stainless steel chimney caps prevent rain, snow, animals, and debris from entering your flue. We install and replace caps on all chimney types.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
Many homeowners in Montclair, Englewood Cliffs, and New Canaan don't realize their chimney has a problem until water is coming through the ceiling. Watch for these warning signs:
- White staining (efflorescence) on chimney bricks
- Crumbling or missing mortar between bricks
- Cracked or chipped bricks
- Visible gaps between the chimney and roof flashing
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney
- Leaning or tilting chimney structure
- Rusted or missing chimney cap
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Repair
We recommend an annual chimney inspection, especially before winter. In the Northern NJ and CT climate, freeze-thaw cycles accelerate mortar deterioration. Catching small issues early prevents expensive repairs later. Our free chimney inspections include a detailed assessment of the crown, flashing, mortar joints, bricks, and cap.
Repointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. Over time, mortar erodes from exposure to weather, especially freeze-thaw cycles. If left unrepaired, water penetrates through the failed joints, causing bricks to crack and potentially leading to structural failure. Proper repointing can extend your chimney's life by decades.
Yes. We take great care to match both brick color and mortar color to your existing chimney. For historic homes, we use appropriate mortar formulations (lime-based vs. Portland cement) to ensure compatibility with the original masonry. The goal is always a seamless repair that looks like it was always there.
Absolutely. Chimney flashing is the number one source of roof leaks we encounter. Even a small gap in the flashing allows water to run down inside your wall, causing hidden damage to framing, insulation, and drywall. Proper chimney flashing involves multiple layers of step flashing and counter flashing that work together to channel water away from the joint.
Most chimney repairs are completed in 1-2 days. Simple repointing or flashing repairs may take a single day. A full chimney rebuild above the roofline typically takes 2-3 days depending on the size and complexity. We schedule work during favorable weather to ensure proper mortar curing.
"We had been dealing with a leak around our chimney for years. Two other contractors tried to fix it and failed. Mimar Construction came out, immediately identified the real problem — failed step flashing hidden behind the counter flashing — and fixed it properly. No more leaks. They clearly have deep expertise in this area."
Chimney Repair Service Areas
We provide expert chimney repair and restoration services throughout Northern New Jersey and Connecticut, including: