Chimney Repair & Rebuilding Services

Why Your Chimney Needs Professional Attention

Your chimney does more than just look nice on your roofline. It is a critical safety feature that vents dangerous gases out of your home. When chimneys develop cracks, leaning, or deterioration, they become serious hazards. Carbon monoxide can leak into your living spaces. Water damage can spread to your walls and ceiling. In extreme cases, unstable chimneys can even collapse.

Here in Ontario, CA, chimneys face constant stress from temperature changes, wind, rain, and seismic activity. The mortar between bricks breaks down over time. The chimney crown cracks. Flashing separates from the roof. These problems do not fix themselves, and they get worse every year you wait.

At OT Ontario Masonry, we have repaired and rebuilt hundreds of chimneys throughout Ontario and surrounding areas. We know how to spot problems early and fix them before they turn into expensive emergencies. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete rebuild, we have the experience and skills to do it right.

Common Chimney Problems We Solve

Every chimney is different, but the problems they face are surprisingly similar. Here are the issues we see most often in Ontario, CA:

Leaning or Tilting Chimneys

A chimney that leans away from your house is not just ugly. It is dangerous. Leaning happens when the foundation settles unevenly or when the footing was not built correctly in the first place. Once a chimney starts leaning, it will continue to move until it fails. We assess the foundation, determine if the chimney can be straightened, or recommend a rebuild if necessary.

Damaged Chimney Crowns

The crown is the concrete or mortar top that covers your chimney. It sheds water away from the flue opening and protects the brick below. When crowns crack, water pours into your chimney structure and causes rapid deterioration. We rebuild crowns with proper slope and weather-resistant materials that last for decades.

Deteriorating Mortar Joints

Mortar joints are the weakest part of any chimney. They wear out long before the brick does. When joints crumble or fall out, water gets into the chimney and freezes during cold snaps. This freeze-thaw cycle destroys the structure from the inside. Our tuckpointing services restore these joints and stop water intrusion.

Flashing Failures

Flashing is the metal that seals the gap between your chimney and roof. When flashing corrodes or pulls away, water runs down inside your walls. Most chimney leaks are actually flashing problems, not chimney problems. We install new flashing using proper techniques that keep water where it belongs.

Spalling Bricks

When brick faces start flaking off, that is spalling. It happens when water gets trapped in the brick and freezes. Once spalling starts, it accelerates quickly. We remove damaged bricks and replace them with properly fired units that resist moisture. If the spalling is widespread, a partial or complete rebuild might be the best solution.

Our Chimney Repair and Rebuilding Process

We approach every chimney project with safety and quality in mind. The process starts with a thorough inspection from the foundation to the crown. We look at everything: the footing, the brick, the mortar, the flue liner, the crown, and the flashing.

• Complete structural assessment including foundation stability
• Interior flue inspection for cracks and deterioration
• Detailed photos and written report of all issues found
• Clear explanation of repair versus rebuild options
• Safe removal of damaged sections when rebuilding
• Proper rebuilding using code-compliant techniques
• New flashing installation for long-term water protection
• Final inspection and cleanup of your property

For repairs, we match your existing brick and mortar so the work blends seamlessly. For rebuilds, we can either match the original look or update the design to better suit your home. Either way, we build chimneys that last. We use quality materials, proper techniques, and attention to detail that shows in the finished product.

Safety is our top priority during chimney work. We use scaffolding and safety equipment to protect our workers and your property. We also protect your roof, landscaping, and outdoor spaces from debris. When we finish, we clean up thoroughly so you would never know we were there except for your beautifully repaired chimney.

Frequently Asked Questions