Chimney Tuckpointing
Loose and deteriorated mortar is ground out and replaced with color-matched mortar to close the pathways water uses to get in.
Family Owned in Chicago Since 1992 — 1,000+ Permitted Projects
Chicago Chimney Repair & Chimney Tuckpointing
Repair cracked mortar, loose brick, deteriorating crowns, and weather-damaged chimney masonry before the damage spreads.
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Warning Signs
Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
- Brick on the chimney is spalling, flaking, cracking, displaced, or missing
- The concrete crown or capstone has cracks, even hairline ones
- Mortar is washing out of the top courses or the chimney is leaning
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney, or rust in the firebox
The Problem
Defenseless Above the Roofline.
Chimneys are usually the first part of a masonry building to show signs of deterioration. Resting above the roofline virtually defenseless, they have no roof or gutter system to divert water away from them like the main part of a brick building. Water that gets past a failed cap freezes, expands, and breaks the brick apart from the top down.
Repair Scope
Chimney Repair Services
Brick Repair & Partial Rebuilds
When brick is spalling, flaking, cracking, displacing, or missing, we rebuild the top courses or the full stack with new, matching masonry units.
Crown Repair & Replacement
A simple hairline crack in the capstone, if neglected, can disintegrate the top of the chimney. We pour new one-piece concrete crowns that shed water away from the brick.
Flashing Installation
New flashing where the chimney meets the roof, with ice and water shield, to stop leaks at the most common entry point.
Clay Flue Liner Replacement
Cracked or deteriorated clay liners are replaced to safeguard the structure of your chimney and keep it performing for years to come.
Metal Rain Covers / Chimney Caps Installed
Chimneys sit above the roofline with no gutter system to protect them. A metal rain cover keeps rain, snow, and debris out of the flue.
The Star Standard
Built for Lasting Structural Repair.
Structural Focus
We don't just patch cracks. We make sure the entire chimney is safe, sound, and built to shed water for decades.
Color Matching
When we rebuild, we custom-blend mortar and source matching brick so the chimney blends seamlessly with your home.
No Middlemen
Deal directly with the family team doing the work — not a lead-generation aggregator.
Visual Proof
See The Star Tuckpointing Standard.
Torn Down to Sound Masonry
Completed Historical Chimney Rebuild
Rebuilt with New Flashing
Chimney Cap & Flashing Installation
Completed Rebuild with Design Details Preserved
Homeowner Diagnostic Guide
4 Common Chicago Brick Chimney Problems (And What Each Fix Involves)
From hairline crown cracks to spalling top courses and failed flashing, see how we diagnose and repair brickwork above the roofline.
What clients say
Work that earns repeat calls and referrals.
“Prices are reasonable, quality and service are excellent. These guys are just great. If you call they either pick up or get back to you that day.”
“This is the third time that I have had Star do work on two houses and they are simply the best. Excellent craftsmanship and a fair price. No BS. No hassle.”
FAQ
Chicago Chimney Repair - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does chimney repair cost in Chicago?
Chimney repair in Chicago typically ranges from $800 for minor tuckpointing to $8,000 or more for a full rebuild. Crown replacement usually runs $800 to $2,500. Star Tuckpointing inspects the chimney and provides a written estimate before any work begins.
How do I know if my Chicago chimney needs rebuilding?
A chimney needs rebuilding when bricks are severely spalling, the structure is leaning or separated from the building, mortar is washing out at the top, or the crown is cracked and leaking. Star Tuckpointing inspects from the roof and recommends repair versus rebuild.
What is a chimney crown and why does it matter?
The chimney crown is the concrete cap on top that sheds water away from the chimney structure. A cracked crown lets water enter the chimney, freeze, and split the brick. Star Tuckpointing repairs or replaces crowns to stop leaks at the source.
Can you match the brick when rebuilding a Chicago chimney?
Yes. Star Tuckpointing sources matching or compatible brick for chimney rebuilds and matches mortar color so the rebuilt chimney blends with the home's original masonry. We have rebuilt chimneys on Chicago homes built across every era.
What is chimney tuckpointing?
Chimney tuckpointing removes loose or deteriorated mortar from the joints between chimney bricks and replaces it with new mortar. It can help restore the chimney's masonry joints and reduce pathways for water entry.
Why do chimney mortar joints fail faster?
Chimneys are exposed above the roofline to rain, snow, wind, temperature changes, and freeze-thaw cycles. That exposure can accelerate mortar deterioration and brick damage.
Can a damaged chimney be repaired without rebuilding it?
Some chimney damage can be repaired with tuckpointing, brick replacement, crown repair, or localized rebuilding. More extensive deterioration may require partial or full rebuilding, depending on the condition.
Do you install chimney caps and clay flue liners?
Yes. Star Tuckpointing installs metal rain covers (chimney caps) that keep rain, snow, and debris out of the flue, and replaces cracked or deteriorated clay flue liners that protect the chimney's masonry from heat and moisture. Both are often done during a chimney rebuild or crown replacement, and we include them in the written estimate when they're needed.
A Family Name Behind Every Job
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Peter Kleszcz, Owner
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