Full-service chimney repair: tuckpointing, masonry repair, partial and complete rebuilds. Free on-site estimates with photo-documented inspection. Licensed, insured, and built for Chicago weather.
Chicago weather destroys chimneys. Fifty or more freeze-thaw cycles per winter crack mortar, spall bricks, and deteriorate crowns. Wind-driven rain penetrates failing flashing. Road salt and moisture corrode metal components. Our licensed masons repair, restore, and rebuild chimneys built to withstand decades more of Chicago seasons — from brick bungalows in Portage Park to stone estates on the North Shore.
| Repair Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Minor mortar / tuckpointing | $500–$2,500 |
| Crown repair or resurfacing | $400–$1,500 |
| Flashing repair / replacement | $300–$1,500 |
| Chimney cap installation | $150–$700 |
| Chase cover replacement | $300–$800 |
| Partial rebuild (above roofline) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Full chimney rebuild | $5,000–$15,000+ |
| Flue liner replacement | $1,500–$5,000 |
1. Free inspection and photo report. We examine the entire chimney system — crown, flashing, mortar joints, bricks, flue liner, firebox, and damper. You get a detailed photo report showing exactly what we found and what needs attention, with prioritized repair recommendations.
2. Written quote. We provide a clear, itemized estimate covering materials, labor, and timeline. No vague ranges — you know the exact cost before we start.
3. Scheduling. We schedule the work at your convenience. Most repairs are completed in 1-3 days depending on scope. Masonry work requires temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so we plan around Chicago's weather.
4. Execution. Our masons use Type S mortar (high bond strength, water resistant) for tuckpointing and rebuild work, color-matched to your existing mortar. Crowns are poured with Portland cement mixes reinforced with steel mesh. All work is sealed with waterproofing sealant to extend the life of the repair.
5. Final walkthrough and warranty. We walk you through the completed repair with before-and-after photos. All masonry work includes our workmanship warranty. We clean up completely — no debris, no mess left behind.
Repair is the right call when: damage is limited to the crown, cap, flashing, or isolated mortar joints. Tuckpointing addresses deteriorated mortar while preserving the original brick. Most chimneys with surface-level damage can be fully restored for $500-$2,500 and will last another 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
Rebuild is necessary when: the chimney is leaning or tilting, bricks are spalling across multiple courses (not just one or two), cracks run through the bricks themselves (not just the mortar), damage extends below the roofline into the attic or wall cavity, or the flue liner has collapsed or separated. A partial rebuild (above the roofline only) runs $2,000-$5,000. A full rebuild from the firebox up runs $5,000-$15,000+. Our inspection determines exactly where the damage stops and where sound structure begins — so we never rebuild more than necessary.
We use Type S mortar for all tuckpointing and masonry work — it has higher bond strength and better water resistance than Type N, which matters in Chicago's wet, freezing winters. For crown work, we use Portland cement mixes with steel mesh reinforcement. All completed masonry receives a breathable waterproofing sealant (ChimneySaver or equivalent) that repels water while allowing moisture vapor to escape — preventing the trapped-moisture spalling that destroys chimneys sealed with paint or non-breathable coatings.
Brick bungalows (1920s-1940s). The most common chimney type we repair. Found throughout Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Garfield Ridge, Archer Heights, and the bungalow belt. Typical issues: flat crowns with no overhang, deteriorated mortar from 80+ years of freeze-thaw, and original clay flue liners that have cracked or separated.
Brick two-flats and three-flats. The backbone of Chicago neighborhoods like Bridgeport, Pilsen, Logan Square, and Avondale. Taller chimneys that take more wind and weather exposure. Common problems: spalling at the top courses, failed flashing at the roof junction, and deteriorated caps.
North Shore stone and custom brick. Homes in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Hinsdale often have large, multi-flue chimneys with complex flashing and custom stonework. We match mortar color and stone profile to preserve the home's character while restoring structural integrity.
Cracked or missing mortar joints, spalling bricks (face popping off), white staining (efflorescence), water stains on walls near the chimney, a leaning or tilting chimney, rust on the damper or firebox, crumbling crown material, and smoke entering your home. If you see any of these, call for a free inspection before the damage spreads.
Widen Chicago serves all of Chicago and 100+ surrounding suburbs. Our free on-site estimates include a photo-documented inspection so you see exactly what needs repair and why. No pressure, no scare tactics — just honest answers.
Fill out the form and we'll call you within 1 business hour with upfront pricing — no hidden fees, no pressure.
Prefer to call?
(224) 343-1991Call now for same-week scheduling or request a free estimate online.