A Brick Chimney is a Functional
and Beautiful Part of Your Home
A Brick Chimney is a Functional
and Beautiful Part of Your Home
The last thing You want to deal with is unexpected repairs. It’s important that You know the whats, whys and hows regarding Your chimney before You decide to get it repaired.
Because of their elevation, relentless exposure to the elements, and Illinois’ freeze-thaw cycle, Chicago brick chimneys undergo a lot of abuse which can easily go unnoticed.
Some brick chimney damages are clear to see, it is important to get all parts of Your masonry chimney inspected every 2-3 years so You can identify any new damage on time and have it repaired before a serious chimney leak.
Many modern homes run a high efficiency furnace system or rarely use their chimney fireplace. This can make noticing issues even more difficult, You might not even be aware until it becomes serious, like surrounding structural damage from leaking or worse – a leaning or toppled chimney.




What Causes Chicago Brick Chimney Damage?
What Causes Chicago Brick Chimney Damage?




Your brick chimney is constantly exposed to the elements throughout the year. Rainwater, melting ice, and snow can penetrate deep between the bricks. During Chicago’s frequent freeze–thaw cycles, this leads to a condition known as spalling.
Spalling affects the surface of Your bricks, causing them to pop, peel, flake, and eventually crumble if left untreated. Cracked masonry can result in leaks and interior water damage. Most often, cracks and long-term damages in Your brickwork will need a complete rebuild.
Many will say chimneys have a lifespan of 30 years. This is assuming that there’s a correctly installed chimney crown sitting at the top of the structure to protect its interior. Chicago brick chimneys are often missing this crucial component. Without a crown, water is able to enter the structure, accelerating the deterioration of the bricks, mortar, and flue liners, and significantly shortening the chimney’s lifespan.
What Occurs as Your
Brick
Chimney Deteriorates
01
Mortar, bricks, and flue liners can crumble and fall inside the chimney, restricting proper ventilation. This may prevent exhaust gases from escaping, allowing carbon monoxide to enter Your home and pose a serious health risk to You and Your loved ones.
01
Mortar, bricks, and flue liners can crumble and fall inside the chimney, restricting proper ventilation. This may prevent exhaust gases from escaping, allowing carbon monoxide to enter Your home and pose a serious health risk to You and Your loved ones.
02
A blocked chimney flue can lead to increased creosote buildup, which significantly raises the risk of a chimney fire. As deterioration continues, brick walls may weaken and separate, potentially causing structural failure in areas such as the attic or roofline.
02
A blocked chimney flue can lead to increased creosote buildup, which significantly raises the risk of a chimney fire. As deterioration continues, brick walls may weaken and separate, potentially causing structural failure in areas such as the attic or roofline.
03
Severely deteriorated masonry chimneys are extremely dangerous. They can collapse, damage roofing systems and structural components, and may seriously injure or kill occupants
03
Severely deteriorated masonry chimneys are extremely dangerous. They can collapse, damage roofing systems and structural components, and may seriously injure or kill occupants
First Signs Your Home has a Leaky Brick Chimney
Most homeowners assume their chimney is leaking only when they can visibly see water in the fireplace, ceiling, or flue. However, there are many other signs of chimney leaks and hidden water damage, including:
- Spalling mortar and bricks
- The sound of water dripping near the fireplace or chimney
- White, chalky residue inside the fireplace
- Musty or damp odors in the attic, firebox, or surrounding rooms, especially after rain
- Moisture, water stains, or damp areas on interior walls or ceilings




An Inspection Will Help You Determine
if Your Chimney is Damaged
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend getting Your chimney inspected by a knowledgeable expert once a year.
This is important to identify damage, safety concerns, or signs of animal activity. A professional inspection can detect:
- Cracks
- Creosote buildup
- Water desecration
- Spalling
- Damaged or missing crown or chimney cap
- Cracked, damaged, or missing flue tiles or liners (internal metal parts)
- Deteriorated or poorly installed flashing (waterproof seal)
- Pest infestation of the chimney
- Obstructions or blockages
Almost all of the above issues can occur even if You don’t often use Your fireplace. It’s very important that problems are spotted early to avoid future issues and expensive repairs.
An Inspection Will Help You Determine
if Your Chimney is Damaged
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend getting Your chimney inspected by a knowledgeable expert once a year.
This is important to identify damage, safety concerns, or signs of animal activity. A professional inspection can detect:
- Cracks
- Creosote buildup
- Water desecration
- Spalling
- Damaged or missing crown or chimney cap
- Cracked, damaged, or missing flue tiles or liners (internal metal parts)
- Deteriorated or poorly installed flashing (waterproof seal)
- Pest infestation of the chimney
- Obstructions or blockages
Almost all of the above issues can occur even if You don’t often use Your fireplace. It’s very important that problems are spotted early to avoid future issues and expensive repairs.
More To Know
The Benefits of Rebuilding or Repairing Your Brick Chimney
As you now know, a damaged brick chimney can lead to leaks, pest intrusion, and structural instability.
If Your brick chimney is tilting, leaning, cracking, spalling, or severely deteriorated, a rebuild may be necessary. Rebuilding Your brick chimney can increase the property’s value, improve resale or rental potential, and enhance both the functionality and curb appeal of Your home.
Tuckpointing is a restorative process that involves removing deteriorated mortar from Your brick chimney and replacing it with new mortar. This strengthens the chimney structure, reduces the risk of water damage from leaks, and helps prevent bricks from crumbling. Tuckpointing is best suited for chimneys with mild to moderate damage.
A partial rebuild involves replacing only a specific section of Your chimney, typically near the top, where damage is most common. This option is ideal when deterioration is localized and the rest of the structure remains sound.
A complete brick chimney rebuild requires replacing the entire chimney structure, including bricks and other essential components. This is necessary when the chimney has severe deterioration, significant leaning, or widespread structural failure.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair Your Chimney?
Pricing for brick chimney repairs could typically range between $1,000-$35,000. However, for extremely large projects the price can exceed $80,000. The final price depends on the size, type, and condition of your chimney, as well as the extent of the required repairs or rebuild.
Why is there such a wide price range for getting Your Chicago brick chimney repaired?
There are several factors and variables that influence the cost of repairing a Chicago brick masonry chimney. Some of the most important include:
- Degree of deterioration of chimney components
- Chimney location, size, and height
- Scaffolding or lift requirements (including boom lifts)
- Type of bricks
- Type of chimney crown
- Type of chimney rain cap
- Chimney flue liner
To give you a better understanding of brick chimney repair and rebuild pricing, please refer to the examples below. These examples reflect recent projects and current market pricing, providing a more accurate idea of costs.
More To Know
The Benefits of Rebuilding or Repairing Your Brick Chimney
As you now know, a damaged brick chimney can lead to leaks, pest intrusion, and structural instability.
If Your brick chimney is tilting, leaning, cracking, spalling, or severely deteriorated, a rebuild may be necessary. Rebuilding Your brick chimney can increase the property’s value, improve resale or rental potential, and enhance both the functionality and curb appeal of Your home.
Tuckpointing is a restorative process that involves removing deteriorated mortar from Your brick chimney and replacing it with new mortar. This strengthens the chimney structure, reduces the risk of water damage from leaks, and helps prevent bricks from crumbling. Tuckpointing is best suited for chimneys with mild to moderate damage.
A partial rebuild involves replacing only a specific section of Your chimney, typically near the top, where damage is most common. This option is ideal when deterioration is localized and the rest of the structure remains sound.
A complete brick chimney rebuild requires replacing the entire chimney structure, including bricks and other essential components. This is necessary when the chimney has severe deterioration, significant leaning, or widespread structural failure.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair Your Chimney?
Pricing for brick chimney repairs could typically range between $1,000-$35,000. However, for extremely large projects the price can exceed $80,000. The final price depends on the size, type, and condition of your chimney, as well as the extent of the required repairs or rebuild.
Why is there such a wide price range for getting Your Chicago brick chimney repaired?
There are several factors and variables that influence the cost of repairing a Chicago brick masonry chimney. Some of the most important include:
- Degree of deterioration of chimney components
- Chimney location, size, and height
- Scaffolding or lift requirements (including boom lifts)
- Type of bricks
- Type of chimney crown
- Type of chimney rain cap
- Chimney flue liner
To give you a better understanding of brick chimney repair and rebuild pricing, please refer to the examples below. These examples reflect recent projects and current market pricing, providing a more accurate idea of costs.
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Explore Our Collaborative Process
Join hands with Jagra Masonry
for Your next project
Your Journey Starts Here
Explore Our Collaborative Process
Join hands with Jagra Masonry
for Your next project.
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Where Professionalism Meets
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At Jagra Masonry, we pride ourselves on providing premium service. Our dedicated workers are committed to delivering consistent, high-quality work to our valued customers. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we strive to exceed your expectations with every project.
Communication
When You choose Jagra Masonry, our dedication to quality ensures clear communication and transparent services, keeping You informed and at ease. We aim for outstanding results, always prioritizing Your satisfaction and keeping You well-informed throughout the process.
Fast Response Time
You can trust our service team to respond promptly to Your inquiries, ensuring Your needs are addressed quickly and effectively. We prioritize Your satisfaction and are committed to providing attentive support tailored to Your requirements.
Testimonials
Experience The Difference” Hear from
Satisfied Chicago Homeowners



The job scope was to remove and install all lintels at 2 levels on the property.
The structure was built in 1928 with decorative brick.
The brick was removed and reinstalled perfectly. I had great communication with the the project manager Jacob, who kept me informed as the job progressed. The crew was always prompt, courteous and kept the area clean. We had no issues with dust and clean up in the interior apartments.
I would highly recommend them because I would use them again if needed.
Ben


I contacted Jagra Masonry & Tuckpointing for an estimate. I had done research that showed that every year I wait the damage would get worse due to living in an area with freezing and thawing temperatures.
The quote was more than I wanted to pay but the other companies I got quotes from were not significantly less. The deciding factor was the time taken by Jagra Masonry & Tuckpointing in explaining how they would approach the repairs.
The team that did the work was extremely thorough and addressed everything with a positive attitude. There was a final inspection and review where I pointed out some small things that I felt should have been done because they would be very easy and only require a little extra mortar.
This was well received by Jagra Masonry & Tuckpointing. It was late on a Friday afternoon and the work crew had left already. They came back and did all the little things politely and completely on Saturday.
The work and professionalism exceeded my expectations!
I highly recommend them.

(I am including Before & After photos.)







Great having the house back the way it looked 100 years ago.



If you're looking for high-quality masonry work with honest, skilled professionals, I highly recommend this company. Definitely a 5-star experience!


They also set up a final inspection to walk through the finished product. They went above and beyond and our red brick bungalow has never looked better!



The crew was organized and on-time everyday. We were kept informed of progress and the site was thoroughly cleaned at the end. We have an older brick home which will require add’l work in the future; Jagra will def be getting the call!





Thank you for you hard work








Would absolutely give this company five stars Jacob is a great person to work with and the job was phenomenal at a great price! Thanks, you guys, Bill Stevens

























From the 1st call, you will know they are experienced and they will get the job done right.
They provide an initial consultation,
followed by a detailed proposal for recommended services and cost.
(Lol....pictures are included for visual learners like myself)
They are flexible with scheduling and manage all things needed to complete the job without any problems eg., permits.
The customer service is OUTSTANDING, they communicate the job status and any new concerns or needed changes.
The mason workers are VERY skilled, they set up 2 days before the start date, so that day one is productive.
They quickly identify any problems so they can be addressed immediately.
My neighbors even commented on the fact that the job site was neat and never dirty at the end of the day.
My building required layers of work : (tuckpointing, replacement of lintels, flashingsystems, weep tubes plus a rebuild of a parapet wall), and ALL the work was completed on time as promised.
I am so greatful...I paid attention to the work Jagra completed on another building in my neighborhood and I stopped and asked Jakub#1 for a card.
Thank you Jakub#1 and Jacob#2 for answering ALL of my questions.
Jagra Corp has exceeded my expectations.
When doing my research, none of the other masonry contractors had 4 or 5 star reviews like Jagra...and now I know why.
However, my review is 5 Stars plus+!
Will be in touch..for my next project..CMG













