Chimney rebuild in Fish Hawk

Partial rebuild or full rebuild

Most rebuilds are partial. The top of the chimney, above the roof, takes the weather and fails first, while the lower stack often remains sound and can carry new brick.

A full rebuild, down to the foundation, becomes the answer when damage, movement or poor original construction runs the length of the chimney. It is a much bigger project and it changes the flue, the footing and the interior work too.

We explain which one your chimney needs and why, with the evidence behind the recommendation.

A cricket behind a wide chimney

A cricket is required by the state code on the uphill side of a chimney measuring more than 30 inches parallel to the ridge, unless the chimney meets the ridge itself. The cricket is a small ridge that splits water around the chimney.

Without one, water and debris collect behind the chimney and sit against the brick and flashing. The code has the cricket flashed and counterflashed like any other chimney joint.

If your chimney needs a cricket and has none, we include it in the rebuild plan.

A chimney that leans or pulls away

A lean, or a gap widening at the wall, means the chimney has moved. Movement out of plane sits on BIA's list of conditions that call for a professional engineer.

Rebuilding the top of a leaning chimney without knowing why it leans can put new brick on a moving base. The engineer's findings decide how far down the rebuild has to go. Temporary measures, such as removing loose brick from the top, may come first to make the chimney safe.

Keep people clear of the area below in the meantime, and do not push the chimney or pull loose brick off it.

Questions to ask before choosing a rebuild quote

Put the same questions to every contractor who quotes the rebuild, including us. The answers show whether the quotes describe the same job.

• Where does the removal stop, and how was that line chosen?
• What happens if the brick below the line is weaker than expected?
• Which brick grade and mortar type will be used?
• How will the flue be lined in the rebuilt section?
• What crown, cap and flashing are included?
• What will the finished height be, and does it meet the code?