Chimney rebuild services for Pebble Creek homes

A new crown on the rebuilt chimney

Every rebuild finishes with a crown. The new one is concrete, metal or stone, pitched to throw off rain, fitted with a drip edge and given a caulked bond break wherever a flue liner passes through, which is what the code requires.

BIA's chimney note rates precast caps above ones cast on the chimney. When a crown is cast in place, it should keep its full thickness to the edge, carry reinforcement and sit on a bond break.

We show you the crown design on the estimate, including how the flue passes through it.

Protecting the chimney between stages

A rebuild can take more than one visit. Between stages, the open top of the chimney is covered, loose materials are secured and the fireplace below is kept out of use.

Temporary protection, finished masonry and permission to use the fireplace are three separate milestones. Knowing which one has been reached avoids mistakes. A secured cover over the open flue keeps rain out of the fireplace below between visits.

Our crew tells you at the end of each visit where the work stands and what is safe to use.

Before the first fire in a rebuilt chimney

Fresh mortar and a freshly cast crown have to cure before they take heat and weather at the same time. The materials used set how long that should be.

The fireplace should not be used until the crew confirms the rebuild is complete, the flue is clear and the connections are finished. If the flue was relined, the liner's own instructions may add first-use advice of their own.

We tell you when the fireplace is ready for use again and what to look for during the first few fires.

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?