Durable, code-minded repairs that stop leaks, restore strength, and improve draft.
Request an EstimateMasonry chimneys work hard in New England weather. Wind-driven rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles cause mortar to open, crowns to crack, and bricks to spall. Inside the system, heat, moisture, and acidic byproducts wear on flue liners, smoke chambers, and dampers. At Naugatuck Chimney Services, we pinpoint the root cause of symptoms—leaks, staining, odors, poor draft—and deliver repairs that last. Our approach blends craftsmanship with practical building-science, so you get a chimney that looks good, vents properly, and resists water year after year.
Every chimney is unique, but most issues fall into a few predictable categories:
We deliver targeted fixes and full restorations, depending on what your Naugatuck, CT chimney needs.
A crown should be reinforced, properly sloped, and overhanging with a drip edge to shed water clear of the stack. We remove loose material, rebuild to correct thickness and slope, and either cast a new concrete crown or apply professional-grade crown sealants for smaller, non-structural cracking. The result is a watertight top that protects the brick below.
Where mortar has opened or brick faces are spalling, we grind out failing joints to a proper depth and repoint with a compatible mortar. Matching color and tooling delivers clean, uniform joints. If individual bricks are compromised, we source appropriate replacements and reset them for structural integrity and curb appeal.
Proper step flashing integrates with shingles; counter-flashing cuts into the chimney for a mechanical lock. We replace failed sections, install new counter-flashing, and seal transitions—stopping the common leak where roof meets masonry.
Rough, corbelled smoke chambers create turbulence and concentrate heat. We parge with a refractory mix to smooth the surface, improving draft and reducing soot buildup. This is a high-value upgrade on many older fireplaces.
If tiles are cracked or the liner is undersized for the appliance, we install UL-listed stainless steel liners— insulated when the application calls for it. Relining restores a continuous, correctly sized vent path, improves draft, and helps protect surrounding walls from heat transfer. We size liners based on appliance specifications and chimney height to optimize performance for wood-burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, or gas/oil appliances.
When deterioration is advanced—often due to years of water intrusion—we can rebuild from the roofline up or all the way down to solid masonry. Rebuilds include new crown, proper flashing, and a correctly sized cap to set the system up for long-term success.
Start with an inspection. We’ll document issues, explain options, and prioritize what’s urgent vs. preventive. You’ll get a clear plan and a fair estimate—no pressure.
Our region’s weather is tough on masonry. In fall and spring, repeated freeze-thaw cycles expand absorbed water inside brick and mortar. Without a sound crown, cap, and flashing, chimneys act like sponges. Over time, moisture makes its way indoors as stains or musty odors, and outside you’ll see flaking brick faces and crumbling joints. Repairing damage is essential, but stopping the water source is what prevents repeat failures. That’s why our repair recommendations almost always include cap and waterproofing upgrades.
1) Diagnose: We inspect and, when needed, video-scan the flue to identify structural issues and water pathways.
2) Plan: You receive a written scope with line-item pricing, photos, and sequencing for multi-step projects.
3) Protect: We set staging and protective coverings to keep landscaping and interior spaces safe and clean.
4) Execute: Craftsman-level masonry, proper drying times, and manufacturer-guided installs (liners, caps, sealants).
5) Verify: Final quality check for draft, clearances, and water control; walkthrough of care and maintenance.
We use proven products—stainless steel caps and liners, breathable water repellents designed for masonry, refractory parging mixes, and compatible mortars. Cutting corners on materials is the fastest way to re-do work later; our goal is to fix it right once.
Masonry color can vary slightly as new mortar cures. Crowns and parged chambers require proper dry-time before use. For relined systems, draft often improves immediately, but we’ll review burn-in procedures and wood moisture so you get the best results.
Call (203) 720-6577 or send details via our contact form. We service Naugatuck, CT and nearby communities with prompt scheduling and tidy workmanship.
Most chimney damage begins with moisture. Pair masonry repairs with a proper cap, crown slope, flashing, and breathable water repellent to protect your investment.