The Passaic River adds a factor that most towns do not have. In low-lying areas, the base of the chimney sits in persistently damp ground or a basement that has flooded. Moisture wicks up the masonry, mortar deteriorates at the lowest courses and the chimney can settle. We look at the whole stack, from the footing in the basement to the cap, when we inspect in these areas.
Because we also roof, we handle flashing as part of chimney repair. Many Fair Lawn chimney leaks are at the roofline rather than in the masonry, particularly on capes where the chimney comes up beside a dormer and on low-pitched ranch roofs that hold water against the stack. We inspect the crown, brick and flashing together and fix whichever one is actually at fault.
Repair, repoint or rebuild in Fair Lawn
Have a Fair Lawn chimney inspected if the crown is cracked or crumbling, if the cap is missing, if there is white staining or loose brick, if the house converted to gas without relining, or if your basement has flooded and the chimney base shows deterioration. Most repairs are exterior work completed in a day or two. Deteriorated stacks are rebuilt from the roofline up.
If a roof replacement is planned, have the chimney addressed first or as part of the job. Estimates are free.
