A well-kept chimney adds old-world charm to a home while doing a vital job: it vents smoke and gases from your fireplace, furnace or boiler to the outside. Exposed to the weather every day, a chimney eventually deteriorates to the point where chimney repair in Toronto is needed.
Cummins Restorations has provided professional chimney repair and rebuild services across the GTA since 1992. We assess your chimney quickly and give you an honest recommendation, whether that’s a complete rebuild or a simple tuckpointing job.
When might you need chimney repair in Toronto?
You can’t always tell from the ground whether a chimney needs work. If you notice any of these signs, call a company with chimney expertise:
- Damaged mortar joints. Mortar holds your chimney together and keeps moisture out. Once joints are damaged, water gets in, freezes and expands through Toronto winters, opening cracks further and putting the chimney at risk.
- Damage to the chimney crown. After the cap, the crown is the next line of defence. It sits on top of the chimney, usually concrete or mortar, and keeps moisture away from the mortar joints and porous brick edges. Significant cracks or receding edges mean repair is needed.
- Rust. A working chimney shouldn’t contain moisture. Rust on the firebox or damper is a clear sign that water is getting in.
- Cracked flue tiles. Small pieces of tile collecting at the bottom of the chimney usually come from the flue lining. A damaged flue lining can become a serious hazard.
- Loose or leaning brick. Brick that has worked loose, or a chimney that leans, should be looked at promptly.
Chimney repair and rebuild services in Toronto
Depending on what we find, the work may include:
- Repointing worn mortar joints (see tuckpointing)
- Chimney crown repair or replacement
- Replacing damaged or loose brick
- Rebuilding the chimney above the roofline
- Flashing where the chimney meets the roof
We tell you plainly whether a repair will do the job or a rebuild is the better choice.
How we repair a chimney
- Inspection. We look at the mortar, crown, brick and flashing and work out why the chimney is deteriorating.
- Honest recommendation. Repair or rebuild, explained in plain terms, with a written estimate before any work starts.
- Repair or rebuild. The work is done with materials matched to your existing brick and mortar.
- Clean-up. We clear the site and walk through the finished work with you.
Chimney repair in Toronto: before and after
A brick chimney with worn, open mortar joints below the crown, then repointed with new flashing and a concrete crown.
See more of our work in the project gallery.
What affects the cost of chimney repair in Toronto?
Chimney work ranges from repointing to a full rebuild, so we price it after an inspection. The main factors are:
- The scope: repointing, crown repair or a rebuild
- Height, roof pitch and access
- The condition of the brick and the flue
- The number of chimneys or flues
- Flashing and the detail where the chimney meets the roof
You’ll get the scope, price and start date in writing, with no obligation.
Chimney Repair in Toronto: frequently asked questions
How do I know whether my chimney needs repair or a full rebuild?
Worn mortar joints and a cracked crown can usually be repaired. A chimney with widespread brick damage, movement or lean may need to be rebuilt. We give you an honest recommendation after inspecting it.
Why does my chimney leak when it rains?
Common causes are a cracked crown, worn mortar joints or failed flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Finding where the water is getting in comes first.
Can a cracked chimney crown be repaired?
Often, yes. Depending on how far the damage has gone, the crown can be repaired or replaced.
Is a leaning or loose chimney dangerous?
It can be. Loose brick can fall and a chimney that is moving should be assessed promptly. Call us for an inspection.
How much does chimney repair cost in Toronto?
It depends on whether the job is repointing, a new crown or a rebuild, and on height and access. After a free inspection we give you a written price.
When can chimney work be done?
Mortar needs temperatures above about 5°C while it cures, so most work runs from spring to late fall. Urgent repairs can sometimes be done in mild winter weather.
Related masonry services in Toronto
- Tuckpointing in Toronto
- Brick repair in Toronto
- Masonry repair and heritage restoration
- Parging in Toronto
- Chimney repair in Scarborough
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Get a free chimney repair estimate in Toronto
If you’re not sure whether your chimney needs repair, call us today. Call (416) 992-7965 or send us the details through our contact page. Cummins Restorations Inc. is fully licensed and insured, and serves Toronto and the GTA from 25 Dunelm Street.