Chimney Repair
Crown, cap, flashing, repointing, and full chimney rebuilds.
Chimneys take more weather than any other part of your roof — and when they fail, they leak in ways that are hard to diagnose from inside. NextGen HIG's masons repair, repoint, and rebuild chimneys across NJ, PA, and CT, matching original brick and mortar and re-flashing against the roof correctly.
Most chimney leaks come from one of four places: the crown (top slab), the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, failed masonry joints, or a missing cap. Our inspection identifies which — usually several at once — and we repair in priority order so you're not paying for cosmetic work before the waterproof envelope is fixed.
For chimneys being rebuilt from the roofline up, we match brick, match mortar type (not just Type S hardware-store mix), and re-flash against the roofing system with step and counter flashing — not tar and prayer.
Every chimney repair project includes
Crown Replacement
New concrete crown with overhang and drip edge — the number-one source of chimney leaks.
Chimney Cap
Stainless or copper cap with spark arrestor to keep out water, debris, and wildlife.
Flashing Repair
Step flashing and counter flashing re-installed correctly with roofing work.
Repointing
Failed joints ground out and repointed with mortar matched for color and strength.
Full Rebuild
Rebuild from the roofline up with matching brick and correct mortar type.
Waterproofing
Breathable waterproofer applied to masonry to stop water absorption without trapping moisture inside.
Signs you need chimney repair
Catch these early and chimney repair repairs stay simple — ignore them and you're paying for interior damage on top of the exterior fix.
Water stains around the chimney on interior ceilings
Classic chimney leak symptom. The source is almost always one of four places: crown, flashing, masonry joints, or missing cap. An inspection identifies which.
Cracked or spalling brick near the top
The top courses take the worst weather. Cracked or face-popped brick means water is getting in and freezing. Spot repair works early; widespread damage means roofline-up rebuild.
Missing or damaged chimney cap
A missing cap is the cheapest fix with the biggest impact — installation takes an hour and prevents rain, animal, and debris entry for decades.
Crumbling mortar joints
If a key scratches out mortar, it's failed. Repointing before winter prevents freeze-thaw damage that destroys brick faces.
Visible crown cracks
Any crack in the concrete crown slab lets water straight down into the masonry. Crown replacement with proper overhang is a permanent fix.
Staining on chimney exterior
Dark streaks or white efflorescence on brick indicate water absorption. Waterproofing after repointing stops this without trapping vapor.
Systems we install for chimney repair
We don't push a preferred brand — we spec the system that fits your building, climate, and ownership horizon. Here's what we install and when each makes sense.
Cast concrete crowns with drip edge
Proper crowns are cast separately from the brick, with at least 2 inches of overhang and a drip kerf. Generic mortar washes applied directly to the top course are not crowns — they crack within a few winters.
Stainless steel chimney caps
Stainless mesh caps with spark arrestors — keeps out rain, snow, animals, and debris without rusting. Copper caps available for historic and aesthetic upgrades.
Step and counter flashing
Chimney flashing is a two-piece system: step flashing woven into the roof, counter flashing cut into mortar joints. Tar-and-prayer patches fail within a season. Proper two-piece flashing lasts as long as the roof.
Matched brick and Type N mortar
We source matching brick for repairs and rebuilds and use Type N lime mortar on most residential chimneys. Softer mortar moves with the brick instead of cracking it.
Breathable masonry waterproofer
Silane or siloxane penetrating sealer applied after repointing. Blocks water absorption without trapping vapor — so the chimney stays dry without spalling from the inside out.
Flue liner inspection and referral
We don't install flue liners, but we recognize when one is needed. If camera inspection reveals cracks or deterioration, we refer to a licensed chimney sweep for relining.
How it works
- 1
Inspection
On-roof inspection of crown, cap, flashing, joints, and brick — photographed for reference.
- 2
Written Estimate
Itemized estimate with priorities so you can phase work if needed.
- 3
Repair or Rebuild
Work scheduled and completed — most chimney repairs in 1-2 days.
- 4
Walkthrough
Post-work photos and warranty documentation.
Why choose us for chimney repair
- Licensed & insured — NJ HIC 13VH12075600, PA HIC PA185062, CT HIC 0701438. GL and WC on every crew.
- In business since 2006 — nearly two decades of craftsmanship you can verify.
- Written warranties — manufacturer + workmanship warranties, registered and documented.
- Local crews — no day labor, no subcontractor shuffle. Trained people on every job.
Service areas covered
We provide chimney repair services across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
Frequently asked
- Chimney leaks come from multiple sources — crown, flashing, joints, cap. If only one was fixed, the others may still be leaking. A proper inspection identifies all four and repairs them in priority order.
Related services
Concrete Driveways
New concrete driveways, replacement, and repair — built on proper base with jointing that holds up through winter.
Paver Installation
Interlocking concrete, clay brick, and natural stone pavers for driveways, walkways, and patios.
Walkways & Patios
Concrete, stone, and paver walkways and patios — built with proper drainage and edge detail.
Retaining Walls
Segmental block, natural stone, and engineered retaining walls with drainage and reinforcement.
Roofing
Installation, replacement, repair, and flat roof systems.
Commercial Roofing
TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, and metal for commercial buildings.
Ready to get started?
Free estimate. No-pressure consultation. Local crews, licensed and insured.