Restoring and Protecting a Portland Masonry Chimney

Full Tuckpointing: Restoring the Mortar Joints

The mortar joints throughout the chimney had deteriorated and required a full tuckpointing rather than isolated spot repairs.

Our crew removed deteriorated mortar and replaced it with fresh mortar throughout the chimney. Proper tuckpointing helps restore the integrity of the masonry while closing the gaps and cracks where Portland rain can work its way into the chimney.

Water Sealing: Protection for Portland Weather

Once the masonry repairs were completed and properly cured, the chimney received a water-repellent masonry treatment.

Masonry is naturally porous, and repeated exposure to rain can allow moisture to penetrate brick and mortar. Applying the proper breathable water repellent helps reduce water absorption while still allowing moisture vapor within the masonry to escape.

For a chimney exposed to the Pacific Northwest climate year after year, controlling water intrusion is an important part of extending the life of the masonry.

Custom Chimney Cap: Finishing the Restoration

We finished the project with a custom-fabricated chimney cap designed specifically for this chimney.

A properly fitted cap helps protect the top of the chimney from direct rain while also helping keep leaves, debris, and animals from entering the flue. Beyond the protection it provides, the custom cap gives the restored chimney a clean, finished appearance.

A Complete Chimney Restoration

Rather than simply addressing one visible problem, this project tackled the chimney as a complete system: cleaning the masonry, restoring the mortar joints, protecting the masonry from moisture, and finishing it with a custom cap.

The result is a restored Portland chimney that maintains the character of the original brick while being better protected against the Oregon weather for years to come.

Built right. Built to last.