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Brick masonry tuckpointing and repair work

Chimney Masonry Repair

Tuckpointing, brick replacement, mortar joint restoration, and waterproofing to extend the life of your chimney by decades.

National Chimney Sweep GuildCalifornia CSLB LicensedGoogle Guaranteed

Brick and mortar are durable, but they are not permanent. Freeze-thaw cycles, seismic movement, acid rain, and simple age cause mortar joints to crack, bricks to spall, and entire chimney sections to lean. Eco Grizzly's certified masons specialize in chimney masonry repair for Pasadena homes ranging from 1920s Craftsman bungalows to modern hillside construction. We match existing brick color, mortar profile, and joint style so repairs blend cleanly with the original structure.

Masonry Repair

Project Photos

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Tuckpointing and Repointing

Tuckpointing is the process of grinding out deteriorated mortar to a depth of at least three-quarters of an inch and packing in fresh mortar. Proper tuckpointing restores the structural bond between bricks and reseals the chimney against water infiltration. We use Type N or Type S mortar matched to the original mix and tool the joints to match the existing profile: concave, V-joint, flush, or struck.

Brick Replacement and Rebuilding

When bricks have spalled, cracked, or eroded beyond cosmetic repair, individual units can be cut out and replaced. For extensive damage above the roofline, a partial rebuild is more cost-effective than patchwork. We maintain a stock of salvaged and new bricks in common Pasadena styles including red wire-cut, clinker, and Roman brick formats.

Chimney Waterproofing

After masonry repair, we apply a vapor-permeable waterproofing sealant that blocks liquid water from entering the brick while allowing trapped moisture to escape as vapor. This prevents the spalling cycle that destroys newly repaired mortar joints within a few seasons.

How It Works

Four simple steps from first call to finished job.

1

Call or Book Online

Reach us at (424) 258-9882 or submit the online form. We respond within two hours on business days.

2

On-Site Assessment

A certified technician performs a thorough chimney and fireplace assessment at your home.

3

Detailed Report

Receive a written report with photos, condition ratings, and an itemized repair estimate within 24 hours.

4

Expert Service

Choose the repairs or maintenance you need. Our crew completes the work on schedule with a clean jobsite.

Why Choose Eco Grizzly

Licensed, insured professionals delivering quality chimney and fireplace service.

$49 Chimney Inspection

Book online and get a professional Level I chimney inspection for just $49. Written condition report included.

Licensed and Insured

All technicians hold California contractor licenses and carry full general liability and workers compensation insurance.

21-Point Safety Check

Our proprietary 21-point checklist covers every chimney component from crown to cleanout.

Same-Day Scheduling

Call before noon and we can often arrive the same day. Next-day appointments are available for most service areas.

Transparent Pricing

You receive a written, itemized estimate with photos before any work begins. No surprises on the invoice.

Eco-Friendly Practices

We use green cleaning agents, HEPA-filtered vacuums, and recyclable materials to minimize environmental impact.

From the Field

Recent Masonry Repair Work

Real Results

Masonry Repair Projects

See real masonry repair work completed by our licensed technicians.

Cracked and damaged smoke chamber breastplate before repairBefore
Chimney & Fireplace

Smoke Chamber Breastplate Repair

Southern California

The breastplate (the sloped front wall of the smoke chamber above the firebox opening) had developed significant cracks and spalling that allowed carbon and gases to escape into the surrounding masonry. Our crew cleaned out all loose material, rebuilt the damaged area with refractory-grade mortar, and smoke-tested the repair to confirm a complete seal. The homeowner can now operate the fireplace safely without risk of CO migration.

Cracked and deteriorated chimney crown before repairBefore
Chimney & Fireplace

Chimney Crown Repair

Southern California

The concrete crown had developed deep radial cracks, a common result of Southern California's temperature swings, allowing rainwater to penetrate the masonry below. Our crew chiseled out all loose material, applied a bonding primer, and finished with two coats of elastomeric crown coat that flexes with seasonal movement. The finished crown sheds water cleanly away from the flue tile and masonry, halting further damage.

Porous and spalled chimney crown before waterproofingBefore
Chimney & Fireplace

Chimney Crown Reseal & Waterproofing

Southern California

Years of UV exposure and rain cycles had left this crown pitted and porous. Water was wicking through and freezing inside the masonry during cold nights, accelerating spalling in the brick below. We ground down high spots, filled voids with hydraulic cement, and applied a full elastomeric waterproof crown coat. The gray finished surface is smooth, sloped to drain, and flexible enough to move with the structure without cracking.

Severely deteriorated chimney crown before full rebuildBefore
Chimney & Fireplace

Full Chimney Crown Rebuild

Southern California

The original crown was beyond patching, it had separated from the flue tile and broken into large sections. Our masonry crew demolished the failed crown, built new formwork around the flue tile, poured a properly-sloped Portland cement crown, and finished with an elastomeric waterproof coat once cured. The rebuilt crown projects slightly past the masonry on all sides to throw water clear of the chimney stack.

Have a project in mind? We can help.

Masonry Repair FAQs


Common questions answered by our certified technicians.

Look for crumbling mortar, white staining (efflorescence), cracks in bricks, or pieces of mortar or brick on the roof or ground near the chimney. A leaning chimney is an urgent structural concern.
Yes. We color-match mortar to the original tone and source replacement bricks that blend with the existing masonry. On historic homes, we can custom-tint mortar for an exact match.
Quality tuckpointing lasts 25 to 30 years with proper waterproofing. Without waterproofing, mortar joints may begin to deteriorate again in 10 to 15 years.

Masonry Repair Service Areas

We provide masonry repair throughout Southern California. Search for your city or browse by county.

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Find answers and insights from chimney experts through our blog section, featuring industry trends, tips and solutions.

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Restore Your Chimney Masonry

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