Chimney Repair for Garfield chimneys
Most chimneys in Garfield are brick, built when the houses were, and originally sized for coal or oil heat. Two-family and three-family homes commonly have a single chimney carrying flues for more than one heating system. Many of these were never relined after conversion to gas, and the clay tile liners that were installed are now decades old.
On the outside, Garfield chimneys show the usual signs of age: cracked crowns, missing or rusted caps, washed-out mortar joints and flashing that has been patched with tar many times. On low-lying blocks near the rivers, chimney bases inside basements can stay damp, and masonry there deteriorates from the bottom as well as the top.
We inspect, clean, reline, rebuild crowns, install caps, repoint, waterproof and reflash, and we explain each recommendation so you know what is a safety issue and what is maintenance.
Garfield housing
Garfield's housing is old and dense. Much of it was built before 1950: frame two-family and three-family houses, many with low-slope or flat rear roofs and pitched front sections, single-family homes on narrow lots, and small apartment buildings. Former mill and factory buildings, warehouses and commercial blocks with flat roofs stand along the river and main corridors, some converted to other uses.
Weather & exposure
Low-lying parts of the city along the Passaic and Saddle rivers have a history of flooding, and the blocks near the water deal with high ground moisture and damp basements even in normal years. Houses are close together, so roofs drain onto neighbors and alleys, and gutters on tight lots are easily overwhelmed in heavy rain. Freeze-thaw works steadily on the many old brick chimneys and foundation walls.
Repair, repoint or rebuild in Garfield
If your Garfield chimney shows white staining, loose mortar, a cracked crown or pieces of tile in the cleanout, schedule an inspection before the heating season. Most of these conditions are repairable. Chimneys with badly deteriorated brick above the roof may need a partial rebuild.
If your home has multiple heating systems venting through one chimney, ask us to check every flue. Estimates are free.
