Chimney Repair for Glen Ridge chimneys
Glen Ridge homes from the late 1800s through the 1930s were built with tall brick chimneys, often with several flues serving fireplaces and a coal or oil heating system. These chimneys rise well above steep roofs, are exposed on all sides and have been through a century or more of freeze-thaw. Many now vent gas appliances through flues far larger than needed.
We repair chimneys throughout Glen Ridge: repointing with mortar suited to older brick, crown replacement, caps, flashing, stainless steel liners, rebuilding of deteriorated upper sections, waterproofing and cleaning. On multi-flue chimneys, we inspect each flue and recommend caps or seals for unused ones.
In the historic district, visible chimney work such as rebuilding or a change in brick may be subject to review. We match brick and mortar as closely as practical and can supply details for any application.
Glen Ridge housing
Glen Ridge is almost entirely residential and has one of the most consistent stocks of pre-1940 houses in the county. Victorians with towers and wraparound porches, shingle-style homes with sweeping roofs, Tudors with steep cross gables and stucco or half-timbering, and center-hall Colonial Revivals are typical. Some still have original slate or clay tile; many have been converted to asphalt shingles. Built-in gutters, copper flashing and multi-flue brick chimneys are common details.
Weather & exposure
The borough sits on the gentle eastern slope below Montclair, so wind exposure is moderate, but the mature street-tree canopy shades most roofs and fills valleys and gutters every fall. Steep north-facing slopes under trees hold snow, and ice dams are common on homes with finished upper floors. Freeze-thaw cycles work on century-old chimneys, stucco and masonry.
Repair, repoint or rebuild in Glen Ridge
Start with an inspection of the crown, cap, masonry, flashing and each flue. Most Glen Ridge chimneys need some combination of a new crown, caps, repointing of the exposed courses and liners for gas appliances. Where the top is loose or heavily spalled, we rebuild it and match the masonry closely.
If you have converted to gas or replaced your furnace, confirm how it vents. An oversized clay flue serving a gas appliance deteriorates out of sight, and a liner is usually the correct fix.
