Chimney Repair for Maplewood chimneys
Maplewood's early 20th-century homes have brick chimneys built for coal and oil heat, often serving a fireplace as well. On colonials, the chimney is commonly on an exterior end wall; on Tudors it may be a prominent decorative feature on the front of the house. Most now vent gas appliances, and the brick above the roof has been through a century of weather.
We repair chimneys throughout Maplewood: repointing, crown replacement, caps, flashing, stainless steel liners, rebuilding of deteriorated upper sections, waterproofing and cleaning. We inspect the whole chimney, including the flue, and show you photos before recommending any work.
Exterior end-wall chimneys stay colder than interior ones, which increases condensation in the flue and freeze-thaw damage on exposed faces. Under the heavy canopy near the reservation, masonry also stays damp longer after rain.
Maplewood housing
Maplewood's housing stock is predominantly early 20th century, with colonials, Dutch colonials with gambrel roofs, Tudors, Victorians and stucco homes on modest to generous lots. Many have dormers, sleeping porches converted to living space and brick chimneys serving a fireplace and a heating system. Some older homes still carry slate. The village center and other commercial areas have older two- and three-story buildings with flat roofs.
Weather & exposure
Homes on the west side of Maplewood climb toward South Mountain, where wooded slopes put mature trees over many roofs and the higher streets catch more westerly wind. Lower areas to the east are flatter and more sheltered. Throughout town, heavy canopy keeps roofs shaded and damp, fills gutters and valleys and contributes to ice dams on north slopes in cold stretches.
Repair, repoint or rebuild in Maplewood
Start with an inspection of the crown, cap, masonry, flashing and flue. Typical Maplewood scopes combine a new crown and cap, repointing of the exposed courses, waterproofing and a liner for gas appliances. If the top is loose or heavily spalled, we rebuild it and match the brick as closely as practical.
If you are planning a roof replacement, have the chimney inspected first. Masonry repairs are easier and safer before new shingles go on.
