Chimney Repair for Fanwood chimneys
Fanwood's older homes carry brick chimneys that have been through a century of weather and several changes of fuel, from coal to oil to gas. The later colonials, capes and ranches have mid-century chimneys serving a furnace and a fireplace. In both cases, the parts above the roofline take the weather, and under the borough's trees they also stay damp.
We repair chimneys across the borough: repointing, crowns, caps, flashing, stainless steel liners, rebuilds of upper sections, waterproofing and cleaning. On older chimneys we pay particular attention to soft brick and mortar and match repairs as closely as practical.
An inspection covers the exterior masonry, the crown and cap, the flashing and the flue interior. Many chimneys that look fine from the street have deteriorated flues, especially where gas appliances vent into old clay tile.
Fanwood housing
Fanwood's housing ranges from Victorian and early-twentieth-century homes with steep roofs, porches and older brick chimneys, mostly in the blocks nearer the rail line, to 1920s through 1960s colonials, capes and ranches and later split-levels across the rest of the borough. Single-family homes dominate, with a small commercial area near the station carrying flat and low-slope roofs.
Weather & exposure
Fanwood is relatively flat and well treed, so shade, leaf fall and damp roof surfaces are the main exposure factors rather than wind. Shaded north slopes hold snow and form ice dams. Nor'easters bring wind-driven rain that tests flashing on older homes, and summer storms drop limbs. Freeze-thaw cycles steadily work on brick chimneys, particularly the older ones.
Repair, repoint or rebuild in Fanwood
Start with an inspection. Most Fanwood chimneys need targeted work rather than a rebuild: a crown, a cap, repointing at the top or a liner. When the upper section is loose or badly spalled, rebuilding from the roofline up is the durable fix. We provide photos and a written scope.
If you have an older home, ask for mortar that is compatible with the original. Hard modern mortar in soft old brick can cause the brick to fail around it.
