Rebuilding vs. Repointing: What to Know

Proactive maintenance will always be the best way to ensure the longevity of your chimney system. However, eventually, your chimney will need some kind of repair. There are two main types: chimney rebuilding vs chimney repointing. Let’s look at each solution as well as some other options that come along with them.

Chimney Repointing

When you grab a glass from your cupboard and fill it with water, the action you’re taking isn’t that dissimilar to chimney repointing. In effect, you’re filling a hole (the glass) with some kind of material (water). Repointing looks for holes and cracks in your brick and mortar. It then fills them with the appropriate kind of material to strengthen the structural integrity of your chimney and prevent additional damage from spreading.

Waterproofing Your Chimney

Repointing is a form of waterproofing your chimney. Water has a unique way of finding its way into and through cracks. During a typical Indiana fall and spring, we experience several freeze-and-thaw cycles. Any water inside of your bricks during a freeze will expand. In turn, when it thaws, it causes more structural damage, making cracks bigger and holes larger. Repointing acts as a seal to keep water and other elements out of your chimney so that this doesn’t happen to you. In addition, your Chimney Solutions technician can perform other waterproofing processes during the repointing process, further solidifying your chimney’s health.

Chimney Tuckpointing

There is a similar process to repointing called tuckpointing. Some companies use them interchangeably, though there is a distinct difference. Repointing fills cracks and holes. Tuckpointing removes the old mortar joint material completely and replaces it with new. It’s a less invasive procedure than a complete rebuild, acting as a halfway point between basic repointing and a more extensive rebuild of your chimney.

How long does repointing last?

Repointing is designed to be a permanent repair, but that doesn’t mean it will always act as such. If there is additional damage within the chimney, such as on the inside between the bricks and flue liner, repointing may only end up being a temporary solution. This is why you will always want to have an inspection with a certified technician to help you make the best choice between repointing vs chimney rebuilding.

Chimney Rebuilding

Speaking of which, chimney rebuilding is exactly as it sounds: tearing down and rebuilding all or portions of your existing chimney structure. There are three main types of rebuilds: Partial; Roofline up, and; Complete. Based on the extent of the wear and tear, you may be able to get by with a partial rebuild. However, as with tuckpointing vs repointing, it’s always best to work with a company that can help you make the most informed decision for your home.

Contact us if you need either a chimney rebuilding or chimney repointing solution. We’re here to help. At Chimney Solutions Indiana, we’ve worked with many homeowners across our region to determine the right solution for their chimney repair needs. Most don’t know what they need until they contact us, and it’s easy to do so. Give us a call at 317-757-6979 or visit our contact page and fill out our short form here.