Chimneys are one of those home components that most people don’t think about until something goes wrong. But whether you use your fireplace every winter or just occasionally, your chimney works hard to keep your fireplace running efficiently and your home safe by directing smoke, heat, and gases up and out. Over time, that hard work can lead to damage—some visible, some not. Motown Fire is the most trusted chimney repair company in the Detroit metro area. We’ve been in business since 2011 and are committed to providing high-quality work and outstanding customer service.
Common Chimney Repairs
Brick Replacement or Rebuilding
Bricks can spall—meaning they flake, chip, or pop off—due to moisture infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. If just a few bricks are damaged, they can be individually replaced. If the problem is widespread, a partial or full rebuild might be necessary.
Common causes of brick spalling include, poor waterproofing, lack of a chimney cap, or chimney leaks that go unnoticed for too long.
Chimney Crown Repair
The crown is the concrete or mortar slab that sits atop the chimney. It protects the chimney from rain, snow, and debris. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause cracks in the crown. When water seeps in those cracks and freezes, the damage gets worse, potentially leading to leaks and deterioration.
Signs you might need crown repair include water stains around the fireplace, visible cracks on the crown, or pieces of mortar on your roof or in the yard.
Tuckpointing (Mortar Joint Repair)
Mortar holds the chimney’s bricks together, but it doesn’t last forever. Weather, moisture, and age wear it down. Tuckpointing is the process of removing old, crumbling mortar and replacing it with fresh to restore the chimney’s structure and prevent further damage.
Failing to replace deteriorating mortar can cause bricks to loosen and fall, leading to costly structural repairs.
Chimney Liner Repair or Replacement
The liner inside the chimney protects the home from heat and combustion gases. It also protects the brickwork from the corrosive byproducts of burning wood or gas. Liners can be made of clay, metal, or ceramic, but all degrade over time. Signs of flue liner trouble include bits of tile or metal in the fireplace, poor draft, or a smoky odor in the home after using the fireplace. Our technicians can inspect the liner with a camera to identify damage.
Flashing Repair
Chimney flashing is the metal seal that connects your chimney to the roof. Its job is to keep water from leaking into the home at the intersection between the roof and the chimney. Over time, flashing can rust, pull away, or degrade, especially in areas with harsh weather. Missing or damaged flashing opens up your home to water damage and potential rot or mold.
Chimney Cap Replacement
The chimney cap is a small but critical component that sits on top of the flue. It keeps rain, snow, animals, and debris out. It also reduces downdrafts that can impair your fireplace’s performance and allow smoke to flow back into the house.
You might need to replace the cap if it’s missing, rusted, dented, or clogged.
Let Us Handle Your Detroit Metro Area Chimney Repairs
Chimney damage often goes unnoticed until the signs become obvious, and by then, the damage could be expensive to repair. Motown Fire is ready to assist. We’re the leading chimney and fireplace service company in Auburn Hills, MI, Ferndale, MI, Troy, MI, Chesterfield, MI, and the surrounding towns and neighborhoods.
Call us today at 586-260-6121 to book an appointment.