Chimney repair in San Rafael CA - brick and mortar fixed where the trouble starts
Loose bricks, crumbling mortar or a cracked crown up top? We find out why it's failing and repair it so the chimney stands solid.
We reset or replace cracked and loose brick or stone and refill worn mortar joints so the chimney is solid again. We look past the crack you can see to find why the masonry failed, and fix that instead of patching over it.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Free on-site estimates.
- We respond within 1 business day.
A chimney that's solid from base to crown
I look at every job
I come out to look at your chimney and write the estimate, and I'm on site while our masons work.
Licensed and insured
We're fully licensed and insured, so you know who's on your roof and that the job is covered.
What does chimney repair in San Rafael involve?
Chimney repair in San Rafael means fixing cracked, loose or missing brick or stone and the mortar joints that have worn away, so the chimney is structurally sound again. On the older houses here, most jobs start small, with a few loose bricks or a cracked crown, and get bigger the longer water gets in. The price mostly turns on how much masonry has failed, whether the crown or the flashing at the roof needs redoing, and how hard the chimney is to reach. The schedule turns on that same scope, the weather and whether the city wants a permit, which we check before we set a date. When I come out, you get a written estimate that spells out what's included, so you're not guessing.
What are the signs your chimney needs repair?
Bricks cracked or flaking
Brick faces that have cracked, popped off or crumbled let water into the chimney, and the damage usually spreads once it starts.
Mortar sanding out of joints
If you can scrape the joints with a key or see gaps between bricks, the mortar's worn out and the bricks have less holding them in place.
Chunks on the roof
Bits of mortar or brick in the gutters, on the roof or on the ground below usually mean something up top is coming apart.
Water stains near the chimney
Damp spots on the ceiling or wall beside the fireplace often trace back to a cracked crown or loose flashing where the chimney meets the roof.
How a chimney repair job runs with us
You call or message us
- Call (628) 234-2038 or use the form
- Tell us what you're seeing
- Photos of the crown help
- We set up a time to visit
I visit and write it up
- I come out and look myself
- I check base, roof line and crown
- You hear on the spot what's wrong
- Written estimate shows what's included
Permits, scheduling and the work
- We check what the city needs
- Initial review could take up to 3 weeks
- We set the start date with you
- Our masons work with me on site
Final check and walk-through
- I check the work before we pack up
- We clean up mortar and brick dust
- We walk the chimney with you
- Final inspection booked if a permit applies
Get a free chimney repair estimate
Send your address and photos of loose brick, missing mortar or the crown. We reply within one business day, then I come out for a free, no-obligation look and a written estimate.
Chimney repair questions we hear
Here are straight answers to what San Rafael homeowners ask us most. If yours isn't here, call (628) 234-2038 and ask me.
How much does chimney repair cost in San Rafael?
Chimney repair in the San Francisco metro area usually runs about $700 to $2,800 per job, installed, so treat that as a planning range. Where yours lands depends on how much brick and mortar has failed, whether the crown or flashing needs redoing and how hard the chimney is to reach. Our written estimate shows what's in the price.
Does chimney repair need a building permit in San Rafael?
The city's permit lists don't name chimney repair, so it's worth checking for your address before work starts. The City of San Rafael issues Minor Permits and General Permits, and its lists name work like reroofs, furnaces, remodels and repairs. We check with the city's building division, and when a permit is needed we handle the paperwork and inspections.
What flashing metal is best for a brick chimney?
Masonry trade guidance says aluminum shouldn't be used in brick masonry, because fresh mortar attacks it, and it doesn't recommend galvanized steel either. How long galvanized lasts comes down to how thick its zinc coating is. Ask which metal any bid names, and we'll put ours in writing.
Who is allowed to do chimney repair in California?
A contractor licensed by the state, because repairing a home counts as home improvement in California and those contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board. The board's C-29 masonry classification covers brick, block and stone work, plus the cleaning, caulking and clear waterproofing that go with it. It's fair to ask any contractor which license they hold.
Should I repair my chimney before putting in a new liner?
Yes, get the brick and mortar sound first. One liner maker says a chimney that isn't structurally sound shouldn't be relined, and it checks the masonry before relining, so budget for the repair ahead of the liner. That's how we do it too.
What should a chimney repair contract in California include?
It should be in writing, and so should any change to it. California rules require changes to a home improvement contract to be written, legible and easy to understand, and the contract tells you about your right to cancel and carries notices for your protection. Our estimates are written out so you can see what's included.
Other masonry work we do
- Service
Tuckpointing
When the chimney's mortar is worn and the brick walls of the house are going the same way, we can repoint those joints too.
Read more Tuckpointing - Service
Brick repair
If brick on your walls, steps or planters is cracked or loose like the chimney, we cut it out and replace it the same way.
Read more Brick repair - Service
Masonry restoration
For an older brick or stone house where the chimney is one of several worn spots, restoration brings the whole exterior back to sound shape.
Read more Masonry restoration
Book a free look at your chimney
Request an estimate- VisitSan Rafael, CA 94901
- Call(628) 234-2038
- Emailteam@sanrafaelconcreteandmasonry.com
- HoursMon–Fri: 8 AM–9 PM, Sat–Sun: 6 AM–9 PM
Serving San Rafael and nearby cities
We're based in San Rafael and repair chimneys in Mill Valley, Novato and other cities nearby. Pick your city below, or call if yours isn't listed.