Chimney Repair in Cambridge, MA

Your Chimney Problems End Here

Expert masonry repairs that actually last, protecting your Cambridge home and family.

Cambridge Chimney Contractors

Safe Chimneys, Protected Homes

When your chimney works properly, you stop worrying about every winter storm. No more wondering if that crack is letting water into your walls. No more drafts stealing your heat or wondering about carbon monoxide risks.

You get reliable heating that doesn’t cost extra because heat isn’t escaping through damaged masonry. Your home value stays protected because the structural integrity is sound.

Most importantly, you get peace of mind. When Cambridge weather hits hard, your chimney handles it. When you light your fireplace, you know it’s safe. That’s what proper chimney repair delivers.

Cambridge Masonry Repair Experts

We Know Cambridge Chimneys

Academy Masonry has been fixing Cambridge chimneys for years, and we understand what makes these older homes unique. The brick patterns, the mortar types, the way these chimneys were built decades ago.

We’re not just chimney cleaners who dabble in repairs. We’re masonry contractors who understand structural work. When we assess your chimney, we see the whole picture – not just the obvious problems.

Cambridge homeowners choose us because we explain what’s actually wrong, what needs fixing now, and what can wait. No surprises, no upselling, just honest masonry work.

Chimney Repair Process Cambridge

How We Fix Your Chimney

First, we inspect everything – inside and out, top to bottom. We check the crown, the flashing, the mortar joints, the damper, and the firebox. You get a clear explanation of what we found and what it means for your home.

Next, we prioritize the repairs. Safety issues first, then structural problems, then efficiency improvements. We explain the timeline and what to expect during the work.

The actual repair work depends on what your chimney needs. Could be repointing deteriorated mortar joints, rebuilding the crown, fixing flashing leaks, or replacing damaged bricks. We handle all the masonry work properly, using materials that match your existing chimney and techniques that last.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Academy Masonry and Construction

Get a Free Consultation

Fireplace Repair Cambridge MA

Complete Chimney Repair Services

Our chimney repairs cover everything that keeps your system safe and functional. Repointing when mortar joints deteriorate, crown repairs when water damage starts, flashing work when leaks develop around the roofline.

We handle fireplace repairs too – damaged fireboxes, broken dampers, cracked smoke chambers. If it’s masonry work on your chimney system, we fix it right.

Cambridge’s freeze-thaw cycles are tough on masonry. We use materials and techniques that handle New England weather. The repairs we make today will still be solid years from now, because we understand what works in this climate.

How do I know if my chimney needs repair?

Look for white staining on the outside bricks (efflorescence), rust on the damper or firebox, water stains on walls near the chimney, or pieces of mortar in your fireplace. Strong odors coming from the fireplace when it’s not in use can also signal problems. If you notice any of these signs, get an inspection. Many chimney problems start small but cause expensive damage if ignored. A professional assessment will tell you exactly what’s happening and whether repairs are needed now or can wait.

What does chimney repointing cost in Cambridge?

Repointing costs depend on how much mortar needs replacement and how accessible your chimney is. A typical Cambridge chimney might need partial repointing for $800-1500, while full repointing runs $1500-3000. Height, chimney size, and mortar condition all affect pricing. We provide exact estimates after inspecting your specific situation. Keep in mind that repointing now prevents much more expensive structural repairs later. Deteriorated mortar lets water in, which can damage the entire chimney system and even your home’s interior walls.

How long do chimney repairs take to complete?

Most chimney repairs take 1-3 days, depending on what needs fixing. Simple repointing or crown repairs usually finish in a day. More extensive work like rebuilding sections or major flashing repairs might take 2-3 days. Weather affects the timeline since masonry work needs proper curing conditions. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe upfront and keep you updated if anything changes. The key is doing the work right, not fast. Rushed chimney repairs often fail within a few years, costing you more money and creating safety risks.

Can you repair chimneys in winter in Cambridge?

We can handle emergency repairs in winter, but major masonry work waits for better weather. Mortar needs proper temperatures to cure correctly, and Cambridge winters don’t provide that consistently. However, we can make temporary weatherproofing repairs to prevent further damage until spring. If you’re having water leaks or immediate safety concerns, we’ll stabilize the situation. For planned repairs, late spring through early fall gives the best conditions for work that lasts. Emergency situations don’t wait for perfect weather, though, so call us regardless of the season.

Do I need permits for chimney repair in Cambridge?

Most chimney repairs don’t require permits in Cambridge, but major rebuilds or structural changes might. Simple repointing, crown repairs, or flashing work typically don’t need permits. However, if we’re rebuilding significant portions of the chimney or changing its structure, permits may be required. We handle permit applications when needed and make sure all work meets Cambridge building codes. The inspection process will reveal whether permits are necessary for your specific repairs. It’s better to check beforehand than deal with complications later when you sell your home.

What's the difference between chimney cleaning and chimney repair?

Chimney cleaning removes creosote, debris, and blockages from inside the flue. Chimney repair fixes structural problems with the masonry, crown, flashing, or firebox. Cleaning is maintenance – repair is fixing damage. You might need both services, but they address different issues. A sweep can spot problems during cleaning, but they typically don’t do masonry repairs. We focus on the structural repair work that keeps your chimney safe and functional. If your chimney has cracks, deteriorated mortar, or water damage, cleaning won’t fix those problems. You need actual masonry repair work.

Local Resources