Skip to content
Serving New York and nearby cities Mon–Fri: 8 AM–8 PM · Requests accepted 24/7 · (445) 340-6827

Chimney Repair in New York, NY

Serving New York and nearby cities.

Request Service Call (445) 340-6827

Tell us what’s going on

Prefer to talk? (445) 340-6827

The short answer

Chimney repair fixes the masonry, crown, flashing, cap, damper and flue liner so your chimney keeps water out and vents exhaust safely. Nexora inspects first, shows you what it found, and gives you a written estimate before any repair work begins.

A chimney takes a beating in New York. Freeze-thaw cycles, wind-driven rain, and years of heat and exhaust all wear down mortar, flue tiles and the metal parts that keep water out. Nexora Chimney Services repairs chimneys for homeowners in New York and nearby cities, from cracked crowns and loose bricks to damaged liners and leaking flashing. Our certified technicians start by finding the actual cause of the problem. They explain what they see in plain terms, then fix what needs fixing so your fireplace, stove or heating appliance can vent safely.

Signs you need chimney repair

Most chimney damage starts small and shows up in a few predictable ways. If you notice any of these, have the chimney looked at before the next heating season or the next stretch of heavy rain.

  • Water in the firebox, or damp stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney, often after rain or snowmelt
  • White, chalky staining on the brick, which means water is moving through the masonry
  • Pieces of brick, mortar or flue tile collecting in the firebox or at the base of the flue
  • Poor draft, with smoke rolling into the room instead of going up the chimney
  • A strong smoke or creosote smell in the house, especially in humid weather or when the air conditioning runs
  • Cracks, gaps in mortar joints, or a leaning or bulging section of the chimney outside
  • Rust on the damper, firebox or chimney cap
Technician lowering an inspection camera into a chimney flue

What's included in a chimney repair

Every repair visit begins with an inspection, so the work matches the real problem. Depending on what we find, a chimney repair can include:

  • Inspection of the chimney exterior, crown, cap, flashing, firebox, smoke chamber and flue
  • Camera inspection of the flue liner when cracks, gaps or hidden damage are suspected
  • Repointing, which means grinding out failed mortar joints and replacing them with new mortar
  • Replacing cracked or spalled bricks
  • Repairing or rebuilding the chimney crown so it sheds water
  • Resealing or replacing flashing where the chimney meets the roof
  • Installing or replacing a chimney cap to keep out rain, debris and animals
  • Repairing or replacing the damper, or adding a top-sealing damper
  • Firebox repairs, including replacing damaged firebrick and refractory mortar
  • Relining the flue with a stainless steel liner when the existing liner is cracked or unsuitable for the appliance
  • Applying a breathable water repellent to the masonry after repairs, where it makes sense
  • Photos and a written summary of what we found and what we did

How our crew works inside your home and on the roof

Inside, the crew lays drop cloths from the door to the fireplace and covers the hearth and nearby furniture. We seal the fireplace opening and run HEPA vacuums while we work, which keeps soot and dust out of the room. If the flue needs cleaning before repairs can be assessed or made, we use rotary brushes sized to your flue. We also run a camera down the flue to find cracks, missing mortar and liner gaps that can't be seen from the top or bottom, and we show you the footage.

On the roof, technicians use proper ladders, roof protection and fall safety equipment. They work carefully around shingles, slate and flat roofing membranes. Exterior masonry work depends on the weather, because mortar and crown material need temperatures above freezing to cure properly. That means we may schedule outside repairs around the forecast. When we finish, we clean up debris on the roof and inside. If the appliance is ready to use, we also check the draft.

Time for your annual chimney check?

Call (445) 340-6827Request Service

The standard we follow

We work to NFPA 211, the national standard for chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances. It calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. Chimney professionals use three inspection levels. Level 1 is for when nothing about the system has changed. Level 2 is for when something changes, such as a new appliance, a switch of fuel or the sale of the home. Level 3 is for when a hidden hazard has to be reached by opening part of the chimney or the building.

Repairs often come out of a Level 2 inspection, and we'll tell you which level your situation calls for and why. Converting a boiler from oil to gas is a common example in New York City. The chimney has to be evaluated as part of that work, and a new liner is often needed because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue.

What affects the price of chimney repair

Every chimney is different, so we price repairs after we inspect. The main factors are:

You'll get a written estimate before any repair work starts. If we find something new once the work is underway, we'll talk with you before going further.

  • Chimney height and how easily the roof can be reached safely
  • The fuel and appliance the chimney serves, whether wood, gas or oil
  • Flue size and shape, and the condition of the existing liner
  • How much creosote or soot buildup has to be removed before repairs
  • Whether a camera inspection is needed to find hidden damage
  • The size of the repair, from a few mortar joints to a crown rebuild or full relining
  • Materials, such as matching brick or a stainless steel liner

How a repair visit works

When you contact us, tell us what you've noticed, such as a leak, a smell, falling debris or a draft problem, and what kind of appliance the chimney serves. We'll set up a time that works for you.

At the visit, the technician protects your floors and furniture and inspects the chimney inside and out. If it's needed, they run a camera down the flue. Then they walk you through what they found, with photos, and explain your options. Small fixes, like a new cap or a few loose bricks, can often be handled the same day. Larger jobs, such as a crown rebuild or a new liner, are scheduled as a separate visit once you approve the estimate.

When the work is done, we clean up and give you a written summary of the repairs. If your home's heat vents through the chimney, plan ahead. New York City's heat season runs from October 1 through May 31, when building owners must keep apartments heated to the city's minimums. Booking repairs before October helps you avoid shutting down heat when it's needed most.

Chimney Repair by city

Chimney sweep cleaning a brick chimney on a rowhouse roof

Book Chimney Repair in New York

Serving New York and nearby cities.

  • Diagnosis before any repair
  • Photos of every finding
  • Written price before we start
Call (445) 340-6827Request Service

What to expect

How a visit goes

  1. Look first, then recommend

    We inspect and document the condition of your chimney or vent before suggesting any repair, so recommendations are based on what is actually there.

  2. Explain it plainly

    We walk you through our photos and tell you what is urgent, what can wait, and what is fine as it is.

  3. Leave the space clean

    We cover floors and furniture near the work area, contain soot and debris, and take it with us when we leave.

FAQ

Common questions

Don’t see your question? Call (445) 340-6827 and we’ll talk it through.

Can I keep using my fireplace if the chimney needs repair?

It depends on the problem. Cracked flue tiles, a damaged liner or gaps in the smoke chamber can let heat and exhaust reach parts of the house they shouldn't, so we recommend not using the fireplace until those are fixed. Cosmetic issues on the outside are usually less urgent. The technician will tell you which applies to your chimney.

Why is water getting into my firebox?

The usual causes are a missing or damaged chimney cap, a cracked crown, failed flashing where the chimney meets the roof, or porous brick and mortar. We trace the leak to its source so the repair actually stops the water.

What is the white staining on my chimney bricks?

White, chalky staining is mineral salt left behind as water moves through the masonry and evaporates. It's a sign that water is getting into the brick, so we look for where it's entering and fix that, not just the stain.

Do I need a new liner when switching from oil to gas?

Often, yes. In New York City, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of an oil-to-gas boiler conversion. A new liner is frequently needed because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. We inspect the existing flue and tell you whether it can be reused.

How often should my chimney be inspected?

The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. A yearly inspection catches small problems, like loose mortar or a cracked crown, before they turn into larger repairs.

Are your technicians certified?

Yes. Our chimney repair work is done by certified technicians who follow the NFPA 211 standard.

Schedule a Chimney or Vent Inspection

Tell us about your fireplace, boiler flue, dryer vent or ducts and what you've noticed. We'll set up a visit, inspect before recommending anything, and give you a written price before any work begins.

(445) 340-6827
Call (445) 340-6827 Request Service