Real tuckpointing means cutting the old joints out
Plenty of crews “tuckpoint” by smearing fresh mortar over the old, failing joints. It looks fixed for a season — then it fails again.
We do it the slower way. We scrape away every bit of loose material and rout the failing mortar joints out to sound brick before we re-point. Fresh mortar needs a clean, deep joint to actually bond and carry load — skim it over the top and you’ve just hidden the problem until next winter. It’s more work, and it’s the only way the repair lasts.
— The Behncke crew · Quad Cities, since 1948
Why Chimneys Fail First
A chimney takes more weather than any other masonry on the house — sun, rain, and freeze-thaw on all four sides, plus moisture from inside the flue. Mortar joints open up, the crown cracks, and water works in behind the brick. We find what’s actually failing — crown, mortar, flashing, or brick — and fix it before it spreads into the roof and framing.
Chimney Services
Tuckpointing & Repointing
Grinding out failed mortar joints and repacking with color-matched mortar to seal the chimney and stop water.
Crown & Cap Rebuilds
Rebuilding cracked concrete crowns and replacing caps so water stops sitting on top of the chimney.
Rebuilds Above the Roofline
Tearing down and rebuilding spalled or leaning brick above the roof with matching units — often the most cost-effective fix.
Flashing & Leak Repair
Correcting the flashing and water-entry points where the chimney meets the roof, so the repair actually lasts.
We Rebuild Only What Truly Needs It
Plenty of chimneys quoted for a full tear-out really need a new crown, repointing, and flashing. We’ll tell you honestly whether yours needs a partial repair or a full rebuild — backed by the same craftsmanship we bring to state buildings.
Chimney Letting Water In?
We’ll inspect the crown, mortar, brick, and flashing, tell you what needs repair versus rebuild, and put a written estimate in your hands — usually within one business day.