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Project Case Studies

Real Chimney & Fireplace Work in Chicagoland

A look at how we diagnose and scope real jobs: the problem we found, the work we did, and the materials we used. Photo documentation is added as projects complete.

Chimney Crown Repair Park Ridge, IL · January 2026

Chimney Crown Rebuild - 1960s Ranch

  • ScopeCrown demolition and rebuild, chimney cap installation, partial repointing
  • Duration2 days
  • ServiceChimney Crown Repair

The Problem

The homeowner noticed water stains appearing on the ceiling around the chimney during heavy rain. Our inspection found the original chimney crown was a flat mortar wash with no overhang or drip edge - a common shortcut in 1960s construction. Multiple cracks had developed across the surface, allowing water to enter the chimney structure. Three courses of brick below the crown showed freeze-thaw spalling from years of moisture penetration.

Our Solution

We demolished the existing crown down to the top brick course and formed a new crown with 2-inch overhang and drip edge on all four sides. The new crown uses fiber-reinforced concrete rated for exterior freeze-thaw exposure, sloped 1/4 inch per foot away from the flue. The three damaged brick courses were repointed with Type N mortar. A new stainless steel chimney cap was installed.

The Outcome

Scope: crown demolition and rebuild, new stainless steel chimney cap, and partial repointing with Type N mortar. Completed in 2 days in Park Ridge.

Fireplace Restoration Evanston, IL · November 2025

Fireplace Restoration - 1895 Victorian

  • ScopeFirebox rebuild, smoke chamber parging, damper replacement, mantel preservation
  • Duration5 days
  • ServiceFireplace Restoration

The Problem

The homeowners purchased this 1895 Victorian and wanted to use the original fireplace, which had been sealed off for decades. Our Level II inspection revealed cracked firebricks, deteriorated mortar throughout the firebox, a seized cast-iron throat damper, and an unparched smoke chamber with gaps between corbeled bricks.

Our Solution

We replaced all cracked firebricks with matching refractory-rated brick, repointed all firebox mortar joints with high-temperature refractory mortar, installed a new top-mount damper (more efficient and reliable than throat-mount), and parced the entire smoke chamber with ChamberTech 2000 refractory mortar. The original carved marble mantel was carefully preserved and cleaned.

The Outcome

Scope: firebox rebuild with matching refractory brick, full smoke chamber parging, top-mount damper replacement, and preservation of the original carved marble mantel. Completed in 5 days in Evanston.

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