Repair

Chimney repair in San Diego. Done right the first time.

Most chimney damage in San Diego County starts at the top — a failed crown, missing cap, or worn flashing — then water tracks down through the masonry until joints fail and tiles crack. We diagnose the actual source of the damage with a Level 2 camera scan, then quote a repair that fixes the cause, not just the symptom.

chimney sweep mason in warm terracotta polo repairing brick joints on a masonry chimney

What's included in this service?

  • Crack and gap diagnosis with full camera scan and roof inspection
  • Tuckpointing and repointing of failed mortar joints
  • Spalled brick replacement and partial chimney rebuild
  • Cracked flue tile repair with HeatShield or full reline
  • Crown rebuild and crown coat sealing
  • Cap installation and animal exclusion
  • Step and counter flashing replacement at the roof line
  • Smoke chamber parging and smoothing per code

When do you need this service?

  • Water stains on the wall or ceiling near the chimney
  • White efflorescence powder on the exterior brick
  • Crumbling mortar joints visible from the ground
  • Rust stains running down the brick from the cap
  • Tiles falling into the firebox or visible cracks on the smoke shelf
  • Chimney is leaning or pulling away from the house

What do homeowners ask about Repair?

How much does chimney repair cost?

Wide range. Spot tuckpointing of a few joints runs $350–$650. A full crown rebuild with a poured cap is $1,200–$2,400. A stainless steel reline of a 25-foot flue is $2,800–$4,500. We send a flat-rate written quote after the camera inspection — no hourly billing, no surprises.

What is tuckpointing and why do I need it?

Tuckpointing (or repointing) is the repair of failed mortar joints between bricks. Mortar fails before brick — it is the sacrificial layer. When you can scratch out the joint with a screwdriver, water gets behind the brick, freezes, and pops the brick face off. Tuckpointing every 20–30 years on a coastal chimney is normal.

Do you reline cracked flues?

Yes. For minor cracks, we use HeatShield — a cementitious chamber and joint repair system applied with a foam plug and pulled up the flue. For multiple cracks, missing tiles, or undersized flues, we install a stainless steel liner. Both come with a long warranty.

My chimney is leaning. Can it be saved?

Sometimes. A small lean from settled footing can be braced and stabilized. A lean from a failing footing or a separated chimney usually means a partial rebuild from the roof line up. We bring a structural mason for the assessment and give an honest recommendation — including when the answer is "tear it down and rebuild."

Are you licensed for masonry work?

Yes. Draft Pro San Diego carries a California C-29 Masonry license. We pull permits where required by the AHJ, follow CSIA and NFPA 211 standards, and provide written warranties on all structural and waterproofing work.

Service area

Where do we offer Repair in San Diego County?

We provide repair in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.

See repair in all 48 cities
Real feedback

Homeowners who hired us for this

Bought our 1980s house with no service history on the fireplace. Their camera scan found a cracked clay tile we never would have spotted. Sweep was dust-free — couldn't tell they'd been in our living room. Written report in my inbox the next morning.

Melissa R. Chimney Sweep & Inspection · Carlsbad

Called for a leak that two roofers had blamed on the roof. Their tech ran a hose test and showed me it was the crown — pictures and everything. Crown rebuild stopped the leak the same week. Honest work and clear pricing.

David K. Chimney Crown Repair · El Cajon

Raccoons in the chimney for two seasons. Other companies wanted to sell me a full inspection package first. Draft Pro came out, installed a stainless cap with proper mesh, and the noises stopped that night. Fair price.

Priya S. Cap Installation · Encinitas
Serving San Diego County

Need repair in San Diego County?

Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.