Kansas weather is hard on chimneys. Freeze-thaw cycles push water into mortar joints and brick faces, and a small crack in the crown becomes crumbling masonry within a few winters. Bison repairs chimneys from the crown down, and we do the masonry ourselves rather than subcontracting it.
Most chimney repair calls in Overland Park, Shawnee and Kansas City start with one of three things: a cracked crown, deteriorating mortar joints, or spalling brick. Catch them early and the fix is a few hundred dollars. Leave them and you are looking at a partial rebuild.
What's included in our chimney repair & masonry
- Crown repair, crown sealing or a full poured-concrete crown rebuild
- Tuckpointing and repointing of failed mortar joints
- Replacement of spalled, cracked or missing bricks
- Firebox repair: refractory panel replacement and firebrick repointing
- Smoke chamber parging and repair
- Partial and full chimney rebuilds above the roofline
- Chase cover replacement on factory-built chimneys
Common chimney repairs in Johnson County
The crown is the concrete slab on top of the chimney that sheds water away from the flue. Most crowns in 1970s to 1990s Overland Park homes were made from mortar instead of concrete, and they crack. We repair hairline cracks with a flexible crown sealant and rebuild badly deteriorated crowns in properly formed concrete with a drip edge.
Mortar joints fail before bricks do. Tuckpointing grinds out the deteriorated mortar and packs in new mortar that matches the color of the original, restoring the weather seal and the structure.
Spalling is when the face of a brick pops off after water inside it freezes. Individual spalled bricks can be cut out and replaced. Widespread spalling usually means the chimney has been soaking up water for years and needs a rebuild plus waterproofing.
How we quote chimney repair
We photograph the damage from the roof and, if the flue is involved, from inside with a camera. You get the photos, a written scope, and a firm price. If a cheaper fix will genuinely last, we tell you. If a repair will not hold and a rebuild is the honest answer, we tell you that too.
Signs your chimney needs repair
- Pieces of brick or mortar on the roof or in the gutters
- White powdery staining (efflorescence) on the brick
- A visible crack across the top of the chimney
- The chimney leans or has a gap where it meets the siding
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall next to the fireplace
- Rust streaks on the chimney or a rusted damper
Noticing any of these? Call (913) 555-0100 and we will get you scheduled.
Chimney Repair & Masonry: frequently asked questions
How long do chimney repairs take?
Crown repair and small tuckpointing jobs are usually done in half a day. A rebuild above the roofline takes one to three days depending on size and weather.
Can chimney repair be done in winter?
Masonry needs temperatures above about 40°F to cure properly. Sealants and caps can be done year-round; brick and mortar work waits for a warm window.
Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repair?
Insurance usually covers sudden damage such as a chimney fire, lightning or storm damage, and usually excludes wear and tear. Our photo reports are written to support a claim when one applies.
Will the new mortar match my chimney?
We match mortar color and joint style as closely as possible. It will look slightly fresh at first and weather in within a season.
Where we offer chimney repair & masonry
Based in Overland Park, serving all of Johnson County and the Kansas City metro with no trip fees.
