At Prescott Masonry and Restoration, we believe that protecting your home means paying attention to the parts that often go unnoticed like your chimney. While it might not be top of mind every day, a well-maintained chimney plays a vital role in your home’s safety, efficiency, and longevity. And in Pittsburgh, where weather conditions can shift from snow and sleet to heavy rain in a matter of weeks, chimney repair isn’t just smart, it’s necessary.

Prescott Masonry and Restoration is part of the fifth-generation family-owned Prescott Roofing & Remodeling company. With roots dating back to 1906, we’ve built our name on craftsmanship, integrity, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time. That legacy extends to our masonry division, which has become one of Pittsburgh’s most trusted teams for chimney repointing, restoration, and repair services.

Why Chimney Repair Matters

A damaged or deteriorating chimney can cause serious problems if left unaddressed. Cracked mortar joints, missing bricks, and compromised flashing may not seem urgent at first glance, but over time they can allow water to infiltrate your home, weaken structural components, or even become a fire hazard. Smoke, carbon monoxide leaks, and masonry collapse are real risks when chimney damage is ignored.

At Prescott, we understand that Pittsburgh homes face unique challenges, from freeze-thaw cycles that stress brickwork to high winds and rain that test flashing and caps. Water-filled gaps and cavities in mortar joints can lead to spalling, decay, and small cracks, making proper joint repair essential to prevent further damage. That’s why our chimney repair services are designed to address both the visible symptoms and the root causes. We use proven materials and time-tested techniques to restore your chimney’s integrity, appearance, and performance so you can count on it through every season.

Blocked or hard-to-reach areas, such as those near the roof or behind landscaping, can increase the complexity and cost of masonry services for many Pittsburgh homes.

Comprehensive Chimney Repair Services

Prescott Masonry and Restoration offers full-service chimney repair for homeowners across the Greater Pittsburgh area. Whether you’re dealing with minor deterioration or major structural issues, we’re equipped to handle it. Every project starts with a thorough inspection to assess damage, identify potential hazards, and provide a clear, honest recommendation.

Our chimney repair services include:

• Brick and mortar replacement

• Rebuilding of leaning or crumbling chimneys

• Chimney cap system installations 

• Repair or replacement of deteriorated chimney flashing 

• Replacing or rebuilding the chimney 

Certain repairs may require the use of concrete or stone, and the choice of material depends on how the chimney was originally constructed to ensure compatibility and durability.

We take pride in delivering solutions that not only fix the problem but also extend the life of your chimney. Our team is trained to preserve the architectural character of older homes while applying modern standards of durability and safety.

Expert Chimney Repointing Services

One of the most common and effective maintenance services we offer is chimney repointing. Over time, the mortar between your bricks begins to wear down due to constant exposure to weather and natural aging. Once the mortar becomes soft or cracked, it can allow water in, leading to further brick damage and structural issues.

Chimney repointing involves carefully removing the damaged outer layer of mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar that’s color-matched and tooled to blend seamlessly with the existing masonry. The process starts by cutting out the old mortar from the mortar joint, removing all dust and debris from the gap, and then filling the joint with new mortar using a pointing trowel for a clean, professional finish. It’s a precise process that requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of both materials and technique.

Matching the correct mortar type and using the right ratio of parts sand is crucial, especially for houses built before 1930, which may require hydraulic line or slicked lime putty mortars. This ensures compatibility and longevity for historic masonry.

Our masonry team has repointed hundreds of chimneys throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding neighborhoods. We know how to work with different brick styles, understand regional architectural details, and ensure every job is done with care. Chimney repointing doesn’t just restore function, it also improves curb appeal and protects the chimney from further deterioration.

Whole House Repointing Available

In some cases, homeowners come to us because the issues they see on their chimney are also showing up elsewhere- crumbling mortar, discolored joints, or gaps in the brickwork around the entire exterior of their home. When that happens, we may recommend a whole house repointing.

Whole house repointing is exactly what it sounds like: a comprehensive process of removing and replacing deteriorated mortar joints across the entire structure. It’s often the best choice for older homes where the original mortar has reached the end of its useful life. Repointing is also necessary for houses with historic brick walls, and understanding the original material and mortar type is crucial for proper restoration and to maintain the integrity of the wall.

Our team approaches whole house repointing with the same precision and respect we bring to our chimney work. We evaluate the existing mortar composition and color, blend new mortar for a natural match, and strike the joints to maintain a uniform, historically appropriate appearance. Not only does this restore the visual character of your home, but it also reinforces the structural integrity and weather resistance of the entire building envelope.

Chimney Restoration for Beauty and Performance

Beyond functional repairs, we offer full chimney restoration services for homeowners who want to improve both performance and appearance. This may include a combination of repointing, rebuilding, installing new chimney cap systems, and enhancing the chimney’s aesthetic value while improving protection from the elements.

Restoration may also include tuck pointing for a decorative effect, and painting or staining the surface is best done after repointing to ensure proper adhesion and a lasting finish.

Whether you have a historic brick chimney that needs delicate restoration or a newer structure that’s experienced water damage, we’re prepared to bring it back to life. Our team understands how to balance form and function- preserving the look you love while reinforcing the strength and safety you need.

The Prescott Masonry Difference

Prescott Masonry and Restorations isn’t just another contractor; we’re a trusted local partner with deep roots in Pittsburgh. Our team is made up of experienced, vetted professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional results and treating your home with the care it deserves.

We use protective tools like Equipter and Catch-All systems to safeguard your landscaping and property during work. Every job is photo-documented, and we walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure complete transparency. When we say we treat your home like it’s our own, we mean it.

Investing in quality repairs can save money in the long run by preventing costly future repairs, and costs are often calculated per square foot, especially for large wall or roof projects.

Here’s why homeowners across Pittsburgh choose us:

• Family-owned and operated since 1906

• Masonry experts with decades of local experience

• Clean, respectful job sites

• Transparent estimates and honest recommendations

• Quality work backed by industry-leading warranties

• Proudly serving areas like Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Fox Chapel, Wexford, and more

Prescott Roofing & Remodeling, Standing on Pittsburgh’s Roofs Since 1906

Introduction to Chimney Services

A well-functioning chimney is more than just a feature of your home—it’s a vital part of your property’s safety and comfort. Regular chimney services are essential for keeping your fireplace and heating systems running efficiently while protecting your home from hazards like carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. These services include everything from routine cleaning and inspections to more involved repairs and even complete chimney rebuilding when necessary. By investing in ongoing maintenance, you can catch small issues before they become major problems, thereby saving money and extending the life of your chimney. Whether your chimney needs repointing to restore crumbling mortar or a full-scale repair to address structural concerns, working with a professional masonry service ensures the job is done right, keeping your home safe and warm year-round.

Understanding Repointing 

Repointing is a fundamental maintenance process for preserving the strength and appearance of brick walls and chimneys. Over time, the mortar joints that hold your bricks together can deteriorate due to weather, moisture, and age, leading to gaps, cracks, and loose mortar. If left unchecked, these issues can allow water infiltration, which accelerates damage to both the brickwork and the underlying structure. Repointing involves carefully removing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar that matches the original in both color and composition. This not only restores the structural integrity of your chimney and walls but also helps prevent future water damage. A successful repointing job requires the right mortar mix and skilled hands to ensure the new mortar bonds properly and maintains the historic character of your home. While the cost of repointing varies depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the work, it’s a smart investment that protects your property and enhances its curb appeal.

Importance of Masonry Cement

Choosing the right masonry cement is crucial for any repointing or rebuilding project involving brick walls or chimneys. The type of mortar you use can significantly impact the durability and longevity of your structure. For older homes with historic brickwork, lime-based mortars—often made with lime putty—are preferred because they are more flexible and allow water vapor to escape, reducing the risk of trapped moisture and subsequent damage. These lime mixes are especially important for repointing old brick, as they accommodate the natural movement of the structure. In contrast, cement-based mortars offer greater strength and are typically used in new construction or when rebuilding a chimney from the ground up. Understanding the differences between mortar types and selecting the right mortar for your specific project ensures that your brickwork remains strong, breathable, and resistant to the elements. Consulting with a professional mason guarantees that the correct materials and techniques are used, preserving both the beauty and integrity of your home.

Chimney Rebuilding

When a chimney has suffered extensive damage, whether from years of neglect, severe weather, or structural failure chimney rebuilding may be the only solution. This process involves dismantling the existing chimney and constructing a new one using high-quality materials and modern masonry techniques. Chimney rebuilding is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge to ensure the new structure is safe, efficient, and built to last. Professional masonry services will assess the extent of the damage, recommend the best course of action, and provide a detailed estimate that covers all aspects of the project, including materials, labor, and any necessary permits. While the cost of rebuilding a chimney can be significant, it is a critical investment in the safety and value of your home. By entrusting your chimney rebuilding project to experienced masons, you can be confident that your new chimney will stand strong for decades to come.

Get a Free Chimney Evaluation

If your chimney is showing signs of wear- whether it’s loose bricks, cracks in the mortar, or moisture stains- it’s time to bring in the professionals. If you notice spalling, decay, or small cracks in your brickwork, contact Prescott Masonry and Restorations promptly—timely repointing of brick work can prevent the need for a full rebuild. Our team will inspect your chimney, explain your options, and provide a straightforward path forward.

Whether you need chimney repair, or full-scale whole house repointing, Prescott Masonry and Restorations is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your free chimney evaluation and find out why generations of Pittsburgh homeowners trust Prescott Masonry and Restorations to protect what matters most.