Roof-Up Chimney Rebuild and Chimney Liner in Newington, CT
A recent project gave us the opportunity to correct several long-term chimney problems before they caused more extensive damage. The home had a gas water heater venting into an oversized exterior masonry chimney, along with multiple chimney structures showing signs of water intrusion and aging masonry. Our work focused on restoring safe venting while rebuilding the damaged chimney from the roofline up.
Why This Chimney Needed a New Liner
The gas water heater exhausted into a large, cold masonry chimney that was never designed for today’s smaller gas appliances. As the exhaust cooled too quickly, condensation formed inside the flue. Over time, the acidic moisture deteriorated the mortar joints between the flue tiles and created openings that allowed moisture and exhaust gases to enter the chimney structure.
We installed a properly sized stainless steel chimney liner that ran continuously from the water heater to the top of the chimney. The new liner provided a dedicated venting path, improved appliance performance, and helped protect the surrounding masonry from additional acidic damage.
Roof-Up Chimney Rebuild in Newington, CT
Years of moisture exposure and acidic deterioration had left the chimney unstable above the roofline. We found loose brick, open mortar joints, a failing crown, damaged fireplace flue tiles, and signs of previous patch repairs that had not addressed the underlying problems.
Our crew dismantled the chimney to the roofline and rebuilt it with new brick and mortar. We installed new flashing, replaced the damaged upper fireplace flue tiles, reconstructed the concrete crown with a proper drip edge, and reinstalled the homeowner’s existing stainless steel chimney cap. The completed rebuild restored both the structural integrity and weather resistance of the chimney.
Preventing Water Damage on the Remaining Chimneys
The home also had two additional chimney structures with early signs of water penetration. One chimney received crown repairs, selective mortar joint repointing, and a water repellent treatment to slow future deterioration. The other chimney remained structurally sound, so we sealed the crown and applied a breathable water repellent to help keep moisture out while preserving the masonry.
Addressing these maintenance items now helped reduce future water damage and extended the service life of both chimneys.
A Long-Term Solution
Every chimney presents a different combination of venting and masonry challenges. In this project, correcting the venting system and rebuilding the deteriorated chimney solved the underlying causes instead of covering them with another temporary repair. The finished work provided safe venting for the gas appliance, restored the damaged masonry, and helped protect the home’s chimney system for years to come.
