Chimney Repairs & Relining: Restoring Safety, Performance, and Peace of Mind
Your Chimney Won't Fix Itself
Like any part of your home, chimneys deteriorate over time.
Years of exposure to fire, heat, moisture, weather, and freeze-thaw cycles slowly break down masonry, metal components, and chimney liners. What starts as a small crack or minor defect can eventually become a major safety hazard if left unaddressed.
Many homeowners don't realize they have a problem until they experience water leaks, smoke entering the home, poor fireplace performance, or a failed chimney inspection.
At Mister Sweep, we specialize in identifying chimney defects before they become expensive emergencies. Whether your system needs minor repairs or a complete relining, our certified technicians have the experience and training to restore your chimney to safe operating condition.
Your chimney works in one of the harshest environments found anywhere in your home.
Every day it is exposed to:
• Extreme heat
• Corrosive flue gases
• Rain and snow
• Freeze-thaw cycles
• Moisture intrusion
• Wind exposure
• Settlement movement
• Creosote buildup
Over time, even the best-built chimney systems begin to deteriorate.
Common Chimney Problems We Repair
Bricks and mortar joints naturally expand and contract with changing temperatures.
Over time this can cause:
• Cracked bricks
• Missing mortar
• Leaning chimneys
• Water intrusion
• Structural instability
Small cracks often become major repairs if ignored.
Spalling occurs when moisture enters masonry and freezes.
As water expands, the face of the brick begins to break apart.
Signs include:
• Flaking brick surfaces
• Crumbling masonry
• Loose pieces of brick
• White staining (efflorescence)
Spalling is especially common in Minnesota's freeze-thaw climate.
The chimney crown protects the structure from water intrusion.
When crowns crack:
• Water enters the chimney
• Masonry deteriorates
• Freeze-thaw damage accelerates
• Interior leaks develop
Prompt crown repair helps prevent much larger structural problems.
The area where the chimney meets the roof is one of the most common sources of water intrusion.
Damaged flashing can lead to:
• Roof leaks
• Attic damage
• Mold growth
• Ceiling stains
• Rotting roof structures
Missing or damaged chimney caps allow:
• Water intrusion
• Animal intrusion
• Debris accumulation
• Premature deterioration
Replacing a chimney cap is one of the most cost-effective repairs available.
The Hidden Danger: Damaged Chimney Liners
One of the most serious chimney problems often can't be seen from the ground.
Your chimney liner serves as the protective barrier between hot flue gases and the combustible materials inside your home.
When liners become damaged, cracked, or deteriorated, dangerous conditions can develop.
What Does a Chimney Liner Do?
A properly functioning liner:
✓ Protects your home from heat transfer
✓ Safely vents combustion gases
✓ Protects masonry from acidic flue products
✓ Improves draft performance
✓ Reduces fire risk
✓ Helps appliances operate properly
Without a functional liner, your chimney may no longer operate safely.
Signs Your Chimney May Need Relining
You may need chimney relining if you experience:
• Failed chimney inspection
• Cracked clay tiles
• Missing flue tile sections
• Excessive creosote buildup
• Poor drafting
• Smoke entering the home
• Appliance replacement requiring liner upgrades
• Water damage inside the flue
• Evidence of a previous chimney fire
Often, the only way to properly evaluate a liner is with a professional video scan.
What Is Chimney Relining?
Relining is the process of installing a new protective venting system inside an existing chimney.
This restores safety, improves performance, and extends the life of the chimney.
Relining often eliminates the need for complete chimney replacement.
Stainless Steel Chimney Relining
The most common relining solution today is stainless steel.
Benefits include:
✓ Long service life
✓ Excellent durability
✓ Corrosion resistance
✓ Improved draft
✓ Compatibility with most appliances
✓ Reduced maintenance
Stainless steel liners are commonly used for:
• Wood fireplaces
• Wood stoves
• Gas fireplaces
• Furnaces
• Water heaters
• Pellet appliances
Flexible Stainless Steel Liners
Flexible liners are ideal for chimneys with bends or offsets.
Benefits include:
✓ Easier installation
✓ Excellent durability
✓ Minimal structural modification
✓ Suitable for most relining applications
Insulation helps maintain flue temperatures and improve performance.
Benefits include:
✓ Improved draft
✓ Reduced condensation
✓ Increased efficiency
✓ Better safety
✓ Extended liner life
When a Chimney Fire Has Occurred
Many homeowners don't realize a chimney fire can permanently damage a liner.
Even if the chimney appears normal afterward, hidden damage may exist.
A chimney fire can cause:
• Cracked clay liners
• Warped metal liners
• Structural damage
• Increased fire risk
• Unsafe operation
Any suspected chimney fire should be followed by a professional inspection.
Not every chimney needs relining.
Many systems simply require professional repair and restoration.
Our repair services include:
✓ Tuckpointing
✓ Crown Repair
✓ Crown Rebuilding
✓ Brick Replacement
✓ Waterproofing
✓ Flashing Repair
✓ Flashing Replacement
✓ Chimney Cap Installation
✓ Chase Cover Replacement
✓ Structural Masonry Repairs
✓ Full Chimney Rebuilds
Small chimney problems rarely stay small.
A minor defect today can become:
❌ Water damage
❌ Structural damage
❌ Smoke problems
❌ Carbon monoxide hazards
❌ Masonry failure
❌ Expensive rebuilds
❌ Chimney fires
❌ Appliance damage
The sooner problems are identified, the more options homeowners typically have.
Chance Loves Neglected Chimneys
Chance doesn't create problems overnight.
He works slowly.
A cracked crown here.
A missing mortar joint there.
A damaged liner nobody can see.
Year after year, Chance lets moisture, heat, and neglect do the work.
By the time many homeowners notice something is wrong, repairs have become far more expensive.
Chance loves:
❌ Cracked liners
❌ Water intrusion
❌ Spalling brick
❌ Missing mortar
❌ Deteriorated crowns
❌ Unsafe fireplaces
❌ Delayed maintenance
Steve believes repairs should solve problems permanently—not temporarily.
Our certified chimney professionals use advanced inspection equipment, industry-approved repair methods, and high-quality materials to restore your chimney system the right way.
Whether your chimney needs a simple repair, extensive restoration, or complete relining, we'll help you understand the problem, your options, and the best path forward.
No pressure.
No gimmicks.
Just honest recommendations and professional workmanship.
Protect Your Home Before Problems Get Worse
Your chimney is one of the hardest-working systems in your home.
Keeping it in good condition protects:
✓ Your family
✓ Your fireplace
✓ Your home
✓ Your investment
✓ Your peace of mind
If you've noticed signs of deterioration—or if it's simply been years since your last inspection—now is the time to act.
Let Steve stop Chance before minor repairs become major reconstruction.
📞 (612) 552-2848
🌐 www.mister-sweep.com
🏠 Local. Reliable. Trusted.
🔥 We Keep Your Home Safe and Your Fires Burning.
