The journal
Everything we explain on a roof, written down
No filler, no stock photos of somebody else's chimney. These are the answers our crews give homeowners standing in the driveway — pricing, mortar chemistry, timelines and the failure patterns we see week after week across New Jersey.
All articles
- DiagnosisSeven signs your chimney needs repointing (before the ceiling stains)How to tell if your chimney mortar has failed — from the key-scratch test to efflorescence, spalled brick and firebox damp — plus what each sign means.June 28, 2026
- BasicsRepointing vs tuckpointing vs pointing: what contractors actually meanRepointing, tuckpointing and pointing are used interchangeably in the trade but mean different things. Here's what each one is and what you're being quoted for.June 9, 2026
- MaterialsWhy the wrong mortar destroys an old brick chimneyType N, Type O and lime mortar explained for homeowners: why hard Portland mixes spall antique brick, and how to tell which mortar your chimney needs.May 21, 2026
- ProcessHow long does chimney repointing take, start to finish?A realistic timeline for a residential chimney repoint: inspection, setup, grinding, pointing, crown work, curing, and when you can light a fire again.May 2, 2026
- RepairsThe chimney crown is why your repointing failedThe crown wash on top of a chimney sheds water away from every joint below. Here's how to spot a failing crown, what repair costs, and repair vs recast.April 16, 2026
Rather have someone look at yours?
Free roof-level photo inspection, fixed written price, no obligation.
Get my free inspection