Water stains beside the chimney
A stain on the ceiling or wall next to the chimney after a rain usually means water's getting past the roof line, and it's worth fixing before it soaks the framing.
Chimney repair in Rialto CA - sound brick and a chimney that keeps water out
Leak stains by the fireplace or loose brick up top? We find where the water gets in and fix the chimney so it stays dry.
- Licensed and insured.
- Free quotes on site.
- Expect a reply within 1 business day.
What chimney repair fixes on a Rialto house
Chimney repair in Rialto means fixing cracked, loose or missing brick or tile and restoring the flashing where the roof meets the chimney, so water stays out of your house and the chimney is sound enough for a new liner if you want one.
The price turns on how much brick or tile is cracked or loose, whether the flashing and crown need redoing, and how tall and easy to reach your chimney is, and planning a liner adds work at the start.
The schedule mostly comes down to what we find once the old mortar and flashing are opened up, and to the weather, since we don't lay brick in the rain. After I walk the job, you get a written estimate that says what we'll do and why.
I quote it and I run it
I'm the one who comes out, looks at your chimney and writes the estimate, and I'm on site running the crew, so what we talked about is what gets done.
A straight yes or no
If your chimney only needs a few joints redone, I'll say so, and if it isn't worth patching, I'll tell you that too, quickly, so you're not left wondering where things stand.
Fixed once, not twice
Patching brick while the leak keeps going means paying for the same chimney twice, so the estimate covers what's causing the damage. Backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
How we repair a leaking or loose chimney
Before we touch a single brick, we find where the water is getting in, because a chimney that's still taking water will crack and loosen again no matter how good the new brick looks. I check the flashing at the roof line and the crown, the cap on top that sheds rain off the brick, since those are where water usually gets past.
Once the water is handled, we fix the masonry itself. Cracked, loose or missing brick gets cut out and reset, the same brick repair we do on walls and steps, and when the brick is good but the joints are worn, tuckpointing, which means raking out the old mortar and packing in new, may be most of the job.
If you're planning a new liner, we get the brick sound first, so the liner goes into a chimney that can hold it.
Signs your chimney needs repair
Loose or missing brick up top
Brick that shifts, or pieces you find on the roof or in the yard, lets water deeper into the chimney and can fall, so it shouldn't wait for the next windy day.
Mortar that crumbles to the touch
If the joints turn to sand when you scrape them with a key, the brick may still be fine, and new mortar in the joints is often most of the fix.
Flashing pulling away from the brick
Metal at the roof line that's bent, rusted or lifting off the chimney is a common way water gets in, and it often shows up before any stain does.
Request your free chimney repair estimate
We'll reply within one business day to set a time, then I'll walk the chimney with you, take measurements and photos, and give you a written estimate. It's free, and there's no pressure to book.
Note when it leaks
Tell us whether the leak shows up in every rain or only in hard storms, and where the stain is, because that helps narrow down where water is getting in.
Photos of the brick help
A few phone photos of cracked or loose brick, taken from the ground, help me plan the visit. Please don't climb onto the roof to get them.
Mention any liner plans
If you're thinking about a new liner, say so on the form, so the estimate covers getting the brick sound before the liner goes in.
Chimney, brick and stone work examples
These photos show brick chimneys, mortar joints, crowns and flashing details you can point to when we talk through what yours needs.
Chimney repair questions from Rialto homeowners
Here are straight answers to what people ask most about leaks, loose brick, liners, permits and licensing for chimneys in Rialto.
What does chimney repair cost near Rialto?
Chimney repair in nearby San Bernardino usually costs about $550 to $7,700 per project, and that's the area's going rate, not our price. Where a job lands depends on how much brick needs work, whether the flashing or crown has to be redone and whether liner prep is part of it. You get your number in a written estimate after I look at it.
Why does my chimney leak when it rains?
Chimney leaks usually come in where the roof meets the chimney, because that joint needs base flashing along the roof and counter flashing set into the brick over it, and water gets in when either one fails. The crown on top is often overlooked as a source too. If you have a leak, ask whether the repair you're quoted covers the flashing.
Does my chimney need repair before a new liner goes in?
Usually, yes. One liner maker's instructions assume a structurally sound chimney and say to repair or replace cracked, loose or missing bricks or tiles first, so budget for that as step one. The same instructions call for a cleaning by a certified chimney sweep before the liner goes in.
What happens if a chimney liner is the wrong size?
A liner of the wrong size may lead to excessive condensation, creosote buildup and poor draft, according to that same liner maker's instructions. Sizing is settled before the job starts, so ask how the size was chosen before any work begins, and expect a clear answer from whoever is installing it.
Who handles building permits for chimney work in Rialto?
The City of Rialto Building Department handles plan check, permits and inspections in the city, and you can reach it at 909.820.2505, option 1, or rialtobuilding@rialtoca.gov. We work in Rialto and the cities around it, and when a chimney job needs a permit, we file it with the office that covers your address and we're there for inspections. If I'm not sure one's needed, I check with that office first.
What license should a chimney repair contractor have in California?
Ask whether they hold the state licensing board's masonry classification, which covers work with baked clay products like brick, natural and manufactured stone, and fire brick. A general "B" contractor can take the job if it holds that specialty or subcontracts it to a properly licensed specialty contractor. We're licensed and insured, and you're welcome to ask me about it at the estimate.
Related brick and mortar work
Have your chimney checked before the rain
Call (909) 546-5001 or use the form, because a flashing or mortar fix now usually costs less than repairing water damage after the next storm.