Chimney Restoration in the Quad Cities

Masonry Chimney Repair Services

Bi-State Masonry provides comprehensive chimney restoration services for residential properties throughout the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. With over 26 years of experience in commercial and residential masonry, we bring professional-grade craftsmanship to every chimney repair project. Whether your chimney requires minor mortar joint repair or a complete rebuild, our skilled masons have the expertise to restore your chimney to safe, functional condition. We serve homeowners across Davenport, Moline, Rock Island, Bettendorf, and communities within 50 miles of the Quad Cities in both Iowa and Illinois.

Common Chimney Problems in Quad Cities Homes

The climate in the Quad Cities region presents unique challenges for masonry chimneys. Our harsh winters and humid summers create conditions that accelerate chimney deterioration. The freeze-thaw cycle is particularly damaging—water penetrates small cracks in mortar joints, freezes and expands, then thaws, gradually widening those cracks over successive seasons. Many homeowners do not realize their chimney needs attention until visible damage appears or water begins leaking into the home.

Common chimney problems we address for Quad Cities homeowners include:

• Deteriorating mortar joints between bricks, allowing water infiltration and structural weakening
• Cracked or missing chimney crowns that permit water to enter the chimney structure
• Spalling bricks where the face of the brick flakes off due to moisture damage
• Leaning or separating chimneys caused by foundation settlement or structural failure
• Damaged or missing chimney caps that allow rain, snow, and animals into the flue
• Deteriorated flashing where the chimney meets the roofline, causing roof and interior leaks
• Efflorescence (white staining) indicating moisture is moving through the masonry

Addressing chimney problems early prevents more extensive and costly repairs. A deteriorating chimney left unattended can lead to water damage inside walls and ceilings, compromised structural integrity, and in severe cases, chimney collapse. If you notice any of these warning signs, we recommend scheduling an assessment to determine the scope of necessary repairs.

Our Chimney Masonry Repair Services

Bi-State Masonry offers complete chimney restoration services, from minor repairs to full chimney rebuilds. We approach each project with the same professional standards we apply to our commercial work, ensuring quality results that protect your home for years to come. Our masons assess the full condition of your chimney before recommending repairs, so you understand exactly what work is needed and why.

We perform all work related to chimney rebuilding services, including structural repairs, cosmetic restoration, and preventative maintenance. Our goal is to provide lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes. We use quality materials appropriate for your chimney's construction and the demands of our regional climate.

Tuck Pointing & Mortar Joint Repair

Tuck pointing is one of the most common chimney masonry repairs we perform. Over time, the mortar between bricks deteriorates faster than the bricks themselves. This is normal—mortar is designed to be the sacrificial element in a masonry structure, absorbing stress and moisture to protect the more expensive brick or stone. When mortar joints crack, recede, or crumble, tuck pointing restores the integrity of the chimney.

The tuck pointing process involves carefully removing deteriorated mortar to an appropriate depth, then filling the joints with fresh mortar matched to the original in composition and color. Proper tuck pointing requires skill and attention to detail. The mortar must be mixed correctly, applied at the right consistency, and tooled to shed water effectively. Our experienced masons understand these requirements and deliver tuck pointing work that blends with your existing masonry while providing long-lasting performance.

For chimneys with extensive mortar deterioration, tuck pointing is often the most cost-effective solution. It restores weatherproofing and structural stability without the expense of rebuilding. However, if the underlying brick has also sustained significant damage, we may recommend more extensive repairs.

Partial & Full Chimney Rebuilding

When chimney damage extends beyond what tuck pointing can address, partial or full rebuilding may be necessary. Chimneys exposed above the roofline experience the most severe weathering, and it is common for the upper portion to require rebuilding while the lower structure remains sound. In these cases, we remove the damaged section and rebuild using new brick and mortar, matching the existing construction as closely as possible.

Full chimney rebuilds are required when structural damage affects the entire chimney or when deterioration has compromised the chimney's stability. This involves dismantling the existing chimney and constructing a new one from the foundation up. While more involved than repairs, a complete rebuild provides a chimney that will serve your home reliably for decades.

Bi-State Masonry has extensive experience with chimney rebuilding projects. We work carefully to protect your roof and property during the process, and we ensure the rebuilt chimney integrates properly with your roofing system. Whether your project requires a partial rebuild from the roofline up or complete reconstruction, we deliver quality craftsmanship at competitive rates.

Chimney Caps, Crowns & Flashing

The top of your chimney is its first line of defense against water intrusion. The chimney crown is the concrete or mortar cap that covers the top of the chimney structure around the flue. A properly constructed crown slopes away from the flue to direct water off the chimney. When the crown cracks or deteriorates, water enters the chimney structure and accelerates damage to the masonry below.

Chimney caps are metal covers installed over the flue opening. They prevent rain and snow from falling directly into the chimney, block animals from nesting in the flue, and contain sparks from the fireplace. A missing or damaged cap leaves your chimney vulnerable to moisture damage and blockages.

Flashing seals the joint where your chimney passes through the roof. Deteriorated flashing is a common source of leaks that homeowners often mistake for roof problems. We repair and replace chimney flashing to ensure a watertight seal that protects both your chimney and your roof structure.

We repair cracked crowns, install new chimney caps, and replace deteriorated flashing as part of our comprehensive chimney restoration services. These components work together to protect your chimney investment, and we ensure each element is properly installed and integrated.

Chimney Waterproofing

After completing chimney repairs, we recommend waterproofing treatment to protect the restored masonry. Waterproofing sealers penetrate the brick and mortar surface, creating a barrier that repels water while still allowing the masonry to breathe. This helps prevent the moisture infiltration that causes freeze-thaw damage, efflorescence, and premature mortar deterioration.

Waterproofing is particularly valuable for chimneys that have required significant repairs. It extends the life of the restoration work and reduces the frequency of future maintenance. We apply professional-grade waterproofing products appropriate for your chimney's specific masonry materials.

Why Choose Bi-State Masonry for Chimney Restoration

Bi-State Masonry brings over 26 years of masonry experience to residential chimney restoration. While much of our work involves commercial projects throughout the Midwest, we apply the same professional standards and quality craftsmanship to every residential project. Homeowners benefit from working with a contractor that has the capabilities and experience of a commercial operation, combined with the attentive service of a local company.

Our structure allows us to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. We maintain lower overhead than many competitors, and we invest in our workforce through a merit-based pay system that attracts and retains skilled masons. This means better value for homeowners—professional results at reasonable rates.

We serve homeowners throughout the Quad Cities region, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, East Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding communities in Iowa and Illinois. If your home is within 50 miles of the Quad Cities and your chimney needs attention, Bi-State Masonry can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that my chimney needs repair?

Common signs include crumbling or missing mortar between bricks, cracked chimney crown, spalling bricks (flaking faces), leaning or separating chimney structure, missing or damaged cap, water leaks near the chimney, and white staining on the masonry. If you notice any of these issues, scheduling an assessment can help identify problems before they worsen.

What is tuck pointing?

Tuck pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks and filling the joints with fresh mortar. Since mortar breaks down faster than brick, tuck pointing restores weatherproofing and structural integrity without the cost of a full rebuild. It is one of the most common and cost-effective chimney repairs.

What is the difference between a chimney cap and a chimney crown?

The chimney crown is the concrete or mortar slab covering the top of the chimney structure around the flue—it slopes to direct water away. The chimney cap is a metal cover over the flue opening that keeps out rain, snow, and animals. Both protect your chimney, and we repair or replace each as needed.

Why do chimneys deteriorate faster in the Quad Cities?

Our harsh winters and humid summers create ideal conditions for freeze-thaw damage. Water enters small cracks, freezes and expands, then thaws—widening those cracks each season. This cycle accelerates mortar and brick deterioration, making regular inspection and timely repairs especially important in our region.

What areas do you serve?

We serve homeowners throughout the Quad Cities and within 50 miles, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, East Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding communities in Iowa and Illinois.

Schedule Your Chimney Assessment

If you have noticed signs of chimney deterioration, or if your chimney has not been inspected in several years, contact Bi-State Masonry to schedule an assessment. We will evaluate the condition of your chimney, identify any problems, and provide recommendations for repair. Our assessments are thorough and our recommendations are honest—we focus on the work your chimney actually needs.

Contact us today to discuss your chimney restoration project. We look forward to helping you protect your home with quality masonry craftsmanship.