The cost of a chimney repair can vary depending on the damage that was inflicted onto the chimney.

If you want it to be repaired with the best materials available it will cost you more than the basic repair options.

Get a quote from us, Fredrickson Masonry.

Having your chimney inspected yearly by a professional sweep or inspector is a good idea.

This is essential if you frequently use the fireplace during the winter, and regular inspections can identify and resolve potential issues before they become detrimental to the chimney.

If there has been any significant weather event, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or blizzard, you should also get it inspected after.

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If it is appropriately maintained, exterior stone siding is a beautiful and durable addition to a home.

There are four main failure points of exterior stone siding that should be managed before they start breaking down.

Moisture: This can cause discoloration and deterioration of the siding, resulting in the stone siding cracking or crumbling.

Temperature: Changing temperature causes the stone to expand and contract, resulting in cracking or splitting; we recommend a Type S mortar for exterior stone siding.

Wear and tear: As the stone ages, it will deteriorate over time no matter what, and extended exposure to the elements can cause it to chip, crack or crumble.

Lousy installation: If the mason doesn't properly waterproof or ensure the structure's support during the installation can cause it to break down faster than average.

Make sure to have a reputable team of professionals do your exterior stone siding to avoid these issues.

To avoid bad installation on your exterior stone siding, look at our work and what we have done for homeowners to ensure their installation is flawless.

Regular mortar is created with a mixture of sand, water, and cemente, making it dense and heavy once dried. However, during freeze-thaw cycles, it can break apart.

Air-entrained mortar is an improved version with increased durability and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. Air bubbles in the entrained mortar helps reduce the amount of internal pressure buildup that happens during the freeze-thaw cycles.

If you live in a colder climate, we highly recommend a air entrained mortar.

Air-entrained mortars are a form of mortar where air is added to the mortar mix using things like soaps or synthetic resins.

Air-entrained mortars have several benefits compared to the regular mortar such as increased durability, greater resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, and other forms of stress that can be put on it.

This is the mortar you should be using if you live in a climate that is prone to freeze-thaw cycles.

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These are some of the most trusted brands that provide high-quality, air-entrained mortar.

QUIKCRETE - pre-blended, packaged concrete mortars, stuccos, and other relation cemenet repair products

SPEC MIX - Delivering a high quality performance products to the construction industry, best for restoration projects, or for contractors.

Tenon - Being a trusted partner with passonate people to create building materials for contractors.

Cemstone - Enabling people to use high quality pre-mixed concrete and aggregates for the construction market.

Amerimix - Trying to make it easy for contractors by taking the guesswork out of blending products, by providing pre blended mortar, grout, stucco, and veneer.

It depends on what the climate is like in your region, typically the best time is during the spring or fall when the weather is calmer, and there is a lower chance for rain and snow.

For people in the northern United States, spring would be the best time to begin your exterior chimney project, and for the southern United States, it can be done pretty much year round.

It is also best to consult an expert in order to determine what materials needed to fix your chimney.

Fredrickson Masonry specializes in doing chimney repairs for homeowners.

Schedule a consultation with us to discuss how we can help.

There are several high-quality mortar brands that are well-suited for masonry projects in cold climates.

Some of the most popular mortar brands include:

• Type N: A high-strength mortar ideally used in most masonry projects, including walls, chimneys, and fireplaces.
• Type S: A high-strength mortar used in masonry projects exposed to high stress and weather fluctuations, such as retaining walls and foundation walls.
• Type M: A high-strength mortar used in masonry projects that require maximum strength and durability, such as chimneys and fireplaces.
• Quikrete: A well-known brand offering a variety of high-quality mortar mixes, including air-entrained mortar and specialized mortar mixes for masonry projects.
• Boral Brick: A leading manufacturer of masonry products, including mortar, known for its quality and durability.

These are a handful of high-quality mortar brands that are well-suited for cold climate masonry projects like in Minnesota.

When choosing a brand, it is vital to consider which type of masonry work you are doing as well as the specific weather conditions, to ensure you are getting the right type of mortar for your project.

If you need guidance in your masonry project, contact Fredrickson Masonry, our expert masons are here to listen and offer our professional advice or complete your project impeccably, affordably, and efficiently.

Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, and water used in the construction to bond bricks, stones, and other masonry materials together.

Typically, it is used in masonry structures, such as walls, chimneys, and buildings, to hole the bricks or stones in place.

The mortar used in between the bricks or stones, create a solid, cohesive structure.

Mortar plays a critical role in the stability and durability of masonry structures such as distributing the weight evenly, reducing the risk of cracking and deterioration.

The composition of mortar can vary, depending on its intended use, the type of masonry structure being built, and the climate.

Stronger mixes can be used in load-bearing walls, while a softer mix can be used in non-load-bearing walls or decorative elements.

In addition to its functional role, mortar also plays an important role in the appearance of masonry structures.

The colors and textures of mortar can be customized to complement the bricks or stones, and contribute to the overall aesthetic of your structure.

When mortar begins to deteriorate, it can make the appearance of your masonry structure unsightly.

In Minnesota, mortar deteriorates due to our fluctuating weather and seasons. Exterior brick and stone structures take a lot of abuse from external elements throughout the year - rain, sun, freezing temps, hail, and snow.

Tuckpointing is used in removing and replacing the old and damaged mortar. This is not only for the integrity of the structure, but also for aesthetics.

The expert masons with Fredrickson Masonry can renew and beautify your masonry structures aging or damaged mortar or create a new one with customized mortar mixes, affordably and efficiently.

Contact us today for your no-hassle consultation from our friendly staff.

Tuckpointing is essential for Minnesota or cold climate homeowners and commercial property owners due to our harsh weather conditions that impact masonry structures.

Cold climates such as Minnesota experiences both hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures that fluctuate rapidly.

The dramatic seasonal shifts cause mortar in masonry structures to expand and contract and over time, causing the mortar to crack and deteriorate, leading to further structural damage.

In addition to protecting masonry structures from Minnesota's weather damage, tuckpointing is also important for preserving the aesthetic appearance of your structure.

As mortar deteriorates and crumbles, it detracts from the overall appearance of your structure and makes it look unsightly.

Tuckpointing ensures that the mortar joints between the exterior or interior bricks/stones are clean and uniform, which helps maintain the appearance of your structure.

For cold climate and Minnesota property owners, tuckpointing is critical in maintaining your property, ensuring that it remains in good condition for years to come.

Your masonry structure will be protected by having tuckpointing done regularly by our trained exterior brick and interior stone masons at Fredrickson Masonry.

We have the knowledge, expertise, materials, and tools to do the work correctly, affordably, and efficiently.

When repairing a chimney, it can be challenging for someone without the masonry knowledge to complete, so it is best to consult a mason or repair specialist.

You start by cleaning around the area of the crack, then seal the crack with some patching compound. Then reinforce the repair with a mesh or lath, allow the repair to dry, and then paint over the finish.

Our team of contractors provides quality repairs for families all over Minnesota.

Tuckpointing is a masonry repair technique for removing damaged and deteriorating mortar between exterior and interior bricks or stones in a masonry structure and replacing it with fresh mortar.

It is vital in maintaining the integrity and appearance of masonry structures, such as chimneys, walls, and buildings.

For Minnesota homeowners and business owners having tuckpointing done regularly, can ensure that your masonry structure is protected from weather-related dangers and remains in good condition for years to come.

You should look at several indicators to determine if your chimney is deteriorating.

Cracks near the base of the chimney or near the top should be repaired. If the chimney crown is sagging or if the chimney is leaning.

Efflorescence is a white powdery substance that can appear on the surface of chimneys and can be a sign of needing repair.

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You can preserve the color and maintain its quality by cleaning it regularly, using a protectant, and hiring a professional for maintenance.

Having the stonework evaluated and maintained by a mason regularly can ensure the condition of the stone is immaculate.

If your exterior stonework has fallen victim to the test of time, connect with us, and we can help repair it.

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If the project requires making structural changes or modifications to the building, the contractor will go out and get a permit needed for the work.

If the contractor does not go out and obtain the necessary permits, you can be held responsible for violations or legal issues that may surface.

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A chimney cap is an essential component for protecting your chimney and ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently.

The chimney cap sits on top of the chimney crown and covers the opening of the flue.

It acts as a barrier to keep the Minnesota elements, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail from seeping into the chimney.

Chimney caps can be manufactured with a cage-like mesh allowing for smoke to vent, but still prevent outside materials from getting in.

In Minnesota, chimney caps can be made of a variety of materials, including:

Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice in Minnesota due to its durability, rust-resistance, and ease of cleaning.

Copper: Corrosion and rust-resistant.

Galvanized Steel: These are coated with zinc to prevent rust, but not as durable as stainless steel chimney caps.

Cast Iron: Heavy and durable, but are prone to rust if you don't properly maintain it.

Chimney caps also improve the overall draft of your chimney by preventing wind from entering the flue and interfering with proper ventilation.

The chimney cap and the chimney crown work cohesively to maintain the integrity and safety of your chimney system.

Sometimes, a chimney cap may have not been installed when your home was originally constructed because it is considered an optional accessory even though it is of particular importance.

Without it, your flue and fireplace are exposed to the external Minnesota elements, causing masonry decay and rust of critical metal components, such as the damper and smoke shelf leading to expensive repairs.

Also, small animals may seek shelter in an exposed chimney, causing your flue to clog.

A clogged flue leads to dangerous fumes not being able to escape from a burning fireplace exposing yourself and family members to dangerously high levels of smoke and carbon monoxide.

Uncapped chimney bring a higher risk of fire. Burning embers from your fireplace can be sucked through the chimney, land on your roof, and start a fire resulting in an expensive whole home remodel.

A downward draft can push open fireplace doors allowing for smoke, soot, and ash into your home.

It is important to have your chimney cap inspected annually and repair any missing or damaged components as soon as possible by our expert chimney cap repair professionals at Fredrickson Masonry.

Contact us today to receive a quote on ensuring your home is well-protected with a safely working chimney and fireplace system.

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The chimney crown and the chimney cap are the most visible components that maintain your chimney system's integrity and safety.

The difference between a chimney crown and a chimney cap is their functions and placement on the chimney.

The chimney crown is the protective surface that seals the chimney from Minnesota elements, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

The chimney cap becomes the barrier preventing debris and wildlife from entering the chimney and fireplace system.

If you need help selecting one for your specific needs or if you want someone else to install it for you, Fredrickson Masonry are the experts in chimney crown and chimney cap repairs.

Yes, both the interior and exterior of a chimney can be replaced.

Consider having a professional come out and examine your chimney if you have any questions about it.

We specialize in chimney repair; connect with us for a quote for your repair.

A chimney crown is an essential component in protecting your chimney and ensuring it operates safely and efficiently.

When this component is missing or fails, the risk of chimney problems rises.

A chimney crown, also known as a chimney wash, is a flat concrete or masonry surface that sits on top of your chimney, sealing it from the Minnesota elements, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

The chimney crown is sloped to allow the elements to run off, preventing it from seeping into the chimney.

A properly constructed and maintained chimney crown will prevent water damage to the chimney structure and improve its overall durability.

Over time, the chimney crown may become damaged from the weather and environmental conditions, which can cause cracks to develop.

These cracks allow water to leak behind the bricks and inside the chimney.

If the damage to the crown is not discovered and repaired in a timely manner, the brick masonry becomes soft and decays, eventually breaking off your chimney.

While the crown seals most of your chimney, the flue is still exposed. So having a crown alone is not enough to keep all water and debris out of your chimney.

Even though the crown protects most of your chimney, the flue is still exposed. The flue is the second line of defense against water, debris, and animals from getting into your chimney system.

A chimney cap sits on top of your chimney crown and covers the opening of the flue.

Our chimney repair experts can check for damage and repair the chimney crown and chimney cap for you, affordably and efficiently.

While it is possible to perform small repairs yourself, it is highly recommended to consult a professional for chimney repairs. Many chimney repairs can be dangerous to attempt by yourself and may require specialized equipment to get the job done correctly.