Middlesex County is a county of water: the Connecticut River, its coves and marshes, and a stretch of Long Island Sound shoreline. In towns like Cromwell, East Hampton, Killingworth, Higganum, Westbrook and Old Saybrook, that moisture is the biggest thing working against your chimney.
Masonry is porous. Brick and mortar absorb water, and in a humid climate they may stay damp for long periods. Once winter arrives, that trapped moisture freezes and expands, breaking off the face of the brick and loosening mortar joints. A breathable, vapor-permeable water repellent made for masonry can reduce how much water the brick soaks up while still letting moisture escape. It works best on a chimney that is already in good repair, so we fix cracks and joints first.
Flashing is the second big water issue. The seal between the chimney and the roof has to handle rain, snowmelt and the slight movement of the house over the seasons. When it fails, water runs down the outside of the chimney into the attic or along the ceiling. Many homeowners call a roofer first, but the real problem is often at the chimney. We inspect and repair or replace flashing as part of our leak work.
The river towns have many older homes with large, multi-flue chimneys, and the shoreline has cottages that have been winterized for year-round living. Both can hide problems inside the flue. An inspection with a camera shows cracks in clay tiles, gaps at joints and debris that can block the flue or let heat escape.
For homes that burn wood, regular sweeping is still the foundation. Dampness can make creosote odors worse, especially in summer, and a clean flue with a good cap helps.
Our certified team serves all of Middlesex County with waterproofing, flashing repair, sweeping, inspections and full masonry chimney care.
What We Do for Middlesex County Homeowners
- Chimney Cleaning & Sweeping
- Chimney Inspections
- Chimney Repairs
- Chimney Liner Installation & Repair
- Chimney Cap Installation & Replacement
- Chimney Crown Repair & Rebuild
- Chimney Flashing Repair
- Chimney Waterproofing
- Firebox Repair & Rebuild
- Fireplace Damper Repair & Installation
- Smoke & Draft Troubleshooting
Middlesex County Chimney FAQ
Will waterproofing stop all chimney leaks?
Water repellent helps with brick absorbing rain, but it will not fix failed flashing or a cracked crown. Those need to be repaired first.
Why does my ceiling stain near the chimney after storms?
The most common causes are failed flashing, a cracked crown or a missing cap. An inspection finds the exact source.
Book a Visit: (860) 746-2104
To schedule chimney service anywhere in Middlesex County, call New England Chimney Solutions.
