Granada Hills, CA 91344
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(818) 217-4098
Chimney Repair in Los Angeles, CA.
SoCal Chimney has been repairing chimneys across Los Angeles County for over 27 years. We handle everything from minor crown cracks and flashing leaks to full liner replacements and structural masonry rebuilds — all with a written estimate upfront and no surprise charges.
CSIA-certified. Licensed (# 960218). Bonded and insured.
Chimney Repair Services We Provide
Chimney Crown Repair
The crown is the concrete cap at the very top of the chimney that seals the masonry from rain. Cracked or spalling crowns are one of the most common chimney problems in Los Angeles — UV exposure and seismic activity take their toll over time. A failed crown lets water into the masonry stack, which accelerates deterioration and eventually reaches the firebox interior.
Minor crown cracks are resealable with elastomeric crown coating. Crowns that are structurally compromised need removal and replacement. We assess and quote both on the same visit.
Chimney Flashing Repair
Flashing is the metal seal between the chimney and the roofline. When it fails — from rust, sealant breakdown, or roof movement — water runs straight down the inside of the chimney and into the ceiling. Chimney leaks are frequently misdiagnosed as roof leaks because the water entry point and the visible damage are in different places.
We repair and replace both step flashing and counter-flashing on all roofing materials, including tile, which is common throughout LA County.
Masonry and Repointing
Brick chimneys depend on the mortar joints between courses to stay structurally sound. Mortar deteriorates faster than brick — in Southern California, the combination of sun exposure, occasional moisture, and seismic stress accelerates joint breakdown. Spalling brick and deteriorating mortar aren’t cosmetic issues; they compromise the structural integrity of the entire chimney stack.
Repointing involves grinding out the failed mortar to a uniform depth and packing in fresh mortar matched to the original profile. Full brick replacement is done where individual units have spalled or fractured beyond repair.
Chimney Liner Repair and Relining
The flue liner protects the home’s framing and masonry from combustion heat and exhaust gases. Clay tile liners crack from thermal stress over time, and older homes often have unlined flues that don’t meet current code. A compromised liner is both a carbon monoxide risk and a fire risk.
We install stainless steel liner systems for wood-burning, gas, and oil appliances. Liner work is quoted after a camera inspection to confirm flue dimensions and identify any existing damage.
Chimney Cap Repair and Replacement
A missing or damaged chimney cap leaves the flue open to rain, birds, squirrels, and debris. Most chimney blockages in LA start with nesting material — it accumulates fast in an uncapped flue and is highly flammable. Cap replacement is one of the most cost-effective preventive repairs available.
We install single-flue and multi-flue caps in stainless steel, copper, and galvanized steel.
Prefabricated Chimney Repair
Factory-built chimneys require different repair techniques than masonry systems — parts are system-specific and not interchangeable between manufacturers. Common issues include deteriorated chase covers, cracked chase tops, failed chase siding, and worn chase seals. We repair and replace components on the major prefabricated chimney brands used in Los Angeles County.
How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost in Los Angeles?
Repair costs vary depending on what’s damaged and how far the deterioration has progressed. General ranges for common repairs:
- Crown resealing: $200–$350
- Crown replacement: $500–$1,000
- Flashing repair: $300–$600
- Repointing (per linear foot): $15–$25
- Stainless steel liner installation: $1,500–$3,500 depending on flue length and appliance type
- Chimney cap replacement: $150–$400 depending on material and flue count
These are starting ranges. Final price depends on chimney height, extent of damage, and access. We provide a written estimate before any work begins.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
If you’re seeing any of these, get it looked at before the next use:
- White staining (efflorescence) on the outside of the chimney — water is moving through the masonry
- Mortar or brick pieces in the firebox or on the roof
- Water inside the firebox after rain
- Smoke entering the room when the damper is open
- A visible crack in the chimney crown
- Rust on the damper or firebox components
- The chimney cap is missing, tilted, or visibly rusted through
Before and After
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does chimney repair take?
Most targeted repairs — crown work, cap replacement, flashing, repointing — are completed in a single visit of two to four hours. Liner installations typically require a half-day. More extensive structural work may require a follow-up visit. We’ll give you a clear timeline with the written estimate.
Do I need a permit for chimney repair in Los Angeles?
Minor repairs (crown sealing, cap replacement, repointing) typically don’t require a permit. Structural work, liner installations, and anything that changes the chimney’s configuration may require a permit depending on scope and municipality. We handle permit coordination on jobs that require it.
Can you repair a chimney if I'm selling my home?
Yes — this is one of the most common reasons people call us. Chimney deficiencies are frequently flagged in home inspections. We work with sellers and agents to turn around repair reports quickly and provide written documentation of completed work for the transaction.
My chimney leaks but I don't see any cracks. What's causing it?
The most common culprit is flashing failure, not masonry cracking. Water from a failing flashing seal runs between the chimney and roof deck and usually shows up as a ceiling stain well away from the chimney. A camera inspection and visual roof check will identify the source.
Do I need an inspection before repair work?
In most cases, yes. An inspection identifies what’s damaged and how far it’s progressed, which determines whether a targeted repair or a larger scope of work is needed. For straightforward repairs like a cap replacement or minor crown crack, we can often inspect and repair in the same visit. The diagnostic is included when you book a repair — no separate charge.
Can you match the existing brick and mortar?
We do our best to match mortar color and profile on repointing work. An exact match isn’t always possible on older brick due to weathering and discontinued mortar mixes, but we’ll show you the proposed match before starting.
Serving Los Angeles and Surrounding Communities
SoCal Chimney performs chimney repairs and gas fireplace service throughout Los Angeles County. Regularly served areas include:
Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, Santa Monica, Culver City, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Hollywood, Studio City, Tarzana, Granada Hills, Pacific Palisades, Silver Lake, Eagle Rock, Altadena, La Crescenta, Sunland, Malibu, Marina del Rey, Inglewood, Huntington Park, Torrance, Hawthorne, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Clarita, and surrounding communities.
Schedule Chimney Repair in Los Angeles
Appointments available Monday through Saturday. Most repair calls are scheduled within 3–5 business days, with priority scheduling for urgent situations and real estate transactions.