Franklin, TN · Chimney and fireplace repairChimney and Fireplace Repair in Franklin, TN
Crowns, caps, flashing, brickwork and fireplace surrounds repaired on Franklin homes, whether the chimney is original masonry or a framed chase on newer construction.
Masonry chimneys, framed chases and what each needs
On an older house, the chimney is usually solid masonry, and its enemies are water and time. A cracked mortar crown lets rain into the brick, freeze-thaw cycles break the faces off softer bricks, and mortar joints wear until they no longer shed water. Left alone, that damage moves downward into the attic, the ceiling around the chimney and eventually the firebox. Repair means a new or recast crown, failed joints raked out and refilled with a mortar suited to the brick, and spalled bricks replaced.
In newer construction, what looks like a chimney is often a wood-framed box wrapped in siding or stone veneer around a metal flue, finished with a sheet-metal lid usually called a chase cover. When that lid rusts or dishes in the middle, water collects, works into the seams and soaks the framing inside the box, which can stay hidden until the siding bulges or a stain appears indoors. With Franklin’s housing running from historic houses near downtown to newer subdivisions, both kinds turn up, and the right repair depends on which one you have.
Inside, JACCO repairs and rebuilds fireplace surrounds, hearths and mantels, which is where our carpentry and tile work come in. When the question involves the flue, the liner or whether the firebox is safe to use, we bring in a chimney specialist to inspect it, because those are safety questions that deserve a dedicated professional. One written scope covers the chimney and fireplace repairs, the roof flashing where the chimney passes through, and any interior patching.
Chimney and fireplace work for Franklin homes
- Crowns recast and new caps fitted
- Worn mortar joints repointed in a matching color
- Spalled bricks cut out and replaced
- Rusted chase lids and rotted chase framing
- Counter flashing cut into the brick at the roofline
- Surrounds, hearths and mantels rebuilt inside
Chimney repairs and Franklin’s historic districts
Where a house stands in one of Franklin’s historic districts, its masonry chimney may count as part of the protected exterior, so rebuilding it above the roofline, changing its cap or altering the brick may need design review before work begins. JACCO checks that during the bid, along with whether the scope calls for a City of Franklin building permit, which is more likely when a chimney is partly rebuilt or a firebox is altered. Mortar color and brick matching matter on any older home, so samples are compared against the existing chimney before the repair starts.
“Their quality of workmanship presented a beautiful end result, especially the fireplace surround and custom stair railing.”
- Stage 1Bid
Site visit, measurements and a written bid tied to a clear scope of work.
- Stages 2 and 3Schedule · Build
Selections settled, materials lined up, a detailed schedule, and a protected, clean home while we build.
- Stages 4 and 5Punch list · Close
We walk the finished work with you and close the project when every item on the list is done.
How do we know if our chimney needs repair?
The common signs are a stained ceiling or wall next to the chimney, bits of brick or mortar on the roof or the ground, white staining on the brick, a rusted chase cover and water in the firebox after rain. Any of those points to water getting in somewhere above. We can look at the outside of the chimney and the roof around it, and if the flue needs evaluating, we arrange for a chimney specialist to inspect it.
Could the whole fireplace wall be redesigned while the chimney is repaired?
Yes, and folding it into the same project means one round of interior work instead of two. A painted-brick or tile surround can give way to stone, large-format tile or paneled millwork, a shallow shelf can become a substantial mantel, and the alcoves to either side can take shelving or cabinets. Required clearances between the firebox opening and anything combustible set the limits on materials and dimensions. Gas units add a licensed gas professional to the plan for any change to the line or insert.
More services in Franklin
- Residential Plumbing
- Electrical Work
- Residential HVAC
- Residential Roofing
- Roof Repair
- Roof Waterproofing
- Gutters
- Bathroom Remodeling
Chimney & Fireplace Repair in other areas
Planning a project in Franklin?
Jonathon will follow up personally to schedule a visit. The first consultation is complimentary.