Chimney Rebuild - Northwest Chicago Suburbs
"When repair is no longer enough, a rebuild is the only safe path forward — and GEM does it right the first time."
Looking for chimney rebuild near you? GEM Chimney & Duct provides full and partial chimney rebuilds across the northwest Chicago suburbs — same-day scheduling, upfront pricing, and honest work. When a chimney has deteriorated beyond what tuckpointing or spot repair can fix, a rebuild is the only safe solution. We rebuild chimneys above the roofline and full-height from the firebox up throughout Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, and surrounding communities.
A chimney with loose or falling bricks, a leaning stack, or severely deteriorated masonry is a structural hazard. Bricks falling from a chimney can cause serious injury or property damage. If your chimney shows signs of structural instability, stop using the fireplace and call for an inspection immediately.
What Is Chimney Rebuild?
A chimney rebuild involves dismantling the deteriorated masonry and reconstructing it with new brick and mortar. A partial rebuild (above the roofline) addresses the most weather-exposed section of the chimney — the portion most vulnerable to freeze-thaw damage. A full rebuild starts at the firebox and reconstructs the entire chimney structure. Both include a new crown, new flashing, and a new chimney cap as part of the completed system.
When a chimney has deteriorated to the point where the brick itself is spalling, crumbling, or structurally unsound, tuckpointing and spot repair are no longer sufficient. Continuing to use a structurally compromised chimney is a safety risk — both from the fire hazard of a compromised liner and the physical hazard of falling masonry. A rebuild restores the chimney to full structural integrity and resets the clock on its service life.
Signs You Need It
- Spalling brick — brick faces flaking, crumbling, or falling off
- Loose or falling bricks, especially near the top of the chimney
- Leaning or tilting chimney stack visible from the ground
- Large sections of missing mortar — gaps between bricks you can see from the ground
- Failed chimney inspection citing structural instability or unsafe condition
- Bricks or mortar debris found on the roof after wind or rain
- Chimney that has experienced a chimney fire
- Water damage so extensive that the masonry core is saturated
Our Chimney Rebuild Work
Chimney Rebuild in the Chicago Area: What You Need to Know
The northwest Chicago suburbs average 20–30 freeze-thaw cycles per winter — one of the most aggressive environments for masonry in the country. Each cycle forces water that has infiltrated mortar joints and brick faces to expand as it freezes, then contract as it thaws. Over decades, this process causes spalling brick, failing mortar joints, and eventually structural instability. We see chimneys in Glenview, Palatine, Des Plaines, and Schaumburg where the deterioration has progressed past the point of repair — a full or partial rebuild is the only safe option. Older suburban homes built in the 1950s–70s are especially vulnerable, as their original masonry is now 50–70 years old.
Expert Tip from GEM
If you see bricks falling onto the roof, a leaning or tilting chimney stack, or large sections of missing mortar, don't wait for an inspection — call us immediately. A structurally unstable chimney is a falling hazard. The cost of a rebuild is far less than the liability of a chimney collapse.
Before & After
Before GEM
Chimney above the roofline with spalling brick, failing mortar joints, and a cracked crown. Bricks loose and shifting. Water infiltrating the masonry core. Unsafe to use.
After GEM
Chimney rebuilt above the roofline with new brick matched to the existing, fresh mortar, new crown, new flashing, and a new stainless steel cap. Structurally sound and weathertight.
Our Chimney Rebuild Process
Structural assessment
We inspect the chimney from the ground and rooftop to determine the extent of deterioration and whether a partial rebuild (above the roofline) or full rebuild is required.
Brick matching
We source brick that matches your existing chimney as closely as possible in color, texture, and size — so the rebuilt section blends with the original.
Demolition and preparation
We carefully dismantle the deteriorated masonry, removing all loose and damaged brick and mortar down to sound material.
Rebuild
We reconstruct the chimney with new brick and mortar, maintaining proper coursing, joint profiles, and structural integrity throughout.
Crown, flashing, and cap
We install a new poured concrete crown, new step and counter flashing at the roof junction, and a new stainless steel chimney cap to complete the weathertight system.
Final inspection and documentation
We inspect the completed rebuild, document the work with photos, and provide a written report. We also inspect the liner and recommend any additional work needed.
Typical Pricing
All pricing is upfront — we provide a written estimate before any work begins. No surprises.
| Service | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Partial rebuild above roofline (1–2 ft) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Partial rebuild above roofline (3–5 ft) | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Full chimney rebuild (1-story) | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Full chimney rebuild (2-story) | $6,000–$15,000+ |
| New crown + flashing (included in rebuild) | Included |
Chimney rebuild costs depend on the height of the chimney, the extent of the rebuild (partial vs. full), brick availability, and access requirements. A partial rebuild of the top 2–3 feet above the roofline typically runs $1,500–$4,000. A full rebuild from the firebox up can run $6,000–$15,000 or more for a two-story chimney. We provide detailed written estimates after inspection — final pricing is confirmed before any work begins.
Why Homeowners Choose GEM for Chimney Rebuild
Registered in Illinois
We operate as a registered business in Illinois — not a fly-by-night operation.
Fully Insured
General liability insurance protects you and your home on every job.
Written Inspection Reports
Every service includes a written report documenting what was found and completed.
Upfront Pricing
We provide a written estimate before any work begins. No surprises on the invoice.
Same-Day Scheduling
Urgent situations get priority — same-day appointments available when needed.
10+ Years Serving the Northwest Suburbs
We've built our reputation one honest job at a time across 24 communities.
Schedule Chimney Rebuild Today
Same-day scheduling available — takes 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Rebuild
Related Services
Chimney Rebuild — All Service Areas
We provide chimney rebuild throughout the northwest Chicago suburbs. Click your city for local pricing and details.