Chimney Restoration on a Flat-Roof Home in Pompton Plains

Before-and-after chimney restoration in Pompton Plains, NJ — cracked crown rebuilt, brick repointed, new metal counter-flashing at the roofline, and stainless caps.

The before photo tells the story most chimney leaks tell: a crown cracked and crumbling at the edges, mortar joints worn soft by freeze-thaw cycles, and a roofline joint relying on old sealant. On a flat roof, that combination does not stay a chimney problem — water tracks down the masonry and shows up inside the house, and the roofer gets blamed for a leak the chimney caused.

Because our crew comes from a masonry background, this is home-field work. We rebuilt the crown with a proper beveled wash so water sheds instead of sitting, repointed the brick with matched mortar, and wrapped the base in new metal counter-flashing that seals the chimney to the roof the right way — mechanically, not with a bead of caulk.

Stainless caps went on top to keep rain and animals out of the flues. The after photo is what a chimney that will not leak looks like: shedding crown, tight joints, real flashing. Done in Pompton Plains by the township’s own roofing and chimney contractor.