Chimney repair: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering chimney repair

Chimney repair is water and flue work, and customers judge it by whether the leak stops and whether the fireplace draws well after the repair. Win by showing the damage with photos and sealing the water path, not just the surface.

What customers ask

  • Why is water coming into my fireplace?
  • Is my chimney safe to use?
  • Can you fix the crown without rebuilding the top?
  • Do I need a new liner?
  • Why does my flashing keep leaking?
  • How long will the repair take?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask where the water shows up, whether the fireplace or stove is used, and how old the chimney and the roof are.
  • Bring a camera for the liner, a roof ladder and fall protection, a brick and mortar kit, flashing supplies and a crown sealer rated for masonry.
  • Photograph the crown, the flashing and the liner before you start, and show the customer the damage.
  • Quote the crown, the masonry, the flashing and the liner as separate lines, so the customer sees each fix.
  • Test the water path after the repair, such as a spray test, and record the result.
  • Explain the damage in plain words and show the customer the written repair plan.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of finished repairs with the crown, the flashing and the mortar work visible.
  • The masonry and liner materials you use, and the mortar match you can achieve.
  • Your camera inspection service, listed only if you perform it.
  • Your roof safety practices, described in general terms, and your insurance status.

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Send the photos and a written repair summary, with the water test result.
  • Schedule an inspection after the first heavy rain to confirm the leak has stopped.
  • Offer a chimney cleaning and inspection before the heating season, so the liner is checked with the repair.

Licenses and permits

Chimney repair is commonly done under a masonry, roofing or contractor license, and liner work may need a permit. Confirm your licensing requirements and insurance with your state or local licensing agency before you take the work.

Questions

Does infinibell charge me for leads?

Joining is free. You pay only for leads you accept, and you can decline a lead for free. Your profile is reviewed before it goes live.

Who sees a chimney repair request?

Customers describe the job and pick the pros they want by name. Only the pros a customer picks see the request.

Will customers see that I am insured?

The Insured badge appears when we have checked your current insurance.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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