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Chimney Inspections, Repairs, and Rebuilds in Victoria & Duncan, BC
At Lennox Masonry, we specialize in inspecting, repairing, and rebuilding brick and stone chimneys throughout Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Fairfield, James Bay, Langford, Esquimalt, Duncan, and across Vancouver Island. The majority of chimneys in this area share similar problems—brick spalling, cracked concrete crowns, deteriorating mortar joints, failing sealants, and damaged flue liners—which can all contribute to water intrusion, structural instability, and safety hazards inside the home. That’s why we recommend addressing chimney issues early, before minor repairs turn into expensive full‑chimney rebuilds.
Why Chimney Repairs Matter In Both The Victoria & Duncan Climates
Victoria’s coastal, wet, and often stormy climate takes a serious toll on chimneys over time. Salt‑laden air, rainfall, freeze‑thaw cycles, and decades of seasonal heating cause mortar to erode, brick to spall, and crowns to crack. Left unattended, these issues can:
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Allow water to seep down into the chimney and surrounding masonry, leading to interior dampness, staining, and even structural damage.
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Compromise the integrity of flue liners and chimney caps, increasing fire and smoke‑backup risks.
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Reduce the energy efficiency and safety of your fireplace, wood stove, or gas appliance.
By repairing or repointing your chimney early, you protect not only your home but also its long‑term resale value, especially on older and heritage‑style properties in Victoria and the surrounding communities.
The majority of brick and stone chimneys within Victoria and the Greater Victoria area suffer from much of the same issues: brick spalling, cracked concrete crowns, failing mortar joints, deteriorating sealants, and broken flue liners are the usual suspects. Any of which can lead to water damage within your home. If your chimney is experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, we highly recommend dealing with it as soon as possible. Here at Lennox Masonry, our expertise applies to all facets of chimney repairs and rebuilds.
Most chimney inspections can be conducted from the ground floor, as any major issues will be made apparent, but we also utilize drones to thoroughly inspect the crown of the chimney. When conducting an inspection, we will also assess the interior of the chimney from any access points within the home. When requested, we can also provide detailed chimney inspections which utilize CCTV video cameras to access the inner workings of the chimney. However, this process does require the installation of scaffolding to conduct the inspection safely. We work in cooperation with Transport Canada while operating drones for those tall and hard-to-reach chimneys.
Chimney Repairs, Repointing, and Rebuilds
From repointing old mortar joints on historic brick chimneys to building new chimney structures from the base up, Lennox Masonry handles every stage of chimney repair and restoration. We work with both residential and commercial properties, and our masonry team is experienced in:
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Repointing deteriorated mortar joints on brick and stone chimneys.
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Replacing cracked or damaged chimney crowns and caps to prevent water penetration.
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Rebuilding sections of a chimney that have started to lean or show significant structural damage.
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Installing or replacing chimney pots, caps, and flashing to improve draft and weather resistance.
Whether you need a partial repair, a full chimney restoration, or a new chimney integrated into a heritage‑style building, we tailor our work to match your home’s architecture, your safety needs, and your budget.
Heritage Chimney Restoration in Victoria & Duncan, BC
Over the years, we’ve repaired and restored numerous heritage‑designated chimneys in Victoria, adhering to both City of Victoria heritage codes and general building and chimney‑safety regulations. One of the most rewarding challenges in heritage work is matching the original materials as closely as possible:
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We take mortar samples from the existing chimney, analyze them, and reproduce mortar that matches in color, texture, and performance.
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We source bricks that closely match the original in colour, shape, texture, and softness, so the restored chimney looks original and blends seamlessly with your home.
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We also help you understand the heritage restoration grant process, including the requirement that the chimney must be restored to its original state while meeting updated building codes. We can guide you in preparing documentation and coordinating with the City of Victoria so the grant process runs as smoothly as possible.
Heritage chimneys are eligible for grants through the City of Victoria which allows home and business owners to subsidize nearly 50% of the costs associated with restoring the chimney to its former self. Both regular chimney codes and heritage restoration codes apply to heritage-designated chimneys which we strictly adhere to.
Matching the original mortar and brick is a very involved process and one that Lennox Masonry excels at after years of expertise in this precise field. We sample and test the original mortar and then replicate every aspect of it to meet heritage masonry code requirements. We also source the closest match currently available to the original bricks, both in colour, shape, texture, and softness.
In order to meet the requirements of the heritage chimney restoration grant, the chimney must be rebuilt or restored to its exact, original state while also adhering to updated building codes, as outlined by the City of Victoria. Lennox Masonry will help streamline this process for your home or business by helping you understand and compile all of the necessary information in order to obtain the heritage restoration grant.
Our Chimney Inspection Process
Most chimney issues are apparent from the ground, but we combine visual inspection with modern tools to get a full picture of your chimney’s condition:
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Ground‑level and exterior inspection: We examine brickwork, stone, mortar joints, crowns, caps, and flashing for signs of spalling, cracking, and water damage.
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Drone‑assisted inspection: For taller or hard‑to‑reach chimneys, we use drones (in compliance with Transport Canada regulations) to safely inspect the chimney crown and upper structure.
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Interior inspection with CCTV (when requested): If you want a deeper view into the chimney’s interior, we can install scaffolding and run a CCTV camera through the flue to look for cracks, dislodged liners, blockages, or structural defects.
After the inspection, we provide a clear, plain‑language report and recommend specific repairs, repairs vs. full‑rebuild options, and rough timelines so you can make an informed decision.
Testimonials
"Lennox Masonry repointed and capped two chimneys for me in 2018. The work seems great to me, but more importantly, I've had three different professionals comment on the quality of the work and seals.
Sean Lennox was a pleasure to talk to and was one of the most responsive tradesmen/contractors I've dealt with, period. He was quick to get back, to the point and helpful with my masonry and contract questions.
If you need some Masonry work done, definitely contact Lennox Masonry."
- Alex Barnes, Victoria, BC
My chimney needed repair due to a leak in the ceiling, I contacted two large local companies and both said I'd need to replace the chimney at $8,000. A friend who works with heritage homes suggested Lennox Masonry and they said it just needed repointing and a new cap. They were prompt in responding to my inquiries and honoured the quote provided at the end of the year (due to weather the job had to wait until Spring). The team came out, set up scaffolding and had the job completed in a day. Highly recommend them!
- Marika Stephenson, Esquimalt, BC
Sean and his team were friendly, professional and did a great job restoring one of our 110 year old chimneys and removing the other. They offered various ways we could save money, and appreciated that we wanted to keep things looking as original as possible. They kept in good communication throughout the project and the original quote was thorough, so there were no surprises later. Would definitely hire them again for future masonry projects.
- Marlow Sturgeon, Oak Bay, BC
Why Homeowners in Victoria & Duncan Choose Lennox Masonry for Chimney Work
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Local expertise: We have more than 25 years of masonry experience specifically in the Victoria and Vancouver Island region.
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Safety‑first approach: Every chimney repair is treated as a structural and safety project, not just a cosmetic fix.
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Transparency and communication: We provide clear quotes, timelines, and ongoing updates so you know exactly what’s happening at each stage.
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Respectful of heritage: We understand the historical and architectural significance of older homes and chimneys and treat them accordingly.
If your chimney is showing signs of wear—spalling brick, crumbling mortar, cracked crown, or leaking water into the home—we encourage you to contact us for a chimney inspection and consultation. Lennox Masonry serves Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Fairfield, James Bay, Langford, Esquimalt, Duncan, and surrounding Vancouver Island communities and is ready to help you protect your home with professional, long‑lasting chimney repairs.