Chimney Repair in Holmdel, NJ | Monarch Roofing & Construction

Holmdel is a low-density township of about 5,800 homes on 18 square miles, with houses that span three centuries. There are 18th- and 19th-century farmhouses, some on the National Register, such as the Holmes-Hendrickson House, Kovenhoven and Old Kentuck. There are suburban homes built through the second half of the 20th century, now on their second or third roof. And there are large modern houses with complicated rooflines. Homes near Holmdel Park and other wooded areas get leaf fall and shade, while homes on open ground take more wind.

Monarch Roofing & Construction repoints and rebuilds masonry chimneys and repairs the caps and flashing of framed chases, along with the roofing around them. Every project starts with a free chimney repair estimate.

Monarch Roofing & Construction — Serving Holmdel, NJ

Main Headquarters: 168 Humboldt St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Regional Location Serving Holmdel: 170 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone/Text: (551) 241-0470 · Email: monarchroofingnj@gmail.com

NJ HIC Registration: #13VH12036000

Free Chimney Repair Estimates Available.

Flashing: Where Chimney Leaks Usually Start

On most homes, the shingles outlast the details around them. At a chimney, the flashing is often the first thing to fail, sometimes years before the roof wears out. That is why a reroof that reuses old chimney flashing can leak soon after it is finished.

Good chimney flashing has two layers. Step flashing is woven into the shingles along each side of the chimney. Counter flashing is then cut into a mortar joint in the brick, set in place and sealed, and folded down over the step flashing. Because the counter flashing is let into the masonry, water running down the face of the chimney is directed over the step flashing and onto the roof. Counter flashing that is only glued or caulked to the surface of the brick tends to pull away as the sealant ages. An apron seals the low side, and a cricket or back pan behind a wide chimney diverts water around the high side.

When we replace chimney flashing, we cut the counter flashing into the masonry and install new step flashing, rather than reusing pieces or relying on surface sealant.

Professional Chimney Repair in Holmdel

Historic farmhouses

Older houses may have masonry chimneys, board decking and original framing. Their brick is often soft and calls for a softer, breathable mortar. Protecting historic trim and choosing appropriate materials matter as much as the repair itself.

Mid-century and later suburban homes

Houses built through the late 20th century have often been reroofed more than once. Chimney flashing may have been reused, crowns may be cracking and mortar may be starting to recess. A reroof is the ideal time to renew the flashing and repair the chimney.

Large modern homes

Big houses often have many valleys, hips and roof-to-wall joints. A chimney or chase near those intersections receives extra water, and its flashing must work with the surrounding details. Some have framed chases, whose caps and flashing need the same attention as masonry.

Wooded and open lots

Under trees, leaves collect behind chimneys and shaded masonry dries slowly. On open ground, wind drives rain into mortar joints and under flashing edges.

Our Chimney Services

• Step and counter flashing, with counter flashing cut into the masonry
• Apron flashing, crickets and back pans
• Repointing worn mortar joints
• Replacing spalled, cracked or loose brick
• Crown repair and replacement
• Cap installation and replacement
• Caps and flashing on framed chases
• Partial and full rebuilds above the roofline
• Breathable water repellent after masonry repairs
• Storm damage repair to chimneys and nearby roofing

Finding the Source of a Chimney Leak

Water near a chimney may come from flashing, open mortar joints, porous brick, a cracked crown, an uncapped flue, or a failed chase cap. On a complex roof, a nearby valley or wall joint can also be the culprit. We check each possibility from the roof, look at the ceiling or attic near the chimney where you allow it, and photograph what we find before recommending a repair.

Brick and Mortar Repairs

When mortar joints recess, water gets into the brick, freezes and pushes off the face. That spalling spreads each winter. We repoint by removing worn mortar to an even depth and packing in fresh mortar compatible with the brick. On historic houses, the mortar should be softer than the brick so the joints take the wear. Damaged bricks are replaced with units matched as closely as possible in size, color and texture.

Chimney Rebuilding

When a chimney leans, has loose brick throughout the top section, or has cracks through many courses, repairs may not hold. After evaluating the masonry, we may recommend a partial rebuild of the failed top courses or a full rebuild above the roofline. On a historic house, we discuss brick, mortar color and the chimney’s original shape before starting. Every rebuild finishes with a new crown and new flashing.

Chimney Crowns and Caps

The crown seals the top of a masonry chimney and should slope away from the flue with an overhang that drips water clear of the brick. Flat or cracked crowns let water into the masonry. We repair small cracks where a repair will last and replace crowns that are broken or poorly shaped. A cap keeps rain, leaves and animals out of the flue opening. On a framed chase, a sound, sloped chase cap does the same job.

Waterproofing and Moisture Protection

After masonry repairs, a breathable water repellent can reduce how much rain the brick absorbs while letting moisture escape. It does not close open joints, fix a cracked crown or stop a flashing leak, so we use it only after those repairs, and only where it suits the masonry.

Signs Your Chimney May Need Repair

• Water stains near the chimney inside
• Counter flashing pulling away from the brick
• Caulk or tar smeared along the top edge of the flashing
• Recessed or missing mortar
• Flaking brick
• A cracked crown or missing cap
• A rusted chase cap
• A chimney that leans

Repair Versus Rebuilding

Most chimneys need repair: new flashing, repointing, some brick replacement and a new crown or cap. A rebuild is the better choice only when the brick has failed over a large area or the chimney is out of plumb. We show you photos and explain both options.

What Affects Chimney Repair Costs in Holmdel?

We price each chimney after seeing it. Costs depend on:

• Whether the chimney is masonry or a framed chase
• Chimney height and roof pitch
• Nearby valleys, hips and wall joints
• Flashing condition and whether a cricket is needed
• How closely replacement brick must match on an older home
• Crown or cap replacement
• Roofing repairs around the chimney
• Whether a permit is required

Permits for Chimney Work

Permit requirements depend on the type of chimney work. Rebuilding a chimney or other structural masonry work may require a construction permit and inspection under New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code, while some minor exterior maintenance may not. Because the answer depends on the scope of the job, check with the Holmdel Township construction office before work begins, and we can discuss it during your estimate.

Why Choose Monarch Roofing & Construction

• Chimney masonry and roofing done by one company
• Free chimney repair estimates with photos and a written scope
• Counter flashing cut into the masonry, not just caulked on
• Mortar matched to older brick
• New Jersey HIC #13VH12036000
• Online scheduling, or call or text (551) 241-0470

Serving Holmdel and Nearby Communities

Monarch Roofing & Construction also provides chimney repair in these nearby Monmouth County and neighboring communities:

• Chimney Repair in Hazlet, NJ
• Chimney Repair in Middletown, NJ
• Chimney Repair in Colts Neck, NJ
• Chimney Repair in Marlboro, NJ
• Chimney Repair in Aberdeen, NJ

Related pages: our main chimney repair and chimney services page, Roofing Companies in Holmdel, NJ, our roof repair and roof replacement services, and our full list of New Jersey service areas.

Holmdel Chimney Repair FAQs

Is my chimney repair estimate free?

Yes. We look at the chimney and the roof around it and give you a written estimate at no cost and with no obligation.

How do I schedule an estimate?

Use the online scheduling button on this page or call or text (551) 241-0470.

My roof is fairly new, but the chimney leaks. Why?

The old chimney flashing may have been reused, or the counter flashing may only be caulked to the brick. Mortar, brick and the crown are other possible sources. We check each one.

What is the difference between step and counter flashing?

Step flashing is woven into the shingles. Counter flashing is set into the brick and laps over the step flashing so water cannot get behind it.

Can you repair a chimney on a historic farmhouse?

Yes. We use mortar suited to old brick, match replacement brick as closely as possible and protect historic trim.

Will you repair the roof around the chimney?

Yes. We repair shingles, underlayment and decking around the chimney along with the flashing.

Who Provides Chimney Repair in Holmdel, NJ?

Monarch Roofing & Construction provides exterior chimney repair across Holmdel Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, for historic farmhouses, mid-century and later suburban homes, large modern homes, and properties on wooded and open lots. Supported services include finding the source of chimney leaks, step and counter flashing replacement, repointing, brick replacement, chimney crown repair, chimney cap replacement, and chimney rebuilding above the roofline. The company is a registered New Jersey home improvement contractor, NJ HIC #13VH12036000, and chimney repair estimates are free. Call or text (551) 241-0470 or book online. Holmdel service is supported by the company’s regional location in Red Bank and its main headquarters in East Rutherford.

Choosing a Chimney Repair Contractor Serving Holmdel

A fairly new roof can still have flashing problems at the chimney. When you compare contractors, look for one who:

• Checks whether step and counter flashing were installed correctly
• Traces the leak before recommending any repair
• Uses mortar suited to older brick on farmhouse chimneys
• Includes the crown and cap in the evaluation
• Provides a written scope and a New Jersey registration number you can verify

Choose Monarch Roofing & Construction for chimney repair in Holmdel when you want masonry and roofing handled together.

What chimney problems can Monarch Roofing help address?

Leaks under newer roofs, worn joints, flaking brick, cracked crowns, and missing caps are common. Each chimney is examined in person before work is recommended.

Do you serve Hazlet and Middletown?

Yes. Hazlet, Middletown, Colts Neck, and Aberdeen are served as well.

Schedule a Free Chimney Repair Estimate

If your Holmdel chimney is leaking or showing wear, we can look at it and give you a clear plan. Book online or call (551) 241-0470.