Chimney in Lower Merion, PA

Major chimney work — including above-roofline rebuilds, full relining, and new chase construction — requires a building permit filed with the Lower Merion Township Building Department. Right Deal Construction manages the permit application, required inspections, and final code sign-off on all permitted chimney projects in Lower Merion. Maintenance work such as tuckpointing, cap replacement, and sweeping typically does not require a permit, but we verify with the local authority on every job.

The median Lower Merion home was built around 1938, meaning the original chimney masonry and flue liner systems are approximately 88 years old. At this age, clay tile flue liners in Lower Merion homes have typically experienced enough thermal cycling to develop cracks and gaps — a fire and carbon monoxide hazard that is not visible without a Level 2 camera inspection. Mortar joints at this age also commonly show recession exceeding the ¼-inch threshold that triggers tuckpointing.

For Lower Merion's pre-war-era housing stock, the most common chimney services Right Deal Construction performs are: (1) tuckpointing and mortar joint repointing on brick chimneys showing visible recession or spalling, (2) stainless steel flue relining on clay tile systems that have cracked or were improperly repurposed for gas appliances, and (3) crown repair or replacement on chimneys where the concrete crown has cracked and is allowing water infiltration. Annual Level 1 sweeping and inspection is recommended for all Lower Merion homes with active fireplaces or wood-burning stoves.