Restoring What Others Say Can't Be Done
Historic Chimney Restoration in
Vermont & New Hampshire
Every week, we hear from homeowners with the same story. They have a beautiful pre-1900s home — a Colonial, Federal, or Victorian — and a fireplace that hasn't worked in years. A chimney sweep came out, said the flue couldn't be relined, and recommended capping it off or installing an insert.
We've spent decades proving that wrong. Historic chimneys with their long, narrow rectangular flues can't accommodate standard round liners — but they can be relined with the right system and the right crew. We've restored working open fireplaces in some of the oldest homes in Vermont and New Hampshire, keeping them fully functional without touching the exterior. We also specialize in the masonry side: period-correct repointing, historic brick replacement, and reversing the damage left behind by incompatible modern repairs.
Why Historic Chimneys
Require Specialized Care
Older chimneys weren't built the same way modern ones are, and they can't be repaired the same way either. Getting it right takes the right materials and the hands-on experience to use them.
Traditional Materials, Properly Matched
Historic lime mortars and soft brick are designed to flex and breathe with seasonal changes. Modern Portland cement is incompatible — it damages the surrounding brick over time. We use period-correct materials throughout.
A Different Approach to Relining
The long, narrow rectangular flues in pre-1900 homes can't accommodate standard round liners. Getting a historic fireplace working again requires custom rectangular liner systems and a crew equipped to install them properly.
The Exterior Stays Intact
Our goal is always to restore function and safety without altering the appearance of the original structure. The chimney should look exactly as it always has when we're done.
We Solve Problems Others Walk Away From
Historic liner installations are large-scale jobs — sometimes involving liners over 500 lbs and multi-person crews — that most chimney companies aren't set up to handle. We are.
Trusted by Your Neighbors
I had a difficult time finding a chimney repair company with the expertise necessary to restore the chimney in my antique colonial house, circa 1790. The old chimney bricks were turning to powder and there was even a hole in the chimney in the attic. I came across the Chimney Savers website and saw videos that demonstrated they were the right company for the job. They were very transparent about the process and timing. Jake and Tyler were both so courteous, respectful, and even fun to talk to. If I ever need this type of repair again, I would not hesitate to use Chimney Savers.
Peggy C.
Wondering if your historic chimney or fireplace is a candidate for restoration?
Here's what we commonly work on in historic homes across Vermont and New Hampshire.
Restoring a Historic Fireplace to Working Condition
If your fireplace has been out of service because it's unlined or deemed too narrow to reline, restoration is very likely possible — we evaluate the flue, install the right liner system, and finish the chimney top to keep the exterior looking exactly as it should. We've put together a detailed guide on how we approach this work: Tips & Tricks for Restoring Your Historic Chimney.
Eroding Lime Mortar Joints
We repoint historic masonry using lime-based blends matched to the original mortar's flexibility and composition — not modern cement mixes that would damage the surrounding brick.
Structural Concerns
Leaning, settling, or separation from the roofline. We assess the situation honestly and determine the right path forward.
Reversing a Fireplace Conversion
If a historic fireplace was converted to an insert or sealed during a past renovation, we can assess what a restoration would involve and walk you through the realistic options.
Damaged or Spalling Historic Brick
We replace deteriorated bricks with period-matched materials and address the underlying moisture issue that caused the damage in the first place.
Incompatible Previous Repairs
If a prior contractor used Portland cement in a historic chimney, we remove the incompatible repairs and restore the affected joints with historically appropriate materials.
Our Historic Chimney
Restoration Process
Whether we're relining a fireplace, preserving the masonry, or both, we work carefully and keep you informed at every stage — from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
Site Assessment & Historic Evaluation
We visit your home to assess the chimney's condition and understand what you're looking to accomplish. For fireplace projects, this includes evaluating the flue geometry to determine what liner system is right. For masonry work, we examine the existing brick and mortar to establish which materials and methods are appropriate.
Planning the Restoration
Once we understand the full scope, we map out the details — liner sizing, mortar matching, material sourcing, and any structural elements that need to be addressed. We walk you through the plan before anything starts.
Fixed-Price Proposal
You'll receive a detailed written proposal covering the full scope, materials, timeline, and total cost. No surprises — just honest, upfront pricing.
Expert Restoration Work
Our team handles each phase with the care these homes deserve — installing custom liner systems, carefully raking and packing historic mortar joints, and replacing brick with period-matched materials, all while keeping a clean job site throughout.
Documentation & Final Review
When the work is complete, we walk through everything with you and make sure you're fully comfortable with the result — including how to safely operate a restored fireplace if that was part of the project.
Regional Expertise
Expert Historic Chimney Restoration Across Vermont & New Hampshire
Vermont and New Hampshire have some of the oldest housing stock in the country, and our crews have the masonry experience to match. We work regularly on chimneys in homes built in the 1800s — and earlier — where original brick is no longer available, mortar chemistry matters, and the wrong repair approach can do more harm than the original damage.
We regularly serve homeowners in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, Stowe, Randolph, Lebanon, Hanover & Claremont, and communities throughout the region. If you've been told your old chimney can't be properly repaired — or if a previous repair didn't hold — it's worth a second look from a team with real historic chimney experience.
Ready to schedule your historic chimney restoration?
Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I use regular mortar on a historic chimney?
Modern Portland cement mortar is harder than the brick used in historic New England construction. When applied to older masonry, it traps moisture inside instead of allowing it to escape. That moisture freezes, expands, and destroys original brick from the inside out — brick that may have been intact for over a century. Period-appropriate lime mortar is softer, flexible, and lets the masonry breathe the way it was intended to.
What is breathable waterproofing and why does it matter for historic chimneys?
Standard waterproofing products create a surface film that seals moisture inside the masonry — which accelerates deterioration in older brick. Breathable, vapor-permeable sealers block new water from entering while allowing existing moisture inside the masonry to escape. For historic chimneys, using the right waterproofing product is as important as using the right mortar.
How do I know if my chimney needs repointing or a full rebuild?
Repointing is appropriate when the brick itself is structurally sound and the mortar joints are the primary issue. Partial or full rebuilding is needed when brick is significantly spalled, the chimney has moved out of plumb, or deterioration is too advanced for surface repair to address. A proper inspection gives you a clear, honest answer.
Will restoration change the appearance of my historic chimney?
Not if it is done correctly. The goal of every historic chimney restoration we perform is to preserve the original appearance while restoring structural integrity — matching mortar color and texture, sourcing compatible brick, and maintaining the proportions and details of the original structure.
Can you reline an old chimney without altering the exterior?
Yes. A stainless steel liner is installed from inside the flue and does not affect the exterior appearance of the chimney. For chimneys where a rigid liner will not work due to offsets or unusual flue geometry, cast-in-place liner options are available.
Do you work on properties with historic designation or preservation requirements?
Yes. We have extensive experience with older New England homes and understand the care required when working on architecturally significant properties. If your home carries a specific historic designation with defined restoration requirements, let us know at the time of your estimate so we can plan accordingly.