Midvale homes built in the 1950s through 1970s around Old Town Midvale and Bingham Junction often have original chimneys with lime-based mortar that has eroded from decades of freeze-thaw cycles. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer heat and low humidity accelerate drying and cracking. We remove loose or deteriorated mortar to a consistent depth, then pack in fresh Type N mortar matched to the existing color and texture so the stack weathers evenly with neighboring homes near Midvale City Park.
Access matters here because many chimneys sit on sloped lots near the Bingham Junction TRAX Station or back up against neighboring properties in Murray and West Jordan. We stage ladders and scaffolding on the actual grade rather than assuming flat ground, and we protect rooflines that may still carry the original cedar shakes common in Salt Lake County. Edge cases include chimneys that have settled slightly due to the area's clay-heavy soils; in those situations we document movement before any repointing so the homeowner knows whether structural work is also needed.
We never use modern polymer additives on historic stacks because they trap moisture and cause faster spalling once our cold nights return. Instead we work in small sections during shoulder seasons when temperatures stay above 40 degrees, allowing proper curing before the first hard freeze. Homeowners in West Jordan and Murray frequently call after noticing white efflorescence or missing mortar near the crown; catching it early prevents water from reaching the flue liner and damaging interior ceilings during spring snowmelt.
Every job includes brushing out the joints, vacuuming debris, and a final wash-down so no mortar residue stains the brick. We also check flashing where the chimney meets the roof, because wind-driven rain common along the Wasatch Front finds those gaps first. The result is a chimney that sheds water properly through another full winter without the homeowner having to climb up and inspect after every storm.
Technician insight
In Midvale, the thing that catches most people out with chimney mortar repair is how quickly our freeze-thaw cycles open up hairline joints in the older brick homes along the west side of Old Town. Homeowners often think a little missing mortar is cosmetic until water reaches the flue liner during spring melt. We always check the crown and flashing at the same time because those are the real entry points on stacks built before modern weep systems.
Eroded Joints on a 1962 Stack
A homeowner in Bingham Junction noticed white powder on the interior brick after a January thaw. We found mortar missing on the west face where wind hits hardest. After cutting out the deteriorated joints and repointing with matched mortar, the stack showed no new efflorescence the following spring.
How it works
- 1
Site Assessment
We inspect the full height of the chimney from ground and roof, noting joint condition, crown integrity, and any settling visible from nearby streets in Old Town Midvale.
- 2
Mortar Removal
Deteriorated mortar is cut out to a uniform depth using hand tools to avoid damaging surrounding brick common on 1960s Salt Lake County homes.
- 3
Joint Packing
Fresh mortar is pressed firmly into each joint in small lifts, tooled to match the original profile, and kept damp during the initial set.
- 4
Final Inspection and Cleanup
We verify all joints are filled, remove excess material, and walk the homeowner through the work from the yard and street level.
Pricing
Upfront quotes based on linear feet of joint repair and roof access difficulty; most Midvale jobs fall in the mid-range for Salt Lake County tuckpointing.