A chase-style chimney is really a wood-framed tower wrapped in siding, and once water finds its way inside, the studs and sheathing that hold it up start to rot. Quick Chimney opens up the damaged sections, rebuilds the framing, and closes the chase back up so it stands straight and carries its load again. With crews working nationwide, a sagging or leaning chase gets handled before the damage spreads into your roof or walls.
What is included
- Inspection of the chase inside and out to map rot, soft wood, and structural movement
- Removal and replacement of rotted studs, plates, and sheathing
- Sistering or rebuilding framing members to bring the chase back to plumb and square
- Re-anchoring the chase to the roof and house framing where connections have weakened
- Checking clearances around the flue so the rebuilt framing keeps safe distance from the vent, with local codes followed
- New sheathing and moisture barrier installed so siding or cladding can go back on over a dry, solid structure
Signs you might need this
- The chase leans, tilts, or looks out of square against the roofline
- Siding on the chase feels soft, bulges out, or is pulling away at the seams
- Water stains, peeling paint, or a musty smell near the fireplace wall
- The metal chase cover on top is rusted, dented, or holding standing water
- Visible rot, crumbling wood, or insect damage where the chase meets the roof or ground
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a chase-style chimney?
Instead of brick and mortar, a chase is a wood-framed enclosure built around a factory-made metal flue, then finished with siding or another cladding to look like a traditional chimney. The framing inside does all the structural work, which is why rot in those hidden studs is a bigger problem than it looks from the outside.
How does the framing inside a chase get damaged in the first place?
Water is almost always the cause. A rusted-through chase cover, failed flashing, or gaps in the siding let moisture in, and because the framing is sealed inside the chase, it stays wet and rots quietly for years. That is why the repair includes finding and fixing the entry point, not just swapping out bad wood.
Can I keep using my fireplace while the chase framing is damaged?
Hold off until it has been inspected. Weakened framing can shift the flue out of position or reduce the clearance between hot vent pipe and wood, and neither problem is visible from inside your living room. Your technician will tell you whether the system is okay to run or should stay cold until the repair is done.
