When your chimney flue shows cracks, joint failure, or crumbling tile, you don’t always need a complete rebuild. At Chimney Scientists, we provide chimney resurfacing services using advanced ceramic restoration techniques to seal and reinforce your flue. Our certified Thermocrete installers apply a seamless new surface over existing masonry and tile. We can also combine this with mortar joint repair using the FireGuard system to create a long-lasting solution that costs less than relining.
Chimney resurfacing, or ceramic restoration, is a method of chimney flue repair. For this process, we apply a sprayed ceramic coating to the interior walls of your chimney flue and masonry. This coating fills cracks, seals small gaps, protects against heat and gases, and strengthens the flue surface. Unlike chimney liner replacement, resurfacing preserves much of the existing structure while giving it new durability and protection against wear, moisture, and creosote. It’s also a cost-effective alternative compared to replacing a flue liner.
A significant problem in chimneys lies in mortar joints breaking down between flue tiles or between tile and masonry. These open joints allow heat, gas, or moisture to permeate chimney walls. The FireGuard system is a certified method used to repair these joints deeply and precisely. By combining vibration-assisted application and refractory ceramic mortar, FireGuard drives the material into fissures and micro gaps that a surface coating alone can’t reach. This method ensures the mortar joint repair is strong and long-lasting, creating a better foundation for the resurfacing layer.
Thermocrete is a high-performance, spray-applied ceramic lining technology ideal for chimney resurfacing projects. Our team is the only certified Thermocrete installer in the Philadelphia area. Thermocrete delivers the following advantages:
Because Thermocrete does not require tile removal, it’s a far less intrusive option compared to full chimney relining. Plus, it offers stronger protection than standard coatings.
Choosing the right company for your resurfacing is critical. Here’s what sets Chimney Scientists apart:
We perform ceramic chimney resurfacing for homeowners across southeastern Pennsylvania and the Poconos, including Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Carbon, and Monroe counties. Our understanding of local masonry, freeze-thaw cycles, and historical chimney styles ensures we deliver restorations built to last in local conditions.
If you see cracked tiles, failing mortar joints, or other signs of a damaged flue, now is the time to act. Request a full evaluation from Chimney Scientists. We’ll conduct a detailed chimney inspection, recommend whether resurfacing or relining is right, and provide a clear estimate. Protect your chimney, enhance performance, and extend its life with chimney resurfacing and joint repair. Schedule your service appointment today.
No. Chimney Scientists is the only certified Thermocrete installer in the Philadelphia area. To use Thermocrete, technicians must complete a 3-day intensive training program and pass an exam to become certified.
Yes, FireGuard offers a Lifetime Transferable Warranty against material failure for all mortar joint repairs and resurfacing work.
Yes, Thermocrete repairs heat-damaged tile by filling cracks, bonding flue tiles, and adding a heat-diffusing barrier. However, it’s only suitable if cracks are 1/8” or smaller and tiles are not missing or severely broken.
No, it does not. One of Thermocrete’s biggest advantages is that it does not significantly reduce flue size, preserving draft performance, which is especially important for wood and gas appliances.
No, it has not been tested as a zero-clearance liner. Thermocrete disperses heat but does not insulate like other zero-clearance systems.
Yes, Thermocrete is five times harder than cast-in-place liners and is very durable. Standard flat-wire chimney brushes are safe, but rotary chains are not recommended.
Yes, with proper precautions, Thermocrete can be installed in temperatures as low as 20°F. Appliances can even be used shortly after application to aid curing.
No. Once Thermocrete is applied, it prevents hot gases from reaching any residual creosote behind the tiles. It forms a protective barrier that diffuses heat and blocks gas seepage.
Yes. Thermocrete is ideal for eroded or spalled flue tiles used with oil or gas appliances. It bonds to the existing surface, sealing and strengthening the chimney from within.
