Chimney sweep and masonry care for Hastings' historic homes
Hastings is just across the Mississippi from Cottage Grove on US 61, over the Hastings High Bridge. Founded in 1853, many of its homes are well over a century old, and so are their chimneys.
Old brick chimneys need gentle repairs
Hastings was founded in 1853 and incorporated in 1857. Its West Second Street Residential Historic District and the older blocks around downtown hold homes from the 1800s and early 1900s. Brick and mortar from that period are softer than what is sold today.
That matters when a chimney needs work. Repointing old brick with hard modern mortar can make it worse, because water then leaves through the brick instead of the joints, and freezing breaks off the brick face. On historic chimneys we match the mortar to the original and keep repairs as small as the problem allows.
Liners and old flues
Many 19th-century chimneys were built without clay flue liners, or the original liners have cracked. Before an old fireplace is used again, or a wood stove or insert is added, the flue should be checked along its full length. A stainless steel liner sized to the appliance is the usual fix.
Rivers on three sides
Hastings sits near the meeting of the Mississippi, Vermillion and St. Croix rivers. Masonry on exposed chimneys takes a lot of wind-driven rain and repeated freeze and thaw. Caps and crowns are the first line of defense.
For Hastings homeowners
- Level 2 inspection before reusing an old fireplace
- Mortar matched to historic brick
- Relining for stoves and inserts
- Caps and crown repair
If your home is in a historic district, check with the City of Hastings about any exterior work rules before major chimney repairs.
Hastings chimney questions
Can I use the fireplace in my old Hastings house?
Only after a Level 2 inspection, which looks inside the full flue. Fireplaces that have not been used in years often have cracked or missing liners, debris, or nests in the flue.
What mortar should be used on a historic chimney?
Mortar should be softer than the brick around it, so water and movement go through the joint, not the brick. On 1800s brick that usually means a lime-rich mortar rather than a hard modern mix.
Do you come across the river from Cottage Grove?
Yes. Hastings is a short drive south on US 61 across the Hastings High Bridge, and it is part of our regular service area.
Book chimney service in Hastings
Cottage Grove and the east metro