Roofline Chimney Rebuild in SW Tigard / SW Portland, OR

Coal Creek Brick, Black-Tinted Mortar & Custom Powder-Coated Rain Caps

Project Overview: Rebuilding a Leaking Chimney Above the Roofline

A homeowner in SW Tigard / SW Portland, Oregon contacted Portland Chimney Inc. after discovering water intrusion in their attic. Upon inspection, we determined that the source of the leak was a deteriorating chimney structure above the roofline.
In this region—where steep roofs, seasonal storms, and aging masonry are common—chimneys often begin to break down at the most exposed point: the section above the roof.

To stop the active leak and restore full structural integrity, we completed a full chimney rebuild from the roofline up, using high-quality materials from Mutual Materials and finishing the project with custom powder-coated rain caps designed specifically for this chimney system.

The Problem: Water Penetration & Failing Masonry Above the Roofline

Chimney leaks into the attic are one of the most common problems we see in SW Portland’s hill-area neighborhoods. The combination of wind exposure, heavy rainfall, and aging masonry creates conditions where:

Mortar joints degrade and absorb water
Bricks crack or lose structural bond
Flashing and sealants fail
The chimney becomes porous and leaks directly into the attic

In this case, the upper portion of the chimney showed significant weathering, allowing water to travel downward into the attic framing. Left unaddressed, this could have led to mold growth, ceiling staining, and structural rot.

A roofline-up rebuild was the correct and permanent solution.

Materials Used: Coal Creek Brick & Black-Tinted Masonry Finishes

To ensure both durability and aesthetic appeal, we selected premium materials that match the home’s exterior and provide long-term weather resistance:

Mutual Materials “Coal Creek” Standard Bricks — dark, modern, and highly durable
Mutual Materials DesignMix with Black Coloring — produces a bold, clean mortar joint with excellent bonding strength
Mutual Materials Concrete Mix (Black Tinted) — used for crown formation and waterproof finish
Custom Black Powder-Coated Rain Caps — fabricated to fit the chimney dimensions and provide superior moisture protection

These materials blend seamlessly with contemporary roofing colors and add a high-end architectural finish to the chimney.

Our Process: Safe Access, Roof Protection & Precise Masonry

1. Roof Protection on Metal Roofing

Because the home features a metal roof, we took extra precautions to prevent dents, scratches, or finish damage:

Foam pads were placed beneath plywood to distribute weight
Tarps were installed to prevent scuffs and falling debris impact
All tools and bricks were staged to avoid direct contact with metal panels

This level of protection is essential on metal roofs, ensuring a clean and damage-free work area.

2. Tear-Down to the Roofline

We dismantled the deteriorated portion of the chimney down to a structurally sound base.
All loose, cracked, or water-logged bricks were removed, and the old crown was fully dismantled.

3. Rebuild Using Coal Creek Brick

Once the base was prepared, our masons rebuilt the chimney course by course using Coal Creek standards. This provided:

A cohesive color match
Exceptional weather resistance
Clean, uniform joints using the custom black-tinted mortar

Attention to detail is crucial in a roofline rebuild—every course must be plumb, level, and securely bonded.

4. New Black-Tinted Crown & Custom Rain Caps

To ensure the chimney remains watertight for decades:

We formed a sloped concrete crown using black-tinted concrete
Installed custom black powder-coated rain caps, designed for maximum durability and airflow
Sealed all transitions cleanly for long-term moisture control

These components are essential for preventing the same leak issues from returning.

Why Roofline Chimney Rebuilds Are Common in SW Portland & Tigard

Hilly neighborhoods in SW Portland and SW Tigard experience stronger wind exposure and heavier rain than many other parts of the metro area. Combined with aging masonry from mid-century construction, chimneys in these areas frequently show: