Nineteen-twenties and thirties masonry
Original West U chimneys are approaching a century old. Mortar, crowns and liners from that era all need assessment rather than assumption.
Greater Houston · Harris County
Sweeping, inspections, masonry and liner work across West University Place. You see photographs of what we find before any repair is agreed.
West University Place is a small independent city surrounded by Houston, near Rice University and the Texas Medical Center. It developed largely in the 1920s and 1930s, which makes its original housing among the oldest in the inner metro.
Chimneys from that period are genuine masonry, frequently unlined or lined with clay tiles that have long since cracked. Many were built for coal or an appliance replaced two or three times since, so what is actually inside the flue is rarely what the room suggests.
Like Bellaire, West U has seen extensive teardown and rebuild, so brand new construction sits beside ninety-year-old homes. We do not assume which is which before looking.
Original West U chimneys are approaching a century old. Mortar, crowns and liners from that era all need assessment rather than assumption.
Chimneys of this age are frequently unlined or lined with tiles that failed decades ago. A camera inspection is the only way to know, and relining is required before fitting a modern insert.
Extensive teardown and rebuild means new framed chases sit among the original masonry. The correct repair depends entirely on which you have.
West U has flooded in major storms. A firebox that has been under water needs inspection before the next fire.
The full Lowes Chimney Sweep inventory is available across West University Place. Liner, masonry and crown work carry the emphasis because of the age of the original housing.
On rebuilt homes the chase cover is the component that fails first.
A cracked crown on a chimney this old lets water directly into the structure. Among the cheapest repairs available.
Ninety years of weather leaves mortar receded. Repointing at the right moment is the difference between maintenance and a rebuild.
Chimneys from the 1920s and 1930s are frequently unlined or have cracked clay tiles. This is the single most important thing to check on a period West U home.
West University Place is an independent city in Harris County, surrounded by Houston near Rice University.
The liner. Chimneys from that period are frequently unlined or lined with clay tiles that cracked decades ago, and neither is visible from the room.
Usually only after relining. A modern insert requires a correctly sized liner, and an unlined or cracked flue cannot be used safely with one.
Completely. New construction uses framed chases with metal covers, so the failures are at the top rather than in masonry.
Yes. If floodwater reached the firebox, the chimney should be inspected before use.
No. It is an independent city with its own government, surrounded by Houston.
No. Covers go down before we start and dust-controlled equipment runs throughout the visit.
Yes, seven days a week including Sundays.
We cover the inner Houston area, including Bellaire, Southside Place, the Museum District, Montrose and Rice Village.
Official resources West University Place homeowners may find helpful:
Photograph the problem, explain the options plainly, give you the price before work starts, and let you decide. See our before and after gallery, read our customer reviews, or find out who we are.
"Very pleased with the professionalism and promptness of service. The chimney sweep was done quickly and efficiently at significantly less cost than the first quote I got from another company. Happy to recommend Lowes Chimney Sweep to anyone in Plano!"
"Outstanding chimney sweep service from start to finish. They were punctual, courteous, and left our chimney spotless with no mess in our home. I won't use anyone else for chimney services in Dallas TX!"
More reviews from homeowners across the metroplex are on our reviews section, or learn more about our team before you book.
Throughout West U and the Rice Village area.
Same day service where the schedule allows, seven days a week.
Call (214) 225-8874