Barrington’s older homes—many built before 1950—often hide chimney problems that newer builds don’t. Ashbrook Chimney Corp is seeing more calls this fall for cracked crowns, missing caps, and clogged liners in homes along County Road or near the Barrington River. Don’t wait for a cold snap to find out your chimney needs work.
When Barrington’s brickwork starts to talk
Older masonry in Barrington homes often shows its age in subtle ways: cracked chimney crowns after freeze-thaw cycles, eroded mortar joints along Benefit Street, or bricks shifting near the roofline. These aren’t just cosmetic issues—they let water seep in, rotting the flue liner and inviting creosote buildup. A full masonry inspection catches these problems before they turn into a chimney rebuild. Should you wait until you see cracks or hear rumbling in the flue? Not in Barrington’s damp autumn air—schedule a sweep now to spot trouble early.
Do I really need a stainless steel liner in my Barrington fireplace?
Many Barrington homes built before 1970 still have unlined or clay-tile chimneys, which weren’t designed for modern wood stoves or gas inserts. If your fireplace is along the main drag or in a historic home off Nayatt Road, chances are your liner is struggling. A stainless steel liner installs cleanly without tearing down brickwork and handles both wood and gas safely. Is it worth the cost? In Barrington’s older stock, yes—especially if you’ve noticed smoke backing up or a sooty smell in the living room. We’re seeing more homeowners here choose liners after a free estimate reveals hidden risks.