Eagan’s Brick Crisis: How New Construction Standards Are Requiring Upgraded Masonry Techniques for Existing Chimneys in 2025
Homeowners in Eagan, Minnesota are facing an unprecedented challenge as the City of Eagan has adopted new State Codes related to construction, creating what many are calling a “brick crisis” that’s affecting thousands of existing chimneys throughout the community. With new requirements for window cleaning safety features effective Nov. 7, 2025 and evolving masonry standards, property owners are discovering that their aging chimney systems may no longer meet current safety requirements.
Understanding the New Construction Standards
The Minnesota State Building Code is the minimum construction standard throughout all of Minnesota including all cities, townships and counties. Although it isn’t enforceable by municipalities unless it is adopted by local ordinance, the State Building Code creates a level playing field for the construction industry by establishing the construction standard for all buildings in the state. For Eagan residents, this means that existing chimneys built under older standards may need significant upgrades to comply with modern safety requirements.
The crisis stems from Minnesota State Residential Building Code requirements that now demand higher standards for masonry construction. Wood beams, joists, studs, and other combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces and not less than 4 inches from the back faces of masonry fireplaces. Many older chimneys in Eagan simply don’t meet these updated clearance requirements.
The Impact on Eagan Homeowners
Minnesota’s harsh climate compounds these challenges. When water freezes while inside a brick, it increases in volume by 9% and exerts pressure on the brick from the inside out. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a destructive force that compounds over time. Minnesota winter temperatures are famous for freeze-thaw activity. When water seeps into cracks in your masonry and freezes, it expands.
The result is accelerated deterioration that makes compliance with new standards even more critical. Brick or mortar deterioration is among the most common masonry chimney repairs in the 11-county Twin Cities Area. Due mainly to the winter freeze-thaw cycle, the water-absorbed bricks turn to ice, thaw, and re-freeze.
Advanced Masonry Techniques Required
To meet the new standards, homeowners need more than basic repairs. Professional contractors are now implementing advanced techniques including:
- Enhanced Tuckpointing: Over time, the mortar that holds chimney bricks together begins to deteriorate and crumble, leaving the structure vulnerable to seeping water, a chimney’s worst enemy. During tuckpointing, the old mortar is removed by use of a diamond-blade saw, and new mortar applied, restoring the integrity of the chimney structure.
- Structural Reinforcement: Many chimneys require complete rebuilds to meet current standards
- Waterproofing Systems: Advanced moisture protection to prevent freeze-thaw damage
- Compliance Upgrades: Modifications to meet clearance and safety requirements
Professional Standards Matter
With these new requirements, choosing the right contractor becomes crucial. Professional standards matter more than you might realize. Our certifications include Master Cement Finisher & Master of Masonry, plus two certifications from the Ahrens School of Masonry Restoration and Chimney repair, and certification by The Chimney Safety Institute of America. These aren’t just credentials—they represent knowledge of proper techniques that ensure longevity.
For Eagan homeowners facing these challenges, professional Chimney Masonry Repair Eagan services have become essential. Companies like Suburban Chimney Solutions understand both the technical requirements and local conditions that affect masonry performance.
The Cost of Compliance
Knowing when to stop throwing money at repairs and invest in a proper rebuild saves you thousands in the long run. While the upfront costs of bringing chimneys up to current standards may seem substantial, the alternative—facing safety violations, insurance issues, or catastrophic failure—is far more expensive.
The average useful lifespan of a masonry chimney in the Upper Midwest is about 50 to 75 years. So, many homes in Lowry Hill East, Minnetrista, Stillwater, and other Minneapolis – St. Paul areas have chimneys that are reaching or have surpassed their life expectancy. This means many Eagan chimneys are prime candidates for the comprehensive upgrades now required.
Moving Forward
The brick crisis in Eagan represents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the new standards require significant investment, they also ensure that chimney systems will be safer, more durable, and better equipped to handle Minnesota’s demanding climate conditions.
Homeowners should act proactively rather than waiting for enforcement actions. At Suburban Chimney Solutions, a full-service chimney company, we cover all aspects of chimney and fireplace care, from sweeping and cleaning to masonry repairs. Our team’s attention to detail helps prevent potential hazards like smoke buildup and weather-related damage, letting you enjoy your fireplace with confidence.
The key is working with experienced professionals who understand both the technical requirements and the local conditions that make Eagan’s brick crisis so challenging. With proper planning and expert execution, homeowners can navigate these new standards while protecting their investment and ensuring their family’s safety for decades to come.