How to Repair a Chimney

Like all physical structures exposed to the outside, chimneys are often in need of repair. Traditionally, chimneys are built with mortar, which is susceptible to natural erosion and weathering. Here are some steps for repairing a damaged chimney.

Things You'll Need

• mortar
• cold chisel
• caulking compound
• ball-peen hammer
• trowel
• protective eye-wear

Instructions

Parts of a Chimney

1. Chimneys are made of brick and mortar, which may deteiorate after time. Any masonry damage within the chimney should be done by a professional. But, loose bricks on the outside can be fixed by you.

2. Have the chimney cleaned. A professional chimney cleaner can elminate the gunk that builds up over the years. Excessive smoke and heat will lead to future damage of the mortar.

3. Understand that the flue is the most basic part of a chimney--the hollow passageway that allows smoke and burnt particles to leave the house. The flue is a mechanism that should be repaired by a licensed service technician.

4. Know that the cap is a metal covering over the top of the chimney that keeps wind, weather and critters out of the flue. These can be replaced or repaired with chicken wire if you do not have the proper replacement parts.

Repairing Damaged Mortar

1. Gather the tools. For weathered mortar on your chimney's exterior, use protective eye-wear (safety first), ball-peen hammer, cold chisel, mortar, trowel, caulking compound and caulk application gun.

2. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the crumbled sections of mortar--the masonry of the cap or crown that has broken away.

3. Replace with fresh mortar by using a trowel to apply and sculpt it.

4. Make sure mortar on top of the bricks is sloped outward to drain water away from the flue.

5. Repair any extensive mortar damage. If the mortar packed around the bricks is deteriorated, use the hammer and chisel to remove the weathered mortar and fill in the crevices around the bricks with fresh mortar.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to keep the mortar damp for 3-5 days so that it has time to cure.