How to Cement a Chimney Cap
A chimney cap can refer to a decorative copper or a metal cage-like device placed on top of a chimney to prevent rain and small animals like birds and squirrels from entering the chimney and to reduce the risk of sparks exiting the chimney. The term chimney cap may also refer to the cement topper covering a brick or stone chimney, exclusive of the flue. A cement chimney cap is also known as a chimney crown, wash or splay. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Lumber: 2x4, 1x6
- Membrane flashing
- Duplex nails
- Large clamps
- Portland cement
- #3 rebar
- High temperature sealant
- Concrete waterproofing
Instructions
-
-
1
Chisel off any existing mortar, and then use a wire brush on the chimney surface to ensure all remnants of mortar are gone. Measure the outside dimensions of the chimney at the level of the top row of bricks.
-
2
Add membrane flashing that extends off the brick face and goes up the sides of the flue liner.
-
-
3
Make an expansion joint to prevent the cement from touching the flue. This can be done by wrapping a disposal "pad" around the flue. A pad can be made from at least a half-inch thickness of newspaper or corrugated cardboard (like from a packing box) inside trash bags or plastic grocery bags. The plastic will make it easier to remove after the cement dries. When wrapping the expansion pad around the flue, overlap the ends rather than butting them together. The pad should touch the chimney bed and extend up at least eight inches. Secure the pad in place with duct tape. The newspaper or cardboard will compress some with the weight of the cement pressing against them.
-
4
Build a frame from two-by-fours with one short side of each board cut along its length at a 15-degree angle. The angle will help drain rain away from the bricks of the chimney. With the angled edges upward and the high part of the angles inward, nail or screw the four boards together according to the dimensions measured in Step 1, to create the base of the frame. Screw the one-by-six boards upright and flush to the bottom of the outside perimeter of the two-by-four frame to form the walls of the frame.
-
5
Run a series of duplex nails through the one-by-six and just over the highest part of the two-by-four (just above the point of the beveled edge--this is where the cement cap will be slightly angled down from the brick on its bottom outer edge). The screws should extend out at least an inch and be placed about 18 inches apart. Place the frame on the chimney using the screws to support it on the top row of bricks. Add clamps across the width of the frame for support. Fill cracks between the frame and the chimney with small pieces of scrap wood or even duct tape. Draping polyurethane or cut-up trash bags, or carefully brushed-on cooking oil, on just the wooden frame can make it easier to remove the frame after the cement dries.
-
6
Cut rebar for installation later. The #3 rebar should be about four inches shorter than the width of the frame. For a single flue stack, two rebars are used on either side of the flue. Increase the number of rebars for multiple flues so each has a rebar midway between it and the edge of the frame or the next flue.
-
7
Prepare the Portland cement mix, which will need to be pulled up to the roof in a bucket.
-
8
Moisten the base of the chimney pad and pour in the cement, forcing it into the angle cut. When the cement is about one inch over the brick rim, lay the rebar the width of the frame, centering each bar between flues and the ends of the frame.
-
9
Pour in the last of the cement, adding more near the flue(s). Trowel the cement from the flue on a slight downward angle to the edges of the frame to create a draining surface for rain. Allow the cement to dry and partially cure overnight.
-
10
Remove the frame and flue pad. Apply high temperature caulk around the flue to fill the gap and apply waterproofing to the cement.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If it's windy or very hot, cover the newly cemented crown with polyurethane to avoid rapid drying or evaporation.
References
- Photo Credit Melodi2 morguefiles; Barbara Raskauskas
