How to Repair a Chipped Chimney

Make minor repairs before they become major problems

Chips in chimneys occur from impact damage and constant exposure to changing weather conditions. It is very important to repair chips in chimneys to avoid water seeping into the chip and creating moisture between walls, on wood beams and ceilings, which leads to mold and mildew growth. Chips in chimneys weaken the structural integrity of the chimney and are subject to continued degradation if not repaired promptly. The repair depends on the location of the chip, which is either in the mortar or in the brick.

Things You'll Need

• Cold chisel
• Hammer
• Wire brush
• Hand-held broom
• Mortar
• Bucket
• Water supply
• Grout bag
• Trowel
• Pointing tool
• Plastic

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Instructions

Chipped Mortar

1. Chip out the damaged mortar in between the bricks with a cold chisel and hammer along the entire length of the mortar line.

2. Brush the area in between the brick with a stiff wire brush to remove loose bits of mortar. Sweep out dust and debris with a small hand-held broom.

3. Mix mortar in a bucket according to the directions on the package. Mist the area in between the bricks with water.

4. Fill a grout bag with wet mortar and squeeze it in between the bricks. Use the tip of a trowel or a pointing tool to force the mortar in deeply and smooth the finish. Add more mortar from the grout bag to build it up flush with the existing brick.

5. Cover the repair with plastic and re-wet the mortar to keep it damp for 3 to 4 days in order for the mortar to cure properly.

Small Chips in Brick

1. Brush the surface of the chip with a wire brush to loosen and remove small pieces of brick.

2. Mix mortar in a small bucket according to the package directions.

3. Dip a trowel into the mortar and apply a layer of mortar over the chip pressing it in firmly. Feather the mortar 2 to 3-inches away from the chip to ensure adequate coverage of the chip. Feathering means to make the layer thinner at the edges.

4. Shape the mortar to smooth, flush and even with the trowel.

5. Cover the repair with plastic and mist it to keep it damp for three to four days during the curing process.

Large Chips in Brick

1. Chip out the mortar surrounding the damaged brick with a cold chisel and hammer. Place the cold chisel on the center of the brick and strike forcefully with a hammer to break the brick. Continue to chip away at the brick until it is easily removable.

2. Brush the area with a stiff wire brush to loosen and remove loose mortar, brick and debris. Sweep out the hole with a hand-held broom.

3. Mix mortar in a bucket according to the directions on the bag.

4. Apply mortar to the back of the brick with a trowel and press the brick firmly into the hole. Fill a grout bag with wet mortar and squeeze grout in around the brick. Press the grout in firmly with the tip of a trowel or pointing tool. Apply another layer of grout to build it up flush with the existing brick.

5. Cover the repair with plastic and keep the mortar damp for three to four days while curing.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety goggles while chipping brick or mortar.

• Use a safety harness while working on a roof.

References

• "Masonry"; Time Life Editors; 1977
• "The Simon and Schuster Complete Guide to Home Repair and Maintenance"; Bernard Gladstone; 1987