How to Mix Mortar for Chimney Caps

Chimney repairs do not require using a power mortar mixer.

Mixing mortar and laying bricks may sound like a difficult task, but it can be straightforward if you have a small masonry job such as fixing your chimney cap. The small amount of mortar required allows for "eyeballing," as opposed to making precise measurements of the ingredients required to mix mortar properly. In fact, the actual mixing may be the easiest part of your project. Getting all your supplies on your roof will be harder.

Things You'll Need

• Wheelbarrow
• Bucket
• Face mask
• Mortar mix
• Shovel
• Water

Instructions

1. Empty one full bag of premix brick mortar into your wheelbarrow. Make sure the bag is completely in the wheelbarrow when you dump it to ensure that none of the mix spills. The bag will be heavy and awkward, making mistakes easy.

2. Slowly add water from a bucket into the wheelbarrow.

3. Mix the mortar with your shovel by repeatedly folding the mortar over itself. Stop when you have fully combined the water and the mortar.

4. Take a small scoop of mortar with your shovel and flip it upside down. Mortar mix with the correct amount of water will stick to the shovel and have an almost fluffy appearance. Continue slowly adding water and mixing it in with your shovel until you achieve this optimal consistency. You can now apply the mortar to repair your chimney cap.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase your premix brick mortar from a building supply stores and not a general home improvement store. Building supply stores offer a greater range of mortars.

References

• Integrated Plumbing: Mixing Mortar
• Ask The Builder: Brick Mortar
• YouTube: Mixing Mortar