How to Repoint a Chimney
Chimneys, because of their precarious position rising up from the top of your roof, are exposed to wind and rain throughout the year. Mortar, although tough, may begin to crack due to weather-related stress, which may cause it to crumble or allow moisture inside the mortar, which can cause further decay. Repointing the brickwork of your chimney is the process of adding new mortar to repair cracking and hold the old brick in place. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Carbide-tipped grout saw
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Hose
- Mortar
- Trowel
- Pointing trowel
- Soft brush
- Sponge
Instructions
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Scrape out the cracked joints to a depth of a 3/4 inch, using a carbide-tipped grout saw if the joint is 1/4 inch. Apply the end of a chisel to wider joints, and hit the chisel lightly with a hammer to remove the broken grout. Dig out the horizontal joints first, then the vertical ones.
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2
Clean out the joints with a stiff brush to remove all the dust.
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3
Spray down the brick with a hose until the brick is moist. Damp brick will grab onto the mortar better.
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4
Pour mortar powder into a small bucket, and mix in water until the mortar is stiff and will stand up without collapsing. It should stand on your trowel without falling off. Wait 15 minutes to allow water to form on the mortar, and then mix the water in.
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5
Scoop a portion of mortar onto your trowel. Take a small portion of the mortar on a tuck pointing trowel, and push it in between the joints of the chimney. Slice through the mortar with your trowel every few passes to break up air bubbles and ensure a good fill.
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Brush the wall with a soft brush diagonally once the mortar is dry to the touch. Sponge off the face of the bricks to remove any excess mortar.
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Tips & Warnings
Always use caution when working on a roof.
Do not use a Portland cement--based mortar if your chimney was built with lime mortar.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
