Thinking about – how to repair a chimney by yourself? The step-by-step instructions outlined here proves how easy it is to fix your chimney.
Besides, one of the early warning signs that your chimney needs repairs is cracks in the brick or masonry joints. If the cracks are patched on time, you could save thousands of dollars.
Let’s get right to it!
Tools you Need to Fix your Chimney
Before you proceed with fixing your chimney bricks, crown, or whatsoever, you need certain tools. The most needed tools to fix your chimney are:
- Brick hammer
- Margin trowel
- Cold chisel
- Safety gear
- Wire brush
- Safety glasses
These are the basic tools you need to fix your chimney repairs. Of course, you need a ladder.
Various Chimney Repairs
Remember we are discussing chimney repairs, therefore as a guide, we are going to outline various common chimney-related issues and how to repair a chimney by yourself.
Chimney Leakage
If you notice that your chimney is leaking, then simply get a mortar mixture to patch the leakage. Don’t forget, 95 percent of the chimney is made of bricks. If the leakage is coming from the bricks, then follow the steps below:
- Firstly, clean the affected area of any debris or dust
- Mix the mortar and ensure that is not too dry or soggy
- Scoop the mortar with your margin trowel
- Apply the mortar on the affected place gently
- At least the mortar should be up to ¾ thick. This would permanently close the leakage. If the mortar is too thick, it would wear off quickly. Allow the mortar to cure for some hours before you do any other workaround in that area.
Restoring the Brick Joints
If your chimney is more than 20 years old, then most likely the joints holding the mortar may become thinner and weak. More so, if that’s the case, then you need to ruck in some mortar.
- Firstly, make sure the area is free of debris or any dirt. Usually, a dirty surface would not allow a good mortar adhesion
- Mix the mortar and apply it to the joint with your trowel. Some people use their fingers to apply the mortar but the surface may look rough and unprofessional
- Ensure that the mortar is tightly packed anytime it’s applied
- Clear the excess mortar without tampering with the tucked area
Note: If the joints are too weak, you may have to pull out the bricks and rejoin them with a mortar. Adding mortar to a very flaky joint may not correct the damage.
Cracking Brick
If you notice that your chimney brick has cracked, depending on the crack, you can just tuck in the mortar or it may require you to remove it. However, in most cases, the best safest option is to tuck in mortar to the cracked brick and let it cure.
Cracked bricks are one of the commonest chimney-related problems. Attempting to remove the crack brick may collapse the entire chimney if you are careful. Over the years tucking in mortar has remained the best DIY as far as this is concerned.
Wrapping Up
No doubt, some chimney repairs need a professional chimney service to carry them out, but those listed above can be carried out by you. Get an already mixed mortar from the store and a trowel.
Finally, it is not advisable to carry out major chimney repairs yourself too. If you are not experienced it may affect the entire property. Therefore, if you perceive that the problem is too serious, contact a professional chimney sweep or repair company close to you.