Expert: James Ball - 12/30/2008

Question
I have a very large limestone masonry chimney that is towards the center of a cathedral ceiling.  The outdoor portion of the chimney has developed a long crack around & down to the roof but it shows no sign of extending beyond into the interior of the home.    I’m also experiencing water damage on the interior ceiling in the area of the crack.  Since the roof was just replaced this summer and they’ve been out twice to inspect and tar anything that looks like it could possibly be leaking, I know it can’t be the roof/flashing.  Question:  What should I use to fill in this crack (1/8” or less wide)?

Answer
Hello Karen, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have. the crack may go into the inside of the chimney and flue and be very dangerous.
James