Expert: James Ball - 11/1/2009

Question
Hello, I just purchased this house in the Cincinnai area. The firebox has a few (6-10) spots where the mortar is missing between the bricks. I was thinking of doing the work myself just putting new mortar in the cracks. Is there any special mortar to use or tricks needed?

Also the owner before me used silicon to try to repair a crack in the cap. I was thinking of doing this myself, using a chimney coat product. Any special product to use for the chimney cap? I saw on line a chimney crown coat. Are the stores to buy this at?

Do I need to waterproof the chimney bricks on the outside of the house?

Thank,

Mike

Answer
Hello Mike, the chimney should be looked at (at least once by a certified sweep) 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 they should be able to help.
If you do this work your self after then ask them how to and what to use.
Hope this helps
James