Expert: James Ball - 9/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have weeping mortar on my brick fireplace and would like to remove it and get an updated look to the fireplace.  Is it possible to just remove the weeping part of the mortar or will this damage the fireplace in any way.  If it can be removed, is there anything further to be done such as filling in holes where the mortar is removed?  Thanks for any info you can give me.

ANSWER: Hello Nancy, I am not sure what "Weeping Mortar" is, but if you want to Re Point the chimney I would suggest you speak to a mason.
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: "weeping mortar" is the mortar that spills over when setting the bricks.  It has not been smoothed out but rather each brick is just set on top of the mortar and it is squeezed out - sort of like the marshmallow of a S'Mores - don't know how else to describe it.  So the look is not smooth but lots of mortar oozing over the bricks.  I think it was popular in the 80's when the house was built.  I just want to scrape the mortar off that is hanging over the bricks.

Answer
Welcome back Nancy, ok now I understand what you are talking about (never heard that before) is this in the firebox? you might be able to just chisel it off but 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.
Hope this helps
James