Expert: Dale Hoherz - 4/29/2005

Question
What product is best to seal a cracked mortar cap on a brick chimney? Would a thin layer of concrete resurfacer work?
Thanks

Answer
Bill,
I don't know the size, but what I normally do is remove the old cracked mortar, if it is loose.  Tan I max portland cement (1 to 2 sand) and reapply new crown.  Cover with plastic and remove plastic the next day.  You'll have a cap that will last forever.  
If cracked but sound, I use a product called Crown Seal.  You apply like frosting a cake, about a 1/4 inch.  It will last 10-20 years.
All other methods seem to be bandaids.  The weather and freeze=thaw, really affects chimneys.
Dale