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Chimney & Fireplaces/crack in cement by fireplace

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Expert: - 8/14/2006


Question
Hi

Here is our problem. The cement slab which juts out from the base of the fireplace is pulling away from the wall . It has left an opening 1 inch across that is very deep(maybe a foot). I believe the entire thing needs to be replaced but I cannot afford to do that right now. I want to seal the crack. I bought some stuff at Home Depot called "Squeeze-N-Fill concrete crack filler". It says that you can only use it to fill a crack that is 1/8 inch deep. It says to fill the big area first with something called cementitous patching material. I don't know what that is and neither does anyone I asked. I cannot afford to hire anyone to do this. Can you please give me an idea of what to do? Thanks so very much.
Taylor

Answer
Hi Taylor,

It's time to hire a professional.

This is NOT a repair you should be making by yourself.

Find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org who is close to you and can see what is causing the crack and what can be done about it.

You can't afford to do this yourself for what the potential property damage or casualty damage might be.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with finding a qualified professional to do this repair work.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com

Chimney & Fireplaces

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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