The appearance of cracks inside and outside of a chimney
is a sign of a serious problem and prompt action is needed to repair the damage. If the problem is given attention soon enough, cracks are easy to repair at home. In order to do this, simply clean the area and fill the cracks with some kind of concrete bonding material. Use a putty knife to smooth the filling area or alternatively, sand it accordingly.
Chimney Repair Instructions
Cracks in mortar can lead to a leakage problem. To identify this problem, examine the base, sides and back of the chimney for any signs of leakage. Be sure to check the chimney at least once a year for loose or missing "flashing", which is the metal sheeting that keeps the chimney watertight at the place where the chimney and roof meet. These cause the mortar to expand which leads to the formation of cracks. Cracks can be filled with suitable caulk or a concrete bonding material.Cleaning the Chimney
Cleaning the chimney is vital in order to keep it hazardous free and safe. A chimney is relied upon to channel the smoke up and out. Build up of substances like soot and creosote over time can cause serious problems including risk of fire due to highly flammable creosote.
Be sure to take safety precautions before commencing the cleaning. Cover the fireplace in order to stop soot from entering the house. Take a correct size chimney brush and attach enough rods to it and lower it down to the chimney from the top. Make sure the brush reaches the bottom of the flue and cleaning is done thoroughly by working the brush up and down. Use a powerful flashlight to look into the chimney.
Crown Repair
Chimney crown is the upper end of a chimney and it can be repaired to prevent leakage and deterioration. Firstly, protect the roof by putting a drop cloth over it and break apart the concrete with a hammer and chisel. Prepare a bag of masonry cement with a half bag of pea gravel and slowly add water to create proper consistency. Add a cup of bonding agent just before the mixture reaches right thickness. Surround the entire flue evenly with this mixture to create a chimney crown. If bubbles appear, use a towel to release them by chopping the cement.
