Chimney Repair and Maintenance (DIY)
Introduction
Cracks and spalling in a brick chimney can get worse fast, but the fix is easy if you do it in time. Two pros share maintenance tips that will keep your chimney solid for the life of the house.Chimney basics
Chimney inspection
The cracks in this chimney crown have reached a critical point. If not sealed soon, they’ll destroy the crown and eventually the chimney.
Most homeowners never think about masonry chimney maintenance beyond the occasional flue cleaning. But ignoring your chimney can cost you big-time. A cracked chimney crown or spalling bricks can easily cost $1,000 to repair. And, if left untreated, the damage can accelerate quickly, and cost you upward of $3,000.
It doesn’t have to be that way. By simply sealing the bricks and the crown and adding a chimney cap, you’ll greatly extend your chimney’s life. The materials cost less than $300, and you can complete all three procedures in just a few hours. You’d pay a pro about $1,000 to do all three, so the savings is huge.
You’ll have to climb up on your roof twice (once to measure the flue liner to order the correct chimney cap and once to perform the procedures). And, you must be able to safely reach the chimney crown from your roof. If you can’t reach the chimney crown, have a very steep roof pitch or aren’t comfortable working on your roof, call a pro. If you decide you can handle the heights, make sure you wear a safety harness.
Meet the Pros
Jim Smart has owned Smart Sweep Chimney Service for 14 years. He and his son, Jesse, are certified professional chimney sweeps. Together, this father/son team inspects, cleans and repairs chimneys in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. In addition to his chimney sweep certifications, Jim holds a certificate in forensic chimney fire analysis. In other words, Jim understands how chimneys work and fail. He’s a pro’s pro.
Project Details
Brushable crown sealer, $60
Chimney water repellent, $35
Garden pump sprayer, $35
Stainless steel chimney cap, $125
Tarps, duct tape, paintbrush
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