Chimney Repair Instructions - Do It Yourself Chimney Repairs

Just like any other maintenance activity in the house, chimney repair too is important. And the problems that might arise from not cleaning a chimney, push it to the top of the list. There are reports of many casualties resulting from chimney fires. The maintenance activities associated with chimneys are waterproofing, cleaning and crown repair.

Do It Yourself Chimney Repair
Most of the chimney repair activities aim at solving the leakage problem by cleaning and filling cracks. The cap of the chimney is vulnerable to cracks due to the mortar shrinkage. Since lime-based mortar is prone to the process of decaying, masonry caulking compound should be used for sealing.

Chimney Repair Instructions
The leakage problem in chimneys might arise due to poor sealing or if the roofing is not done properly. Let us understand how to repair a chimney leakage. The first step one needs to take, is to examine the base, sides and the back of the chimney for any leakage. One should check the bricks for 'chimney flashings'. These are metal pieces that blend with the building material during the construction of a chimney. These metal pieces cause the mortar to expand which leads to the formation of cracks. A suitable caulking material has to be used to fill the cracks.

Cleaning the Chimney
The activity of cleaning chimneys not only helps improve their efficiency, but also maintains safety of the fireplace. Cleaning, if carried out regularly, helps reduce the chances of a chimney fire. Over time, substances like soot and creosote get accumulated in the chimney. It causes two problems i.e. the emission of smoke from the chimney door or opening and the possibility of a chimney fire. Creosote being a flammable material, might result in a chimney fire. Before one starts cleaning a chimney, safety precautions should be taken into account. The fireplace cover, furniture and other materials near the work area should be properly covered. A vacuum cleaner should be used to keep dust out during the cleaning activity. The brush used for cleaning needs to be attached to flexible rods and lowered into the chimney from the top. Enough rods should be attached so that the brush reaches the bottom of the flue and cleaning is done thoroughly. The brush is worked up and down, in order to clean the chimney. A flashlight proves useful for properly cleaning a chimney. 'Lock-Fast' and 'ProFlex' are two types of rods employed for cleaning chimneys with tight bends.

Crown Repair
The crown is an important part of the chimney, since it protects the joints, bricks, mortar and the fireplace. To repair the chimney crown, one needs to first mix a bag of masonry cement with a half bag of pea gravel. The mixing can be carried out in a wheelbarrow with the help of a hoe. Water has to be added to create the proper consistency of the mixture. Just before the mixture reaches the exact consistency, a cup of bonding agent has to be added to the mixture. Before the above mentioned mixture is prepared, the concrete should be broken apart with the help of a hammer and chisel. A drop cloth should first be laid before beginning the process, so that it protects the roof. The mixture prepared for the construction of the crown has to be spread around the flue. A trowel can be used to release bubbles from the cement by chopping it.

Chimney repair is thus, an important repair activity. Following the above mentioned chimney repair instructions will help keep chimneys safe and in good condition.