Chimney Repair Michigan: Chimney repair can be dangerous work for the average homeowner. When a homeowner or property investor is in need of chimney repair, the first step is gain access to the chimney. If your chimney is very tall and difficult to access it would be wise to hire a chimney repair specialist. Most reputable masonry contractors will provide you with a free estimate. Once you have gained access to your chimney you can begin the repair process.
The second step is to evaluate the level of chimney repair needed. A cracked chimney crown can sometimes be easy enough for an experienced do-it-yourselfer. The chimney crown is the top concrete part of the chimney. The chimney crown repair begins with the removal of the damaged crown. Most Chimney repair specialist will chip away the concrete with a rotary hammer or pneumatic chisel. As a DIY homeowner an older and more manual method may be necessary to remove the chimney crown. For this I would recommend a chisel, 5 lb sledge hammer, & brick hammer. Of coarse the tool necessary for chimney repair and chimney crown replacement are dependent on the size and thickness of the crown.
Once you have removed the chimney crown inspect the flue on the chimney. The chimney flue liner is the ceramic insert that runs up the center of the chimney. If the flue is cracked it may be time to call in a chimney repair professional. If you find the chimney flu to be in good condition you can begin replacing the chimney crown. Using a stiff, bristle brush, clean the debris and dust from the top of the chimney.
The next step in the chimney repair process is to mix up some concrete. In most cases I recommend that the DIY homeowner use a redi-mix concrete. When I do a chimney repair I prefer using fiber reinforced crack resistant concrete. I have found that the thicker/stiffer the concrete is mixed the less likely it is to run down the side of the chimney. The results will be a cleaner chimney repair job. If you are working in a warmer climate where temperatures exceed 80 degrees, you should mix your concrete more thin/loose.
Be sure to slope your concrete away from the ceramic flue liner to allow for proper water drainage. I find that when you make your chimney crown thicker it makes for a longer lasting chimney repair. Pour the concrete 4-7 inches thick at the flue and slope it down to a 2 inch edge. Achieving a smooth finish on your concrete can take years of practice to master but with some patience most DIY homeowners can handle this repair.
The above information has been provided for the benefit of tLLC he DIY homeowner by Livonia chimney cleaning and Redford CHimney. Local Redford Michigan mason contractor with years specialized in masonry restoration and chimney repair. We are experts at matching brick and mortar color We offer free estimates for any of the following services: Chimney repair, Chimney construction, Chimney crown repair, chimney cap replacement, Chimney rebuilds, Chiminey Tuckpointing, Natural stone, Limestone replacement, Cultured stone, brick porch repair, Brick porch construction, Brick wall construction, toothing work, pointing and repointing work, grout replacement, and historic restoration. We look forward to the opportunity to help you with and brick, block or stone project.
The number one Chimney Repair Tip...Hire it done!
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