Chimney Question

[Rick Vollmer]

I just received an estimate of over $4,000.00 to reface a section of my brick chimney, as some of the brick facing is coming off. I was told to use a breathable water sealant at least every 5 years, as I also have water coming into my fireplace.

My question is, since I cannot afford to have this work done this summer or even next winter, is it o.k. to apply the sealer now. Will this help, hurt or not make a differance?

If I can apply, does anybody have a recommendations on a good sealer?

Many thanks in advance.

[Frank Albert]

Siloxane Sealer

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Do you have a rain cap/spark arrestor on the chimney?

[Frank P. Newman]

If there is any part of all of the bricks left (so that there are no holes completely through the chimney) the sealer may work for a short while, provided you also have a good rain cap over the opening. If it is really bad and you can't fix it now, I would recommend forgetting about using the fireplace until it is repaired. In that case, you can just put a piece of heavy plastic or tarp (tied securely) over the whole thing until you can get it fixed.

[Rick Vollmer]

Thanks for all the replies. There is a rain cap on the chimney. I had an roof tear off and new roof put on last Friday. They found that the leak was coming from rotten wood around the flashing. Somebody had put on a second layer of shingles and did a crappy job. No leaks since the new roof and flashing.

The brick problem I was told is basically cosmetic. I am going to apply some sealer this week, and have a new liner and insert installed before winter.

Once again, thanks to all.