Chimney flue repair is an important part of keeping your chimney in top shape. Left in disrepair, a damaged flue can reduce the efficiency of your chimney and can increase the risk of fire, gas leaks and even chimney collapse. It is important to check your flue regularly to make sure that it is in top shape and to promptly repair any damage you may find. Left unchecked, a crack can quickly spread and could end up costing your hundreds, or thousands, of dollars in repairs. If you catch the problem quickly, however, fixing it yourself should not be a problem.
Diagnosing the Problem
In order to fix a damaged flue, you must first know what it wrong with it. The three most common types of damage include holes in the flue, cracks in the masonry and spalling. Of the three, spalling is the easiest to repair. Simply replace the afflicted bricks, one at a time. If you notice cracks or holes, however, you will have to take a closer look. Cracks are often the result of larger issues and simply repairing the damage may not effectively deal with the problem. In order to diagnose the underlying issue, you should ask yourself these questions:
Photo Credit: Flickr GF Sprague
- Was enough space left between the flue line and the brick sides? Sometimes, chimney builders do not leave enough space for the flue line to expand as it heats up. This can lead to a cracked brick exterior.
- Is the foundation stable? An unsound chimney foundation can cause the whole structure to slip, often leading to cracks in the flue as well as in the main structure.
- Is water seeping in? A number of things can lead to water damage. A defective cap or top seal, improper flashing, open mortar joints and even high winds can cause water to seep into the flue. When the moisture freezes, it expands, causing cracks.
Repairing the Flue
Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can take steps to remedy it. Aside from fixing the underlying cause, you will have to repair the cracks themselves. This can be difficult, because the flue pipe is obscured by the outer chimney. Only by removing the tile will you be able to access the flue and seal the crack. The easiest way to remove the tile is to use a masonry hammer. Simply strike the tile and it should crack and pull away. Because this process destroys the tile completely, you will need to have replacement tile on hand when you start the job.
When choosing a mortar, it is important to look for one made from masonry-grade cement. This is specially made to withstand the heat that builds up inside chimneys. Apply the mortar to the bottom piece of flue that is still inside the chimney and use it to firmly attach the new piece of tile. Tap on the top of the tile with your hammer to secure it into place and make sure to scrape away the excess mortar. Once the mortar has dried and everything is back in place, your chimney flue repair is complete.
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