In this video, This Old House mason Mark McCullough shows host Kevin O’Connor some common issues with brick chimneys and how to repair them.

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At a job site, mason Mark McCullough talks about chimney repairs. Mark shows Kevin O'Connor what to look for when planning out a repair before the pair roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Difficulty: ⅗
Time: One day
Cost: Around $100

Where to find it?
Mark & Kevin discuss common chimney problems and arm homeowners with the information they need to hire a licensed professional to carry out the repairs, including safety protocols.

They then work together to repoint the chimney, by first grinding down the mortar joints. To do this, they use a grinder [https://amzn.to/3Dg9UHT] with a vacuum attachment and hand chisel and wear the proper safety equipment, including safety glasses [https://amzn.to/3SbfSxP] and earplugs [https://amzn.to/3VCcQp9]. They remove excess dust with a damp masonry brush [https://amzn.to/3S9gRi4], then use type-N mortar [https://thd.co/3EOsYhm] to fill the joints. For this process, they mix the type-N mortar to an oatmeal consistency, then use a finishing trowel and margin trowel [https://amzn.to/3s5PsTw] to apply the mortar to the chimney.

Based on the age of the chimney he repointed (over 100 years old), after the mortar cures (cure times vary, check the label on the mortar), Mark will apply a waterproofing agent [https://thd.co/3s4h7nP] to the chimney. Mark suggests first cleaning the chimney exterior with a masonry detergent [https://amzn.to/3CKYlGO], then using a waterproofing agent by applying one coat to the chimney with a spray attachment [https://amzn.to/3CESrXX]. To apply the waterproofing agent, work your way side-to-side, beginning at the bottom of the chimney, then moving up the chimney to the top.

All products can be found at a local home center.

Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH

Materials:
Type N mortar mix [https://thd.co/3EOsYhm]
Waterproofing agent [https://thd.co/3s4h7nP]
Earplugs [https://amzn.to/3VCcQp9]
Masonry detergent [https://amzn.to/3CKYlGO]

Tools:
Respirator mask [https://amzn.to/3TvV2dv]
Work gloves [https://amzn.to/3TdGNdu]
Safety glasses [https://amzn.to/3SbfSxP]
Grinder with masonry wheel and HEPA attachment [https://amzn.to/3Dg9UHT]
Masonry chisel and hammer [https://amzn.to/3CHewFh]
Shop vac [https://amzn.to/3T9jpxO]
Masonry brush [https://amzn.to/3S9gRi4]
Bucket [https://amzn.to/3zcJVyD]
Sprayer [https://amzn.to/3CESrXX]
Variety of masonry trowels, including pointing trowels [https://amzn.to/3s5PsTw]

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About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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How to Make Common Chimney Repairs | Ask This Old House
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