top of my chimney is falling apart how do i fix it?

Question

the top 2/3 feet of the chimney is falling apart,the bricks are still there but i can see threw those bricks from the ground.the chimney is about 5 feet tall.if i just removed those bricks would that be safe.should i install a cap on the chimney to keep the rain/snow out?we have oil heat

Answer 1

If it is up at roof level you need to be really comfortable working up that high. If not go with a mason or bricklayer. They don't mind the heights and will do a better job also.

If the chimney is shorter by your taking off some of its bricks you might not get a good enough draft for the oil burner and you will end up with fumes and carbon monoxide in your house.

The chimney cap doesn't do too much that is important. I am in New England and have never had snow or rain come down before I got one. It is handy to keep out squirrels and bats though. They just push into the flue so they go up in a minute. When I had a mason give me an estimate for repair work he said that while he was up there doing the estimate he would push the cap into place for free. It is that quick and easy.

Answer 2

My neighbor had her chimney top and the various backside (to mixture interior the look) executed with alternative stone/rock products. they appear as if a white/beige stone. jumbled in with the brick as a partial accessory seems quite cool. actual some chimney and masonry experts interior the area which will do it for you.