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Should i dismantle the whole chimney crown?

  • 02-03-2026 11:24PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15


    here is a link to a short video of the chimney crown i have half dismantled; https://youtube.com/shorts/XvJKNlxf1pA?is=F7CJziZjzap8NyRh

    two questions please:

    1. Can i save the rest of the crown with cement and waterproofer or are those cracks too big?
    2. How do i rebuild the crown without concrete collapsing into the chambers. What keeps it in place? Do i need iron grid and mash underneath?

      thank ypu!


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 10,141 ✭✭✭✭10-10-20


    Rupali, you're at a juncture. It's either replace it all or a carry out a repair clearly - but I'm not sure of the gain from a complete replacement given that chimneys are less commonly used these days anyway. But that depends on your outlook, intent and availability of time investment, etc.

    I'd say that if the capping and pots are stable on the left then I'd just fashion a repair using old bricks and then cement over it to make up the form of the original capping. I'd do this using cut-down socketed flue liners or 'footballs' (half breeze-blocks) and whatever bricks you have and a good mortar mix. Don't let the throat narrow down beyond what it's already at, obviously. I'd bung up the chimney with an old coal bag, and make sure that nobody lights a fire, etc. I'd also work in strips of glass mesh to the capping to strengthen it across the width, especially around those cracks. I'd rake them out well too and wash out and then backfill them with a cement slurry and then a mortar. They need to be washed out due to the loose and acidic compounds and dust present.

    https://mybuildingsupplies.ie/monster-mesh-glass-fibre-reinforcement

    I'd avoid working with mortar at all if there is any chance of temps below 3-5C (as the chimney will be more exposed). All mortars should have a plasticiser added and I'd avoid using the old bricks as they will be full of compounds. Waterproof the cap then once it's set.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 10,141 ✭✭✭✭10-10-20




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15 Rupali


    Many thanks 10-10-20, you are brilliant. In the end, I ripped out the brick and plaster where the big cut was and redid it, it looks a lot better already. Where I have removed the chimney crown completely, what can I do to rebuild it? Do I use glass mesh and then pour concrete over it? I guess my main concern is the soil insulation around the flue liner. Does moisture from that need an escape route into the next chamber or can I seal it off? Many thanks. P.S Rupali was an ex-girlfriend. Don't know how to change the name on boards.ie.



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