Matched brick replacement for chimneys in Tangerine

A water repellent does not replace spalled brick

BIA Technical Note 6A says a water repellent seldom works and should not stand in for taking out and replacing brick whose faces have spalled or whose cracks run through the face shell.

Sealing over a damaged unit leaves the broken face and the open body underneath. We replace the failed units first and deal with the joints and other water paths. Whether a repellent is useful afterward is a separate decision that depends on how the repaired chimney performs, and we explain the tradeoffs rather than adding it by default.

Type N, Type O and softer historic mixes

Three mortar types come up in the maintenance guidance. Technical Note 46 says Type N is generally recommended for modern applications, Type O is appropriate where mortars with higher cement contents may be too strong, and Type K, the weakest, is generally reserved for historic masonry.

A typical repair at a home in Tangerine calls for one of the everyday types, but soft or older brick can point toward a softer mix. We look at the brick itself, the existing joints and any earlier repairs before choosing. The mortar type goes on the estimate in plain terms.

Failed flashing and wet brick at the roof line

Where the chimney meets the roof, flashing directs water away from the joint between the two. When it lifts, rusts or loses its sealant, water can soak into the brick at that level.

Spalled units just above the roof line are a reason to look closely at the flashing. If it is part of the problem, we explain and quote flashing repair separately. New brick at that level lasts better once the water it was taking on has been stopped.

Questions to ask before approving brick replacement

A good estimate answers these questions in writing. If one is missing, ask before you approve the work, whoever is quoting it.

• How many units will be replaced, and how were they chosen?
• What is thought to be causing the damage, and is it addressed?
• Which brick will be used, and how close will the match be?
• Which mortar type and color approach will be used?
• How will extra damaged units found during removal be handled?
• What cleanup and protection of the roof and yard are included?