I ve seen hundreds of chimney tops that are just made from the same mortar used to lay the brick or stone.
What type of mortar for chimney crown.
For smaller jobs pre mix mortar is available that is used right from the container.
The nps describes type n mortar as a mixture of 1 part cement 1 part lime and 5 to 6 parts sand.
The idea is to have the water drain away from the crown image 1.
I show you all the steps i used chipping out the old crown cutting plywood if you are worried about moisture use 1 2 hardie bac.
Portland cement to bond water to turn it into a paste sand and hydrated lime.
The first tip to remember when mixing chimney mortar is the four different types of mortar that are commonly used in building projects.
These types are type o type s type m and type n.
The most highly recommended material for properly built chimney crowns is portland based cement.
For very severe weather applications consider a type s mortar mix made from 1 part cement 1 2 part lime and 4 to 4 1 2 parts sand.
While the mortar rests prep the area by clearing away any loose debris.
The most common type is called masons mortar which is used for building chimneys and repairing them.
The nps describes type n mortar as a mixture of 1 part cement 1 part lime and 5 to 6 parts sand.
In almost every cases i ve seen no overhang no reinforcing steel in the top and no flashing under the crown.
National parks service also recommends type n mortar for the majority of chimney applications.
For very severe weather applications consider a type s mortar mix made from 1 part cement 1 2 part lime and 4 to 4 1 2 parts sand.
If your plans include the replacement of a chimney crown and if you have never replaced.
It is a layer of mortar hopefully pitched properly 3 slope for every 12 of a flat surface applied over the top course of bricks.
Characteristics of an effective chimney crown.
Many bricklayers build chimney crowns the wrong way.
The different types of mortar.
Mortar however is not the best material to make a chimney crown with because mortar crowns will often crack due to shrinkage enabling water to penetrate the chimney beneath.
When applying the mortar to the crown form the mortar into an apex with the peak at the middle of the crown sloping down toward the edges.
A mortar cap or chimney crown that has been improperly constructed or one that has become deteriorated over time may be the cause of water leaking into your attic through cracks or broken mortar in the crown when this happens it is sometimes better to replace the crown than attempting to repair it.
The basic mortar ingredients remain the same.
Diy chimney crown repair.
National parks service also recommends type n mortar for the majority of chimney applications.