My two-flue chimney (3 bricks x 4 bricks) has half a dozen flaking bricks. The cause is either bad bricks (29 years old) or water penetration from the cap (fixed). All the bad bricks are in two rows, about six feet below the top.
I have removed one corner brick. This took about 45 minutes with several chisels and two (40 oz and 16 oz) hammers.
QUESTION 1: Can I remove the adjacent brick in the same row, or is the risk of collapse significant?
The alternative is to place a new brick in the open spot, wait a few days, then work on the next brick. All the remaining bad bricks are NOT at corners, and will probably be more hassle to remove.
QUESTION 2: Is there a better way to remove the bricks, short of major new tools? I don't have air compressor equipment, but I do have a hammer drill.
QUESTION 3: Is there any secret to making certain the inserted brick is well buttered, considering that I must slide it in place?
I have removed one corner brick. This took about 45 minutes with several chisels and two (40 oz and 16 oz) hammers.
QUESTION 1: Can I remove the adjacent brick in the same row, or is the risk of collapse significant?
The alternative is to place a new brick in the open spot, wait a few days, then work on the next brick. All the remaining bad bricks are NOT at corners, and will probably be more hassle to remove.
QUESTION 2: Is there a better way to remove the bricks, short of major new tools? I don't have air compressor equipment, but I do have a hammer drill.
QUESTION 3: Is there any secret to making certain the inserted brick is well buttered, considering that I must slide it in place?