Leaking Chimney

[wickflair]

After 3-days of hard rain I noticed my all brick chimney was leaking.

Today I went to check it out and some bricks are damaged and the crown is lifting from the chimney. Looks like it was caulked at one point.

I will attach some pictures for reference.

I had a mason come out and take a look and he quoted me $6,500. I about threw up. I don't plan to stay in this house for more than 2-5 years and don't really have that much cash sitting around for a chimney. Any suggestions on what to do without having to have it rebuilt from the roof line up?

 

[Snoonyb]

Welcome.

There are masonry caulks available at the big box's, however are you sure that, that is the source, and not a flashing?

 

[wickflair]

I am just going off what the mason told me when he came out. I honestly am not very handy and don't know for sure. I am thinking about just doing the masonry caulk and seeing how that holds. Would I just clean off the old caulk and apply?

 

[Snoonyb]

Pretty much, except where the brick is spalled off, you should use some mortar mixed with a vinyl add-mix, not water.

Take some photos of the flashing, also.

 

[wickflair]

Do you have some links for what I would need for the bricks and what that process looks like? I'm a computer nerd not a handyman lol, so sorry for all the questions

Here are pictures of the flashing

 

[wickflair]

I should likely add it wad leaking into my fireplace

 

[Snoonyb]

Thanks.
Interesting, because they removed the original cricket and raglet, and the flashing looks intact.
The masonry at the crown is probably where the leak is.
These are the products I would use, and you could probably just use the caulk, and work it

 

[wickflair]

Thanks.
Interesting, because they removed the original cricket and raglet, and the flashing looks intact.
The masonry at the crown is probably where the leak is.
These are the products I would use, and you could probably just use the caulk, and work it

Thank you so much. It doesn't look like any products posted?

 

[Snoonyb]

My apologizes.

I must of been over impressed with myself, and just blew it, so here goes;

Sikaflex 10.1 oz. Mortar Fix Sealant-7116090 - The Home Depot

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rapid-S...=REC-_-pipinstock-_-100318510-_-202188453-_-N

 

[mabloodhound]

Those spaled bricks you showed are from water freezing behind the face of the brick and then expanding, breaking the brick face. Definitely repoint and brick mortar joint to prevent future water getting in. Although this can be a DIY job, you could call another mason and get a quote for just repointing and repair, not a full rebuild.

 

[wickflair]

I had another person come out today. A friends uncle. He quoted me $4,500. Said the builders did it all wrong and has been leaking for a long time. He showed me cracks and showed the dark spots where water had been leaking. He says the freeze and thaw is causing the blow out.

I still might just patch it up and keep my fingers crossed. I don't have that type of money laying around right now.

 

[oldognewtrick]

It won't get any better, patching with the wrong material could make it worse. Putting a tarp over it til you can fund the repair might be a better option. If you tarp it, make sure to get one big enough to cover all the brick and flashing.