by c2finley
3 months ago in Design Dilemma
Newly exposed antique brick chimney, need help for what's next?
We have just exposed an 1850 brick chimney going up through the master bedroom in our farmhouse restoration project. We love having the old brick feature in the bedroom, but are unsure of how to seal and protect the slightly porous old brick and mortar. Any advice on what to use and how would be great!
Thanks
 
Kaplan Architects, AIA I presume you are not in earthquake country as my advise would be to remove the brick entirely for safety reasons. If you are not in a seismic zone, you should call a mason to have the mortar repointed. This is a process where the fill in the gaps and cracks with new mortar as needed. Another safety issue might be to make sure you are not getting any leaks from whatever is going up that flue into your bedroom. I would get a CO2 detector and put it in the room. If it is an abandoned flue then there should be no concern.
3 months ago ·
c2finley No, we are in the East Coast and the chimney was lined when the fireplace below in the dining room was converted to gas.
3 months ago ·
Mega Builders Can't tell for sure from your picture, but it seems to me some restoration and repair work are in order first...
3 months ago ·
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