Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - portland cement?

portland cement?
in a previous post i read that i need to use portland cement on my chimney crown...i have to redo my crown...the mortar used before (about 30 years ago) is cracked and brittle (and broken in some places)...someone mentioned the portland cement...

1...what exactly is portland cement and is that the correct material to use on the crown of my brick fireplace???

2...also, i need to add about 9" of flue liner so that it will be sticking out of my chimney enough to attach a chimney cap...what is the best way in adding a section of flue liner and is it easy to cut a piece to size...i have told they only come in 2 feet sections...

3...any help on materials needed and the how-to on the processes involved in repairing my chimney crown would be greatly appreciated...

4...also, where is a good place to look for quality, stainless-steel chimney caps???

thanks...michael


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seus

Well here's my 2 cents worth:

Portland cement is what concrete is made up of in combination with water, sand, and aggregate (stones). I don't know that there is any particular advantage to Portland cement for the chimney crown. I would think you could use a standard sand mix concrete (regular concrete without the aggregate) and get the same results.

Believe you're correct on the flue liner. Two things to try; see if a contractor who does chinmney work has any short leftovers or get the 2 foot stuff and get it cut down. I would try businesses that deal in stone cutting, marble work, etc, because they would liukely have the diamond wet saw big enough to do the cutting properly.

Basically fixing the crown would consist of getting the old material chipped off with hammer and chisel and applying the new cement.

For the chimney caps, you might try surfing the net or see if there is a chimney sweep service in your area; they will probably know sources (and may be able to give you answers to other questions). Good luck.

in the fireplace forum, someone wrote the following:

"Chimney crowns cover the top edge of the chimney from the top of the flue liner to the chimney edge. Most are constructed of common mortar mix, the same mortar used for laying the chimney bricks. This mortar was not designed to withstand years of weather abuse which causes it to crack, chip, and deteriorate. Most sand and mortar mixes actually start cracking immediately due to shrinkage.

A Portland cement mixture is best for forming a chimney crown that extends beyond the edge of the chimney, providing a drip edge that directs water away from the chimney and masonry. There are some waterproof, nonshrinking cement like coatings available for repairing deteriorated chimney crowns." by Moderator Twelvepole

What is the brick and masonry forum's opinion on regular sand and mortar mixes vs. a portland cement mixture???

also...what are some tips when mixing mortar??? i have never mixed mortar...

also...is Quickcrete something i can use???

thanks...michael