ChimneySaver CrownCoat – 2 Gallon - The chimney crown takes the worst beating from weather, and regular concrete sealers just don't hold up to freeze-thaw cycles. This elastomeric coating flexes with temperature changes and creates a waterproof barrier that prevents cracks from becoming major problems. It's specifically designed for masonry and won't peel or crack like paint-based products.
Chimney repair tools for Johns Creek, GA
Your chimney might look sturdy from the ground, but up close it's fighting a constant battle against Johns Creek's weather. Between our freezing winter nights and those sweltering summer days, chimneys take a beating that shows up as cracked crowns, loose mortar, and failing flashing. Most of these problems start small - a hairline crack here, a loose brick there - but North Georgia's freeze-thaw cycles turn minor issues into major headaches faster than you'd expect. Here's the reality: Chimney maintenance isn't glamorous, but it's way cheaper than rebuilding. The tools we're recommending have helped local homeowners catch problems early and handle basic repairs without breaking the bank. These aren't the same specialized tools that professional masons use for complete rebuilds, but they're perfect for the maintenance tasks that keep your chimney functional and safe. Why Johns Creek chimneys need specific attention: Our area's clay soil shifts with moisture changes, our weather swings from freezing to hot in a matter of days, and those beautiful old trees drop branches that can damage chimney caps and crowns. The tools below handle these specific challenges while being simple enough for homeowners to use safely. The bottom line: A little preventive maintenance goes a long way with chimneys. Stock up on these basics, inspect your chimney twice a year, and you'll catch most problems while they're still easy and affordable to fix.
When small problems need quick fixes
Chimney problems have a sneaky way of getting worse when you're not looking. That tiny crack in the crown that you noticed last spring? By next winter, it could be letting water into your house. The pointing between bricks that looks "a little loose"? Come next freeze, you might have bricks falling into your yard. What makes chimney repair different: Unlike roofing or siding, chimney repairs often require specialized materials that handle extreme temperature changes and constant moisture exposure. The tools and materials we recommend are designed for homeowners who want to maintain their chimneys properly without needing professional masonry training. Johns Creek's specific chimney challenges: Our weather patterns are particularly hard on chimneys. We get enough freezing weather to cause freeze-thaw damage, but not enough consistent cold to prevent repeated cycles. Add in our humidity levels and occasional ice storms, and you've got conditions that test every joint and seal on your chimney. Our approach to chimney maintenance: We've helped Johns Creek homeowners deal with chimney issues for years, and we know which problems you can handle yourself and which ones need professional attention. These tools help you tackle the maintenance tasks that prevent major problems while recognizing when it's time to call in the experts.
Professional-grade crown sealer for lasting protection
High-temperature mortar for repointing joints
Rutland Refractory Mortar – 10 lb Bucket - Regular mortar can't handle the heat cycles that chimneys experience, especially around the firebox area. This refractory mortar is designed for high-temperature applications and won't crack or crumble when exposed to heat and cold cycles. It's premixed and ready to use, making repointing accessible for homeowners who want to maintain their chimney joints properly.
Flexible flashing sealant for leak prevention
Black Jack Wet/Dry Roof Cement – 1 Gallon - Flashing around chimneys fails more often than any other component, and it usually happens during storms when you can't wait for perfect conditions. This roof cement bonds to wet surfaces and remains flexible in temperature extremes, making it perfect for emergency flashing repairs that need to work immediately and last through multiple seasons.
Chimney cap and screen repair materials
Hardware Cloth 1/2 inch Mesh – 24 inches x 10 feet - Animals love chimneys, and damaged screens let them in while letting sparks out. This galvanized hardware cloth is heavy enough to keep raccoons and squirrels out while allowing proper airflow. Cut it to size for screen repairs or use it to create custom guards for unusual chimney configurations.
Masonry crack repair compound
Quikrete Mortar Repair – 5.5 oz Tube - Small cracks in bricks and mortar joints are perfect entry points for water, but they're easy to fix if you catch them early. This acrylic-based repair compound works on both brick and mortar, stays flexible after curing, and can be painted if needed. Perfect for those hairline cracks that appear after temperature swings.
Basic masonry tools for DIY maintenance
Marshalltown Pointing Trowel Set - Proper pointing requires the right tools, and regular putty knives just don't work for masonry. This set includes different sized pointing trowels for various joint widths, plus a joint raker for removing old mortar. The tools are sized for homeowner use while being professional quality that will last through multiple projects.
Inspecting and sealing chimney crowns
The crown is your chimney's first line of defense against water damage, and it needs attention every few years. Start by safely accessing your roof and examining the concrete crown that caps your chimney - look for cracks, chips, or areas where the crown has pulled away from the chimney walls. Small cracks up to 1/4 inch wide can be sealed effectively with ChimneySaver CrownCoat, but larger damage usually means the crown needs professional rebuilding. Clean the crown surface with a Stiff Wire Brush to remove loose debris, dirt, and any failed previous sealer. Apply the crown coat with a High-Quality Brush 3 inch in thin, even coats, working the material into cracks and ensuring complete coverage. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the chimney walls, as this joint is particularly vulnerable to water infiltration. The elastomeric coating will self-level and create a seamless waterproof barrier that flexes with temperature changes, preventing the freeze-thaw damage that destroys untreated crowns. Plan to reapply crown sealer every 5-7 years as part of regular maintenance, or sooner if you notice any new cracks or signs of water penetration around the chimney base inside your home.
Repointing mortar joints safely
Loose or cracked mortar joints allow water penetration that can damage the entire chimney structure, but repointing is a manageable DIY project for small areas. Begin by using a Joint Raker Tool or the raking end of your pointing trowel to remove loose mortar to a depth of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch - don't go deeper than necessary as this can weaken the wall structure. Clean out debris with a Small Stiff Brush and dampen the joint with a spray bottle, as dry masonry will pull moisture from new mortar too quickly. Mix Rutland Refractory Mortar according to package directions - it should be the consistency of thick peanut butter. Using a Pointing Trowel, pack mortar firmly into the joint, slightly overfilling it, then tool it to match the profile of surrounding joints using a Joint Strike Tool or the back of your trowel. Work in small sections during moderate temperatures (50-80°F) and keep the new mortar damp for 24 hours by misting it occasionally - this slow cure creates the strongest bond. Properly repointed joints should last 20-30 years, making this one of the most cost-effective maintenance tasks you can perform on your chimney.
Repairing chimney flashing and preventing leaks
Flashing failures cause more chimney leaks than any other problem, but most flashing issues can be repaired without replacing the entire system. Inspect the flashing where your chimney meets the roof, looking for rust spots, loose sections, or areas where sealant has cracked and pulled away. For minor flashing repairs, clean the area thoroughly with a Wire Brush to remove rust and old sealant, then apply Black Jack Wet/Dry Roof Cement with a Putty Knife 4 inch, working it under loose flashing edges and creating a watertight seal. For step flashing that's pulling away from the chimney wall, you may need to carefully lift shingles and re-secure the flashing with Galvanized Roofing Nails before sealing. The key to long-lasting flashing repairs is using enough sealant to create a continuous barrier while not over-applying to the point where it traps water against the masonry. Check flashing twice a year and touch up any areas where sealant has cracked or pulled away - small maintenance efforts prevent major leak problems that can damage both the chimney structure and your home's interior.
Maintaining chimney caps and screens
A properly functioning chimney cap with intact screening prevents water damage and keeps animals out while allowing proper ventilation. Inspect your chimney cap annually, looking for rust spots on metal caps, cracks in concrete caps, and holes or loose areas in screening material. Small rust spots can be cleaned with Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver and a wire brush, then treated with Rust-Inhibiting Primer and High-Temperature Paint designed for metal surfaces exposed to heat. Damaged screening can be repaired by cutting Hardware Cloth 1/2 inch Mesh to size and securing it with Galvanized Wire Ties or small Stainless Steel Screws. The mesh should be fine enough to keep sparks in and animals out, but large enough to allow proper airflow - 1/2 inch spacing works well for most applications. If your cap shows extensive rust or structural damage, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair, but basic maintenance can extend cap life significantly and prevent emergency situations during storms when caps are most likely to fail.
Fixing minor brick and mortar cracks
Small cracks in bricks and mortar joints are early warning signs that can be easily addressed before they become major structural problems. Hairline cracks up to 1/8 inch wide can be sealed with Quikrete Mortar Repair applied directly from the tube, while larger cracks may require removal and repointing with proper mortar. Clean cracks thoroughly with a Small Wire Brush to remove loose material and debris, then dampen the area lightly with a spray bottle - the crack repair compound bonds better to slightly damp masonry. Apply the repair compound in thin layers, pressing it firmly into the crack and smoothing it to match the surrounding surface texture. For vertical cracks in mortar joints, work from bottom to top to prevent the compound from sagging out of the crack before it sets. Cracks that reappear after repair, or cracks wider than 1/4 inch, usually indicate structural movement that requires professional evaluation - these aren't DIY repairs and attempting them can mask serious problems. Monitor repaired cracks for several months through different weather conditions to ensure the repair is holding, and reapply as needed until the crack stops opening.
Essential safety and tool organization for chimney work
Chimney maintenance involves working at height with specialized materials, making safety preparation and tool organization critical for successful projects. Never attempt chimney work during windy conditions, when surfaces are wet or icy, or if you're uncomfortable working on your roof - chimney repairs aren't worth serious injuries. Essential safety equipment includes a Quality Safety Harness, Non-Slip Work Boots, and a LED Headlamp for detailed inspection work. Organize chimney tools in a Tool Bucket with Organizer Pockets that can be safely carried up ladders and secured while working. Include basic hand tools like Pointing Trowels, Wire Brushes, and Joint Rakers, along with Work Gloves designed for masonry work. Store repair materials like mortar and sealants in a Weather-Resistant Storage Container to prevent freezing and contamination between projects. Keep a Basic First Aid Kit easily accessible, and always have someone else present who can call for help if needed. Plan chimney maintenance during moderate weather conditions when materials cure properly and working conditions are safest, typically spring and fall when temperatures are stable and weather is predictable.
Keep your Johns Creek chimney in top condition
A well-maintained chimney protects your home and keeps your family safe, but it doesn't happen by accident. These tools help you stay ahead of common problems and catch issues before they become expensive disasters. Remember, regular maintenance prevents major repairs, but when you need professional chimney services, we're here to help with quality work you can trust.
Shop Chimney Tools Now- Phone: (470) 888 0030
- Address: Johns Creek, GA