Need Chimney Cap Repair Advice .. .. ..

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I have a double-flue chimney that has a leaky cap. It gets saturated with water, then drips down into the wall cavity. I don&#39;t think it has yet caused any real rot (hope not anyway) but I need to seal it from the elements. I tried cleaning it with bleach/Jomax .. let it dry thoroughly, then gave it 2 coats of RustOleum&#39;s epoxy-based concrete paint. It held for about a year, but it is now coming off in big flakes & pieces. What type of material is best to seal this porous surface ?? ?? I thought about the paint they use on mobile home roofs, but am looking for opinions. How about that rubber membrane they use in shower-pans ?? ?? Just thinking out loud .. .. .. any ideas/thoughts would be much appreciated.

[timbirr]

I&#39;m a little confused by your question, but I THINK I might understand..

Some 15 years ago, I moved into a house that had a leakage problem, basically from the chimney. Went through a lot of "experts" until I finally found three different guys who all managed to agree on the solution, sort of, even though they never met each other (at least that I know).

Basically, told me to get a good chimney cap. I did (stainless steel, etc.). Told me to build big fires when there was a lot of rain -- I don&#39;t really do this but it was a good idea.

Finally, all told me to use Tamms Chemstop each August before the rainy season. Ever since I followed their advice, I have had no problems. Tamms changed their formula a few years ago, and it scared me, but it still seems to work fine.

Anyway, I have to buy it at a Masonary supply outfit, and it goes for $25 a gallon, but it only takes about half-a-gallon each August, so, it&#39;s about $12.50 a year....even though the jug says not to keep it that long, I do and it still works.

Anyway, try some Tamms, only problem you have to apply it when it is dry and going to be dry for a few days....

Here&#39;s a webpage with some information -- use the Heavy Duty for chimney&#39;s:

[timbirr]

Reading again, it almost sounds as if you need a new cap....if you do, just buy one. They arent that expensive. Mine, custom-made and installed was only $50...of course that was 15 years ago...

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[David L. Martel]

Bob,

Have you asked a mason about this? Your solution of "painting" doesn&#39;t impress me, so fix the problem.Start by having your chimney inspected. I bet you can replace the top of your chimney fairly cheaply. You may wish to have a chimney cap installed at the same time. From your description you do not have a chimney cap at present.

Dave M.

[tnom]

Make your own chimney cap out of vinyl coated aluminum sheets. Use Quad seal on the seams.

[cshenk]

"David L. Martel" wrote Bob,

Agreed. I think the terms are being confused.

Bob, a chimney cap is a device that fits over the tp of the chimney, looks like a &#39;cap&#39; and is normally bolted into the brick (cheap ones use just tension to hold in place but those come off in wind). It completely covers over the top but is lifted up about 3-4 inches so air flows under it just fine. ______ / \\

----| |-----

Thats sort of what it looks like. --- are the brick sides where the bolts go into the chimney

----| solid bar is normally just a post at each side bolted to the brick abd allows air flow for draft all around the posts.

They cost from 25-50$ depending on how fancy you need. They even come in cool looking designer fashions.

Also Bob, you are headed for real trouble and $$$ if you dont get a proper cap up there. I paid 1,725$ for repairs after renters let the cap blow off this past Spring and just didnt bother to do anything about it til I got back (ousting them as their lease was up so we could move in). As it is, I was very lucky to be able to handle it before the first freeze. The damage after freezing would per their estimates, possibly been extensive.