Rutland 6-Inch Chimney Wire Brush — Before applying any patch or mortar to chimney joints or crowns, the surface needs to be clean. This stiff-bristled wire brush is just the right size for chimney tops and tight mortar joints. We use it to sweep away soot, flaky mortar, moss, and old caulking. It’s small enough to get into tight corners but strong enough to clean right down to the brick. Without a proper scrub, new mortar won’t grip—and nothing’s worse than a patch that peels after the first freeze.
Chimney repair tools in Dunwoody, GA
Hear that soft patter in the fireplace after a summer thunderstorm? That’s not rain on the roof; it’s water sneaking through cracked crown mortar and dripping down the flue. Leave it be and smoke stains creep, smells of soot turn sour, and bricks start popping like popcorn. Grab a wire brush, a bucket of crown sealer, and a simple pointing trowel, and you can stop the leak before your next marshmallow roast. Our small Dunwoody crew keeps those same basics in the van—always happy to walk you through a repair or hop on the roof ourselves—so hearths stay spotless without 24-hour upcharges or pricey drone diagnostics.

Why quick chimney fixes beat smoky rooms later
Most chimney issues start small: a hairline crack in the crown, a missing cap screen, or mortar joints eroding grain by grain. Tackle them early and you’re out one afternoon and a few supplies; ignore them and you’re paying for interior drywall, new damper parts, and maybe a liner. The tools below aren’t glamorous—they’re the steady standbys we trust from Chamblee-Dunwoody Road to Peeler Park. Pair them with a steady ladder and clear weather and you’ll seal joints without midnight emergency fees or fancy gadgets.
Scrub away loose debris
Mix mortar fast
QEP 5-Gallon Mixing Paddle — Mixing repair mortar by hand with a stick or trowel might work for a flowerpot—but not for a chimney. This drill-ready paddle mixes up a smooth, even batch of Type N or high-temp mortar in a standard 5-gallon bucket in under 2 minutes. No clumps, no dry pockets, no trapped air that can weaken your patch. We use this exact paddle on every tuckpointing or crown patch job. It works with any corded or cordless drill and helps save your wrists and your time.
Seal the crown
ChimneySaver CrownCoat - 2 Gallon — A chimney crown protects the entire stack, but once it starts to crack or pit, water finds its way in fast. This thick sealer brushes on like paint but dries into a flexible, rubber-like barrier that stops rain from soaking the concrete. We wire-brush the crown clean, mist it lightly with water, and apply this in two even passes with a masonry brush. It fills small cracks, flexes with temperature swings, and holds up to UV for years. One bucket goes a long way, and we’ve seen it outlast more expensive coatings with no maintenance at all.
Re-point like a pro
Marshalltown Pointing Trowel 5″ — When joints start to fail, you don’t need to re-brick the chimney—you just need to repoint it. This narrow trowel is made for pressing fresh mortar deep into cleaned joints. It’s stiff enough to pack the material in tight, and the tapered blade makes it easy to follow the lines between bricks without making a mess or damaging the edge. We use this for all types of pointing: concave, flush, and weathered. It’s a small tool that makes a big difference in getting clean, lasting joints that won’t wash out the first time it rains.
Cap that keeps critters out
HY-C Stainless Chimney Cap — Whether it’s squirrels, birds, or raccoons, an open flue is an open invitation to unwanted guests—and water. This stainless steel cap bolts on snug over most standard flues and includes a wire mesh screen that blocks animals, leaves, and stray sparks from escaping. We recommend stainless over galvanized because it lasts longer and won’t leave rust trails down your brick. Install takes less than 20 minutes and adds years of life to your chimney and fireplace. One of the most budget-friendly upgrades you can make.
Spot hidden moisture
General Tools Pinless Moisture Meter — Sometimes chimney damage starts inside the brick before it shows outside. With this moisture meter, you can quickly scan bricks, caps, or crown sections to find damp spots you can’t see or feel yet. No pins or probes—just press it to the surface and get an instant reading. We use this after sealing jobs, crown work, or when we’re checking whether deeper cracks are letting water soak in from the top. It’s one of the easiest ways to get ahead of trouble before it spreads into your attic or drywall.
Handy caulk gun
Albion B12 Cartridge Gun — When sealing chimney flashing, ridge gaps, or cracks at the base of the flue, you want a steady, no-drip bead—and that’s exactly what this high-ratio caulk gun delivers. The smooth trigger gives you control, so you don’t waste sealant or leave messy blobs behind. It fits standard 10 oz cartridges and works great with high-temp silicone, polyurethane, or roof-grade caulk. We’ve used this same model for years because it just keeps working, even when left in the back of the truck through winter and summer.
Always tie off
Roof-Work Safety Harness Kit — Chimney work almost always means climbing—whether it’s to patch a crown, install a cap, or seal flashing near the roofline. No matter how experienced you are, a single slip is all it takes for a bad fall. This affordable harness kit includes a full-body harness, anchor strap, and lanyard. It sets up fast and gives you full mobility while keeping you safe. We use this on every job, no matter how quick—because no repair is worth the risk of a serious injury. Every homeowner doing their own work should clip in before going up.
Find trouble spots first
You don’t need scaffolding or a drone to spot chimney issues early. Start with a pair of binoculars and take a slow look from your yard or driveway. Scan the crown for visible cracks or chunks missing. Check if the cap is crooked, rusting, or gone altogether. Bricks that look crumbly or white with chalky streaks could be spalling from water damage. Once you’re on a ladder and close enough, tap mortar joints lightly with a screwdriver or metal probe. If the tool sinks in easily or the mortar flakes off, it’s time for repointing. Also look for moss growth, missing pieces around the flue, or signs the rain is getting in where it shouldn’t. These checks only take 10-15 minutes and can save you hundreds if you catch problems before the water gets to the roof or attic.
Crown sealer in three steps
The concrete crown on top of the chimney takes a beating from weather, especially in Georgia’s freeze-thaw cycles. Cracks or surface wear let rain seep into the brick and down into your flue or firebox. To stop that, we apply ChimneySaver CrownCoat - 2 Gallon using a simple three-step method. First, wire-brush the surface clean and remove any loose debris, moss, or old caulk. Second, lightly mist the surface with a spray bottle to help the sealer grab the concrete. Third, apply CrownCoat with a thick masonry brush in two overlapping passes—first north-south, then east-west. It dries fast, so work steady and get full coverage. Once dry, it forms a flexible, waterproof membrane that moves with the crown during hot summers and cold snaps. It’s not complicated—it just works.
Mortar pointing basics
Repointing chimney mortar doesn’t take a masonry degree—it just takes patience, the right mix, and steady hands. We start by using a tuck-pointing tool or a small chisel to rake out all the loose or cracked mortar between bricks—aiming for a ½-inch depth so the new mix has something to grip. After clearing the dust with a stiff brush or a quick blast of compressed air, we mist the joints with water. This keeps the brick from sucking moisture out of the new mortar too quickly. We use Type N mortar—it’s the right strength for chimneys and easy to work with. Press the mortar in using a tuck-pointing trowel, packing it firmly and smoothing it flush with the brick face. Tool the joint to match the existing finish—concave, flush, or V-joint. Let it cure slowly and avoid rain for a full day. That’s a tight, long-lasting seal, done right.
Install a cap that lasts
A missing or rusted chimney cap is one of the top reasons water, leaves, and even birds end up inside flues. Replacing it is one of the best upgrades you can do in under an hour. First, measure the size and shape of your flue tile—most are square or round and come in standard sizes. We recommend a stainless steel cap since it won’t rust or stain your brickwork. Seat the new cap evenly over the flue, then tighten the clamp or screws a little at a time so it locks in place without shifting. Finally, run a thick bead of exterior-grade silicone around the base of the cap skirt, where it meets the crown or flue. This helps stop sideways rain from creeping underneath. Done right, a new cap can last 20+ years and protects your entire fireplace system from top to bottom.
Seasonal sweep checklist
Twice a year—once before burning season and once after—you should do a basic chimney maintenance sweep. Start by brushing out the flue with a chimney brush sized to your liner. It clears soot, bird debris, and cobwebs. Then check the spark screen at the cap—clean it with a wire brush and make sure it’s not rusted or bent. Look at the flashing where the chimney meets the roof; reseal if the caulk is cracked or pulled away. Next, check the “cricket” (the small peaked structure behind larger chimneys) and clear off any leaves or nests that could block water drainage. Lastly, inspect the mortar and bricks—hairline cracks can spread fast in wet weather. If anything looks worse than it did last season, take a photo and schedule a patch before winter rolls in. These simple steps can help you avoid leaks, chimney fires, and expensive rebuilds down the road.
Ready to keep smoke in and water out?
We repair chimneys Monday through Saturday—no overnight surcharges, no sensor sales, just straightforward fixes and the tools to DIY if you’d rather. Call, text, or wave when our dusty blue truck rolls past Mount Vernon Market, and we’ll have your hearth ready before cool weather settles in.
Shop Chimney Repair Tools- Phone: (470) 888 0030
- Address: Dunwoody, GA