Roofing
Deteriorated Mortar Cap
Does your chimney need maintenance?
Most older chimneys have a mortar cap on top to shed rain water off the masonry structure. Gradually over the years the mortar cap wears away. The one above is cracked and worn away around the edges. It needs to be replaced to avoid further damage like the picture below.
This Chimney Needs Rebuilding
This is what happens when the mortar cap wears out
No, you are not supposed to be able to see daylight through your chimney. This mortar cap was gone years ago, and Mother Nature has taken her toll on the mortar between the bricks. Eventually bricks will start to fall. They'll either go in and down the chimney causing a blockage, or they'll go out onto someone's head. Neither is a good option. The top of this chimney needs to be rebuilt.