A chunk of the upper chimney bricks is starting to crumble. Can that top area be rebuilt?
Answer
Usually, yes. The top courses (rows) of the chimney take the brunt of wind-driven rain & snow. Repeated freeze/thaw after some winters & you’ll often see the brick faces break off while the lower chimney still looks decent. Where you live around Merriman Rd & Six Mile Rd in Livonia, it’s common to rebuild an upper section if the deterioration is confined to that area and the chimney below is still in good shape. One thing that matters is if the mortar below the damaged brick is cracked or wearing out then some tuckpointing the bad mortar would be suggested.
