From This Old House.

In this video, host Kevin O’Connor and mason Mark McCullough review two viewer-submitted fireplace cracks and explain how to repair them.

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Fireplace cracking along mortar joints is a common issue, even with relatively new fireplaces. They’re often caused by normal movement, improper installation, or different materials expanding and contracting at different rates. Fortunately, these cracks are usually cosmetic and can be repaired with a few masonry tools and fresh mortar.

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Materials
Type N mortar mix [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xLOrQv]
Bond breaker [https://bit.ly/4cEikud] (self-adhering stainless steel flashing)
Foam backer rod [https://homedepot.sjv.io/m4gkz7]

Tools
Safety glasses [https://homedepot.sjv.io/EKWeAX]
Earplugs [https://homedepot.sjv.io/MKNnjJ]
Brick hammer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/MAyDXM]
Masonry chisel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/0GJzbJ] (hand-guarded preferred)
Plugging chisel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/6kbzvG]
HEPA shop vacuum [https://homedepot.sjv.io/gOD03r]
Flat chip brush [https://homedepot.sjv.io/7XmK4Q]
Mortar mixing tub [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LXrLbM]
Brick trowel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/aN1ZRQ]
Tuck pointing trowel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/B5XYX4]
Brick concave jointer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R5rJ49]
Masonry sponge [https://homedepot.sjv.io/9VJGrW]

About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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How to Repair Brick Fireplace Surround Cracks | Ask This Old House
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