The surface of the bricks on the chimney flaked off

[Kolesar]

IIRC, my father "built" the chimney on his 1964 ranch home. The bricks were the same as the bricks used in the house. They were poorly made, and the outside-face half-inch of each brick has fallen off. The bricks also split on the porch he built. The bricks on the house are ok for now.

The chimney needs a chimney liner. Condensate from the natural gas furnace *may have* been a problem contributing to the bricks' failing.

Can I just put in a chimney liner (or have it done), or do I have to deal with these split bricks? The cheapo route would be to do some rudimentary tuck pointing and then put in a liner. The diligent route would be to tear the chimney down to the roof level and build "a new chimney". My mother does not have the money to do an expensive rebuild. It may be that I am just buying ten years and then the house will no longer be required.

[Stinky The Clown]

1. Could you parge the brick and then apply stucco?

[Kolesar]

3. I had a notion that there was a technique like that

Sand and portland cement: http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/leonard57.html

Could I continue this technique to cover the sloped area around the clay flue tile? At the moment, it looks like my father had done just that. I don't recall which material. It may have been just mortar, which would have been a mistake because it needs sand or gravel to "strengthen" it.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

2. I think you answered your own question.

You might try a search on chimney liners. Or you might get a mason to look it over and advise you.And you might check out the codes in you locality about that particular. And your mother may qualify for assistance financially. Another avenue for you to venture down. Try calling your local mayors office about senior citizen assistance. I donate down that avenue from time to time depending on the case circumstances.