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Costs depend on material type, labor, chimney requirements, and structural reinforcements.

When it comes to how to paint a brick chimney, consider that standard paint can seal in moisture and cause serious chimney problems. Instead, use a vapor-permeable sealant. You’ll first scrub and sand the chimney; then, you can patch any gaps with caulk and apply the sealant. We recommend hiring a pro for this job since it entails working on the roof, which comes with a lot of necessary safety precautions.

A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance—so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.

Typically, a brick mason will repair a brick mailbox. They can provide an estimate for repairs, which may include sourcing replacement brick, mortar, and other materials. If your brick mailbox has been completely destroyed, you should check with your local building code enforcement office to confirm that a brick mailbox is allowed in your location as some areas do not allow brick mailboxes because of the potential hazard for drivers who may hit them.