Homeowners should not attempt to fix flue liners and other complex areas themselves if they have become damaged.
Dennis Moore Hopkins said in an entry on Ezine Articlers that chimney flues are the most important part of the whole structure and any problems should be tackled by someone with expert knowledge.
The same is true of other parts of the chimney, particularly if the damage has occurred inside as opposed to out.
"If the damage lies inside the chimney it is necessary to get the repair work done by a professional. Complex chimney repair tasks need to be done with precision, so that the problem is fixed and the chimney condition is maintained," he stated.
Should the mortar around the bricks be chipped off then a hammer and chisel should be used to get rid of any flaking bits, Mr Moore Hopkins added.
A recent post on the Ask The Chimney Sweep blog made a similar point regarding flue liners, saying that they are the most difficult part to install.