How to repair top of chimney

I think chimney construction would be something that must meet codes. Not too sure you could do this without checking first with your area town code officer

I would hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect that and a stone mason to redo the unmaintained brick which has become loose due the chimney not being regularly repointed - moisture gets in there and erodes the mortar between the brick which will cause the chimney to fail... as in fall down. This happens if your chimney cap is missing too. For sure don't light that thing up.

Not a DIY project and will require scaffolding too.

I agree. Have it inspected . Some chimney sweeps may do the work but I’d use a stone mason who is trsined in chimneys. If you are planning to use it regularly it should be cleaned yearly or you may burn your house down. Sometimes chimneys have concrete at the top. Sometimes there is a metal part on top and caging to keep birds and squirrels out. Sometimes there is a ledge of smmoth flat stone around the top opening. If there is missing concrete around bricks that needs to be repointed.

I agree. Have it inspected . Some chimney sweeps may do the work but I’d use a stone mason who is trsined in chimneys. If you are planning to use it regularly it should be cleaned yearly or you may burn your house down. Sometimes chimneys have concrete at the top. Sometimes there is a metal part on top and caging to keep birds and squirrels out. Sometimes there is a ledge of smmoth flat stone around the top opening. If there is missing concrete around bricks that needs to be repointed.

I agree. Have it inspected . Some chimney sweeps may do the work but I’d use a stone mason who is trsined in chimneys. If you are planning to use it regularly it should be cleaned yearly or you may burn your house down. Sometimes chimneys have concrete at the top. Sometimes there is a metal part on top and caging to keep birds and squirrels out. Sometimes there is a ledge of smmoth flat stone around the top opening. If there is missing concrete around bricks that needs to be repointed.

I agree. Have it inspected . Some chimney sweeps may do the work but I’d use a stone mason who is trsined in chimneys. If you are planning to use it regularly it should be cleaned yearly or you may burn your house down. Sometimes chimneys have concrete at the top. Sometimes there is a metal part on top and caging to keep birds and squirrels out. Sometimes there is a ledge of smmoth flat stone around the top opening. If there is missing concrete around bricks that needs to be repointed.

I agree. Have it inspected . Some chimney sweeps may do the work but I’d use a stone mason who is trsined in chimneys. If you are planning to use it regularly it should be cleaned yearly or you may burn your house down. Sometimes chimneys have concrete at the top. Sometimes there is a metal part on top and caging to keep birds and squirrels out. Sometimes there is a ledge of smmoth flat stone around the top opening. If there is missing concrete around bricks that needs to be repointed.

I agree. Have it inspected . Some chimney sweeps may do the work but I’d use a stone mason who is trsined in chimneys. If you are planning to use it regularly it should be cleaned yearly or you may burn your house down. Sometimes chimneys have concrete at the top. Sometimes there is a metal part on top and caging to keep birds and squirrels out. Sometimes there is a ledge of smmoth flat stone around the top opening. If there is missing concrete around bricks that needs to be repointed.

This is absolutely not a DIY project. Professional chimney people can tell you what options are available.