Allrighty… need some expertise for you founts of knowledge. I am rehabbing a historic home in southeast TX, where winters do not get too cold, but humidity is high, and we get lotsa rain and wind. The home is in a rural area with very limited access to specialized contracters, so I get to learn how to do alot of stuff myself… haha.

I am in the process of repointing the chimneys, the home was built in 1912, so I am using portland cement/lime putty mortar, after this is done I will be using some masonry water repellant on the exterior of the brick. Feel free to give me any hints on this process.

My main question is, do I need to install a flu system if my intent is to only use ceramic gas logs in the fireplace? There is currently no flu system, not even any chimney caps… I have been looking for clay rounded arch chimney caps (historically accurate per old pictures) but havent yet found a source.

I want to make sure I do the old house justice and make it livable, but also dont want to introduce any components that arent needed.

Thanks so much in advance for any help!