 As far as the mortar, you can do a little tuck pointing with a mortar patch. You could use zip-it mortar, which is very easy to use. That's a quick-creep product. And if it needs sealing, waterproofing is a better word. It's got to be a breathable waterproofing finish. So that's how you would address that. If you get a pro in there, just make sure they're CSIA certified from the Chimney Sweep Institute of America.