1.   The mortar joints between bricks were thick, generally about the same as the bricks themselves.

2.   The dome is made of brick with thick mortar joints.

3.   Also the mortar joints in brick, even smooth ones, make an unven surface to enhance its sure-footedness.

4.   A. In a word, no, but you can nail through the mortar joints between the stones.

5.   Decay usually appears in the mortar joints.

6.   Flashing leaks occur around the chimney if the flashing deteriorates or if the top edge was not correctly inserted into the mortar joints.

7.   If the columns are hollow, you could drill weep holes in the mortar joints to allow water vapor to escape.

8.   If the flashing is correctly installed, it should come up the sides of the chimney and fold into the mortar joints between the chimney bricks.

9.   In addition, I would advise inspecting all the mortar joints carefully.