This chimney was cracked, loose and crumbling due to extensive saturation decay to the brick masonry cells. During saturation, this chimney had gone through extensive expansion and contraction during freezing temperatures. The state of this chimney was due to multiple factors, including: lack of a proper chimney cap and a lack of a water seal treatment.
A proper chimney cap is one that shelters and protects the entire masonry crown footprint and all terminations, with a screen to keep our pests and debris. A masonry chimney is a clay porous structure that absorbs water and becomes saturated in the PNW climate. In this saturated state, masonry decay is accelerated. It is regular exterior building maintenance to apply a water sealant to any masonry structure every 10 years. With this water seal application and the recommended repairs, we guarantee no leaking to occur. There was no masonry flue tile liner in this chimney. Without a flue tile liner, this chimney would not withstand heat from a fire. Heat would transfer through the brick cells to a combustible material and eventually ignite. These fireplaces are not safe to use. Here are some before photos.
We took this chimney down to the roof line and rebuilt using new “Old Town Red bricks”. Built a new crown with three new 12″x12″ masonry flue tiles. Also supplied and installed new black roof and masonry counter flashing with ice and water shield.
After 28 days cure time we will return to the site and water seal this chimney from the top down to the roofline using our industrial grade masonry water seal treatment. At that time we will supply and install a new proper stainless steel chimney cap designed to cover and protect the entire masonry crown footprint and all terminations.
Need your chimney inspected? Need an estimate for repairs?
503-758-4710
Portland Fireplace and Chimney Inc. is licensed, bonded and insured, and has a history of providing excellent service to customers for well over 25 years. Our family has been living in the northwest and servicing people with not only chimney needs but many other areas of construction such as roofing, foundation, and forensic leak determination. It is our passion, our livelihood and our love of the community around us that inspires the excellence in trade knowledge and customer service.
- Oregon State CCB # 202488
- Washington State WA # PORTLFI852C5
- Vice President of the Oregon Chimney Sweep Association (OCSA)
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified Chimney Sweep
- Member in good standing of the Chimney Sweep Guild
- Lead Certified
