Fireplaces are the heart of the home and many enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a fire during the colder months, but if the chimney is not properly maintained there is a risk of a chimney fire, water infiltration, and other structural issues. Routine maintenance and repair are needed as a result of our region’s freeze-thaw cycles which cause expansion and contraction issues impacting the mortar between the stone or brick allowing for permeability and the integrity of the structure to fail. Additionally, over time the chimney interior can degrade along with chimney caps and crowns, which are designed to protect the chimney from wind, rain, and animals.
This historic home suffered deterioration along the entire chimney interior and exterior. The chimney and cap were deteriorating along with the terracotta flues. As a result, the homeowners were unable to use their fireplace. This project received the Heritage Commission Preservation Award in 2020.
This residence suffered damage when a downed tree struck the home. The chimney was rebuilt from the point of destruction to the crown and the challenge here was selecting mortar components that would match the existing so that the rebuilt area would appear uniform and of the same age as the area below the work.
