Fireplace Directory

Archive for the ‘Chimney’ Category

My brick chimney cracked during an earthquake years ago. I removed the loose bricks to the roof level and covered the hole with plywood since we never use the Fireplace. Now i want to fix it so it looks like a chimney. Other than rebuilding the bricks, whats a good way to fix it up? it sticks out of the middle of the roof, not the side of the house.

You should call a professional. There are several options to repair it and make it safe. 1. Rebuild with brick. 2. Line the Chimney with a stainless flue and build a wood chase above the existing brick to bring it to height. I don’t think either option is a DIY project.

The house is over a century old and the Chimney is completely walled in, except in the basement and attic, there is no fireplace. I would estimate 40′ tall. We were told it was in bad shape (crumbling) and had it capped. We would like to make renovations to our kitchen and bathroom and could use this extra space. The house has another chimney with a Fireplace that we are keeping.

Clare, Question? Do you have a furnace? If so the flue for that chimney that is capped off could be the only way your furnace can let the CO2 out of your house. That and your water heater. Please make sure your furnace and water heater has a way for the CO2 to escape. CO2 poisoning is very dangerous !!! Just thought you might want to know first before you cap anything off or remove it. If not any of these possibilities then rent about 40′ of scaffold, and take it down from the top down. Good Luck with your project ! Also a note; Sometimes these old houses have bearing points that are built into the stone work. Make sure when taking it down you have something to carry the roof,floor joists, beams,etc."permanently", that will keep your house from falling on top of you while you take it down. You might want to call your local building dept. for some advise.

A home inspection is probably some of the best money you will ever spend when you are purchasing a home or a condominium.

A licensed, experienced and competent home inspector is worth their weight in gold.

The home inspector takes about 2 hours or so to inspect your prospective purchase. They are looking for major structural repairs, such as roofing, plumbing, foundation, electrical, framing, deck problems, code violations, and also checks things such as your air conditioning systems, all your toilets, sinks, tubs, garage door openers, etc. Plus they’ll inspect all of your electrical outlets inside and outside of the home. The home inspector will also look at the Fireplace if you have one, inspect the outside Chimney, check out all of the interior doors and windows to look for any “seal failures”. They will also check your heating and hot water system, water conditioning system if there is one. It’s the home inspector’s job to give your home a thorough “check-up”.

When the home inspector is finished, he will write up a report, note the repairs he feels need immediate attention by the seller, give an estimate of what the repairs should cost, and then we look over the report together, and if necessary, negotiate any repairs with the seller.

Usually at the time of the home inspection, a pest inspection is also performed. A licensed pest inspector arrives at the same time of the home inspector and goes through the home to look for any wood boring or wood infestation insects, such as termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, or carpenter bees. If there is any infestation noted, a report will be issued and signed by the inspector, and that will also be discussed and negotiated by your real estate agent to have the seller pay for any treatment and if there are any damages caused, the seller usually should pay for damages also.

The average cost for a home inspection currently is about $275-$300 depending on the size of the house, and obviously the part of the country you live in. A condominium usually runs a bit less. For more details on this you can visit the Suffield CT Real Estate website.

The average cost for a pest inspection is $75.00.

A Pest Inspection is a requirement by most lenders today and a home inspection is just a must do!

Betty Sanville
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/why-a-home-inspector-can-be-your-best-friend-when-it-comes-to-your-real-estate-investment-85768.html

With the addition of a wood fired oven, there’s no need to order out; you can have your own backyard pizzeria. Along with backyard kitchens, wood fired ovens have grown in popularity, becoming the latest “must have” item with people who love good food and enjoy entertaining.

Although these ovens make an amazing pizza, you can basically prepare anything normally cooked in a conventional oven. Other popular choices include cedar plank salmon, seared tuna, artisan breads, baked pasta or roasted meats.

Not restricted to outdoor use, a wood fired oven can also be installed indoors and added to an existing kitchen. Units are delivered in do-it-yourself kits or can be ordered pre-assembled. Depending on the model the ovens are available in gas or traditional wood heating and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

EarthStone Ovens in Glendale CA sell about 500 residential and 150 commercial units each year. Wood Stone Corp. from Bellingham, Washington is the leading supplier of stone hearth ovens in North America and estimate annual sales of 1,000 ovens worldwide. These toys are costly, but they’re built to last a lifetime. Prices range from $1,900 to $15,000 each plus an additional $2,000 to $5,000 for installation.

Depending on the model, an open hearth oven can take anywhere from one hour to three hours to heat up. Some prefer gas models over the traditional wood, for the convenience. Makers of Wildwood Wood Fired Ovens & BBQ’s claim their ovens can reach 700 degrees F in as little as one hour with a well built hardwood fire. The ovens are pre-cast in concrete pieces with the floor or hearth sections pre-tiled with fire bricks. Models vary from large modular units with arch or rectangular shaped doors to smaller traditional round ovens.

During installation, they are insulated with a fiber insulation blanket, vermiculite and placed on a concrete shelf. An enclosure is built to surround the oven using concrete block or brick. A small six inch diameter, class A chimney pipe is used for venting for outdoor installations, and triple wall Chimney pipe is used for indoor ovens.

What do you cook with in a wood fired oven? Wildwood also has a full line of soapstone and cast iron cookware and that work well, but many items such as breads and pizzas can be cooked directly on the hearth. Cleaning is a breeze. Simply wait a day or two until the oven cools down and sweep out or vacuum the ashes.

Some things to consider before purchasing you wood fired oven include:

The reputation of the manufacturer. How long have they been in business? What sort of warranty do they offer?

Shape or model of oven. Consider the location and the amount of space you have and the amount of cooking space you’ll require. A dome interior may be better suited than a rectangular oven. Consider the weight of the oven and whether your floor will hold it.

Will your oven require additional insulation over and above what is provided by the manufacturer?

Research contractors and hire one who has a proven track record with these types of installations.

When deciding on price, a kit that requires assembly is more work, but cheaper than a preassembled model.

Choose between a wood only, wood and gas or gas-only oven.

Is the oven sold precured or green? If not precured, you will need to cure it based on the manufacturers suggested instructions in order to dry it out.

What is the maximum heating temperature of the oven and how long does it take to heat up?

Jerry Clifford
http://www.articlesbase.com/landscaping-articles/backyard-pizzeria-714487.html

So I just moved into a new house and well this one has a Chimney. I went to home depot and got the firestarter and some firewood. So I follow the instructions on the firestarter and well the fire starts and everything but after the 30 minutes that the firestarter is suppose to burn for everything else stops so i was wondering how do you start the chimeny fire and make it last

Rule one after moving into a house with a fireplace of unknown properties:

GET IT CLEANED. Have a professional chimney sweep come in and clean the flue, check the lining and install-check the ash-cap and damper. In the Philadelphia region, such a service usually costs around US$125, with any additional flues at a substantial discount. Any work that may be needed will be in addition to this. You do want a proper ash-cap, and you do want a damper.

That same professional will also instruct you on how to make a fire, what to burn and why and give you tips on getting the most pleasure and/or heat and/or both out of a fire based on your individual fireplace. Keep in mind that the typical Fireplace is at best energy-neutral, often energy negative based on how it functions. It can be improved by adding doors, or using special grates or even an insert – but that is at a cost.

Good luck with it. We have three fireplaces in our house and we use them. We also get them cleaned every few years, we use chemical flue cleaners (they are lined) and we check them several times a season.

It’s holiday season, a time of warmth in the middle of the winter chill, a time to share the joys of life with one’s loves ones, a time to rejoice in the festive spirit that lights up even the most disenchanted soul. And thanks to all-new Christmas gift ideas, showering your near and dear with love and warmth has never been so easy.

Forgot to buy a Lego set for your niece? Could not find time to get a box of Swiss chocolates for your fiancée? Or don’t know what to get your mom and dad? Well, no need to panic. With last minute  online shopping, you can afford to put off buying gifts for your friends and relatives. Be it custom-made chocolates and flower bouquets, or exclusive Swarovski jewellery, or accessories like watches, you can get all this and more on websites that sell Christmas gifts.

For those of you who are looking for unconventional options, these websites offer out-of-the-box ideas. You can buy rock posters for teenagers, purses and bags for office colleagues, tennis racquets and basketballs for sports enthusiasts, DVDs and Blu-Rays for movie freaks, or even treadmills for weight watchers. And how about a digital camera for your dad, or an electric Chimney for your mom?

Innovative Christmas gift ideas are sure to surprise your friends and family. And personalised gifts like coffee mugs with messages, or painted t-shirts and plates, are ideal for immediate family and close buddies. There are also formal cards that you can send your cousins and friends in faraway lands. Spreading Christmas cheer is now simple as one-two-three. Just log on to your favourite online shopping website, make sure it’s safe to shop with, and choose your gifts. You may also avail of special discounts and combo offers.

Some websites will also offer a basket of gifts for the whole family, with everything from cakes and candles to fragrance and other standard gifts that everyone is bound to love. So now Christmas time need not be a time of frantic trips to the mall to pick up whatever is available after the whole town has already taken their picks. Relax, sit back in your chair and order all you need online.

And when you cannot physically deliver a present to a loved one, you can trust your site to deliver chocolates and flowers to them right on time. Christmas online shopping is a boon for all last-minute shoppers who can now get the best gifts sitting at home.

Tina Hope
http://www.articlesbase.com/gifts-articles/christmas-shopping-do-it-online-do-it-easy-696999.html

If you notice cracks or water leaks around your home, you may be having some foundation problems. This is a very dangerous situation because if your foundation is cracking, sinking, or shifting, it puts your whole house at risk. So, routinely check for any brick wall cracks or Chimney cracks, drywall fractures and always look in your basement to see what your foundation is doing down there. If you notice any problems it’s best to address the situation immediately because there are solutions available.

When it comes to repairing a cracked foundation, whether it be sinking, bowing or leaking water, two words immediately come to mind – Foundation Repair & Waterproofing. What are the differences? Which one do I do? Which one do I do first? Which one is correct for my situation?

First, as always, contact a knowledgeable foundation inspector. This generally is a civil engineer, structural engineer or P.E., or certified foundation repair contractor. These are the experts that can diagnose your problem and give well founded advice on a course of action to resolve your foundation issues. They will walk through your home, inside and out, and analyze your situation and give you a written evaluation of the current extent of damage. With this information you will then be able to make a sound judgment on what steps are needed to maintain the original integrity of the structure.

Simply put waterproofing can be defined as diverting water to a predetermined location. Waterproofing does not solve structural issues. Waterproofing does not fix a failed foundation.

Waterproofing can remove problematic water from around a structure. Waterproofing can divert water so as to not put undo stresses on basement walls. Waterproofing can stop nuisance water infiltration. Waterproofing is just one step in the process of solving your failed foundation. When used in conjunction with quality foundation repair products, waterproofing, can and will help maintain the integrity of your home.

Foundation repair can be defined as methods of underpinning or shoring your failing foundation due to unexpected forces. Using designed and engineered foundation repair products can reposition your foundation to originally designed tolerances. These products can be used to lift a structure. These products can support your foundation by changing load bearing points. Quality foundation repair methods use surrounding load bearing soils to support your homes foundation.

Which comes first the chicken or the egg? Do you waterproof first, or do you install foundation repair products first? Simply put, it depends on the recommendations of your foundation expert. Is water infiltration causing your problems? Is water collecting around your home? Are your gutters and sump pump working properly? Is your foundation settling due to poor soil support or changing soils under your home? Are there vertical cracks in your basement walls? Are there horizontal cracks in your walls?

These questions all will be answered in the initial inspection of your home. Your foundation engineer will talk you through your individual needs and suggest methods of repair. Generally you will need a combination of foundation repair and waterproofing. When used together you can be assured that your home will be restored to its original structural integrity while removing water issues that can cause future foundation problems.

Epoxy sealing a crack works great, but if you are only diverting the water to the next weakest spot on your foundation you are only chasing a problem. Super duper sump pumps with turbo charged battery backups are great, but do nothing to straighten bowed or sinking walls. A dry basement does nothing for a basement that is setting on poor or consolidating soils. If your basement is leaky, there has been damage done, and this damage needs to be addressed by foundation repair experts.

Foundation repair or waterproofing is the question; a qualified foundation expert is the answer. Call your local expert today and have your foundation issues solved by the experts.

Jeff Tully
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/foundation-repair-or-waterproofing-688620.html

Do you want to make your own shirts? Are you tired of all those boring, common designs everyone puts on display? You can design a T-shirt and show your creative side. Once more, the Internet comes to the rescue. You can go online and check out hundreds of cools designs. Add some original text and you have the perfect recipe for a genuine trendy T-shirt!

T-shirts are often worn by those who want to make a fashion statement. They are made from high-quality materials, mainly cotton, and they are recognized for being quite comfortable. In the past few years, more and more companies have started to specialize in T-shirt designing. You too can design a T-shirt and impress everyone with your creativity. All you have to do is find a virtual store that has amazing designs and make your own shirts. It’s that easy.

So, what message do you want your T-shirt to send? Are you supposed to be funny, demonstrate a controversy or just want to scare? When you design a T-shirt, you have complete liberty to select any design, image or text. Yes, you can be spiritual. And it’s just as simple to show your passion for sports. You can always express your sexual identity when you make your own shirts. The message is that: the T-shirt speaks for you. That means that you can express any thoughts, including about USA elections, Halloween and other celebrations, including Christmas.

Using modern technology, the specialists will print your T-shirt for you and have it delivered as soon as possible. Discounts are offered when T-shirts are purchased in bulk quantities and there are always new designs to be discovered. You won’t have to worry about the design coming off or fading. The technology used is digital and it does not involve at any point the common heat presses. This is the difference between real professionals and simple T-shirt printing companies. We are now in the era of digital printing and that means great colors and long-lasting printed designs on custom T-shirts.

If you want to make your own shirts, then do not wait any second longer. Go online today and search for the designs you like best. You can order a bunch of T-shirts for your entire class or even select some funny logos for your colleagues at work. As it was already mentioned, larger orders benefit indeed from discounted prices. Check out the latest colors available such as neon and glitter. Combined with a carefully-chosen text, these T-shirts will definitely make you the trendiest of the trendy!

You can always try to design a T-shirt with your own photos or images. And as holidays are approaching, add some ‘Merry Christmas’ (or something more original for that matter) and offer this T-shirt to someone important in your life. Make your own shirts and spread your message around. Everyone will feel merrier receiving such a cool gift. You can be funny and select a picture of Santa doing who knows what (maybe trying to fit into the Chimney with a big sack of presents). And maybe you want to remind a friend of a special moment you’ve shared together.

T-shirts are great. They work with any outfit, come in a wide range of colors and sizes. We like them even more when they have great-looking designs, funny messages or both. Design a T-shirt today and inspire everyone with your originality.

Clint Jhonson
http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/design-a-tshirt-online-creativity-speaks-700088.html

Many people like buying the turn-key homes, because everything of the houses is new, sparkly and fresh, including the appliances. If the price is in line with the comparable sales in the neighborhood, it doesn’t matter, really, how much the investor originally paid for the home. Here are the specific information from internet.

Hire Your Own Agent.

Hire a buyer’s broker to negotiate for you. Sellers generally pay your agent’s fee. A buyer’s broker will look out for your interests and represent you, not the seller.

Get a Home Inspection.

Ask the home inspector to thoroughly investigate the plumbing, heating, electrical and mechanical apparatus in the home, including structural. Take along a home inspection checklist to verify nothing was overlooked.

Hire Experts Recommended by the Home Inspector.

If the inspector suggests you obtain other reports such as a roof inspection, sewer inspection, HVAC report, Chimney inspection, structural engineering report or pest inspection, follow the home inspector’s advice.

Carefully Inspect for Quality of Workmanship.

Look for signs that the flipper cut corners or tried to save money by using inferior products or materials. Note any defects you find and ask for repairs in the purchase contract.

Check with the County for Permits.

Not pulling a permit for work requiring a permit is common and not necessarily a deal killer. However, there is no guarantee that the work was performed according to code if the flipper didn’t obtain a permit.

Get a Home Warranty.

With a home warranty plan, buyers are covered for one year in the event a system failure, electrical malfunctions or plumbing leaks. Home warranty companies charge a service call fee, but the repairs are free.

sunshine01
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/about-the-real-estate-flipping-700449.html

Many people like buying the turn-key homes, because everything of the houses is new, sparkly and fresh, including the appliances. If the price is in line with the comparable sales in the neighborhood, it doesn’t matter, really, how much the investor originally paid for the home. Here are the specific information from internet.

Hire Your Own Agent.

Hire a buyer’s broker to negotiate for you. Sellers generally pay your agent’s fee. A buyer’s broker will look out for your interests and represent you, not the seller.

Get a Home Inspection.

Ask the home inspector to thoroughly investigate the plumbing, heating, electrical and mechanical apparatus in the home, including structural. Take along a home inspection checklist to verify nothing was overlooked.

Hire Experts Recommended by the Home Inspector.

If the inspector suggests you obtain other reports such as a roof inspection, sewer inspection, HVAC report, Chimney inspection, structural engineering report or pest inspection, follow the home inspector’s advice.

Carefully Inspect for Quality of Workmanship.

Look for signs that the flipper cut corners or tried to save money by using inferior products or materials. Note any defects you find and ask for repairs in the purchase contract.

Check with the County for Permits.

Not pulling a permit for work requiring a permit is common and not necessarily a deal killer. However, there is no guarantee that the work was performed according to code if the flipper didn’t obtain a permit.

Get a Home Warranty.

With a home warranty plan, buyers are covered for one year in the event a system failure, electrical malfunctions or plumbing leaks. Home warranty companies charge a service call fee, but the repairs are free.

sunshine03
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/about-the-real-estate-flipping-702049.html