Since
1992, I've been a San Diego masonry contractor involved in chimney
design, construction, restoration, renovation and repair.
Between my masonry experience in London, England and here in San Diego,
California, I've repaired and built hundreds of old and new chimneys.
Chimney construction is an exacting process requiring strict design
elements combined with stringent building code considerations.
Every chimney project is a professional challenge and the finished
chimney in my mind is a work of art.
Masonry
Chimney -
Adding beauty and value to your home
Custom
Masonry and Fireplace Design is
a San Diego masonry company
experienced in building chimneys in a variety of masonry materials.
We can restore your chimney in many architectural styles using brick,
stone, Cultured stone, Eldorado stone, plaster and stucco finishes and
veneers.
Repair
or build a
new chimney?
Custom
Masonry and Fireplace Design
will do a complete inspection of
your existing chimney.
Based on the results of our inspection we will give you a detailed
description of the chimney repair and a competitive bid.
If your chimney is beyond repair we can construct a new chimney, built
to California code and earthquake standards, in a variety of
architectural styles and masonry materials.
We are a chimney builder and chimney restoration company serving San
Diego county.
Chimney
deterioration - fire danger and structural collapse
Chimneys
that show evidence of creosote damage, mortar deterioration, and cracks
between bricks, are a fire danger.
If the damage is not too severe a new chimney flue liner can be
installed, loose mortar repaired, flashing redone, and chimney crown
refitted.
As illustrated in the photo on the right, demolition of our project
chimney was necessary because of severe deterioration.
The following photos below describe the basics of chimney construction
and repair. Enjoy!- Paul
Walker
Construction
Process - laying the chimney foundation
In
California all chimneys require a building permit. They must be built
according to stringent building and earthquake codes, and pass
inspection.
The foundation or footing must be substantial enough to support the
weight of a chimney and fireplace. Steel rebar increases the structural
integrety of the foundation.
California
building code requires that footings for masonry fireplaces
and their chimneys shall be constructed of concrete or solid masonry at
least 12 inches thick and shall extend at least 6 inches beyond the
face of the fireplace or foundation wall on all sides. Footings shall
be founded on natural undisturbed earth or engineered fill below frost
depth. In areas not subjected to freezing, footings shall be at least
12 inches below finished grade.
Chimney
block with
steel rebar - Building a safe chimney
The
California building code requires us to build your chimney using
fireproof masonry materials and steel.
The chimney is anchored to the footing with the steel rebar embeded in
concrete. We then build the chimney upward block by block, row by row,
using more pencil rebar in the process.
All chimneys at minimum must have existing vertical #4 rebar,
¼” stirrups installed, rebar cells fully grouted,
a chimney flue liner installed and be properly grouted.
Anchoring
the
chimney to your home - more safety
To
further protect your chimney from shifting, leaning away from your
home, or collapsing in a strong wind or earthquake, building code
requires steel straps and stirups be attached to the steel rebar within
the chimney.
Straps
and stirups should be corrosion resistant and must be installed
according to code regarding their size, thickness, and location. They
must be also be bolted to your house.
About
Earthquake
standards in California - Seismic reinforcing
Does
your chimney comply with current California earthquake building codes?
Did you know that reconstruction or replacement of a damaged masonry
chimney is not allowed with masonry unless completely removed,
redesigned and constructed to current code requirements?
Although seismic activity in San Diego is low, an old chimney, not
built according to current earthquake standards, may have sustained
seismic damage over many years.
Inspect your chimney at least once a year and/or after a >seismic
event!
Chimney
Flue
Installation
The
space inside a chimney is called a flue.
It starts at the top
of the firebox and allows smoke to vent up and out of your chimney.
Design and construction of a chimeny flue is the same for a chimney
repair or a new construction chimney.
If the chimney had flues that are cracked we generally have to take the
chimney down to the point where the last flue is cracked , replace the
damaged flues and rebuild the chimney.
Going
through the
roof
As
we
build the chimney through the roof, fire safety code requires that we
leave at least two inches between the potentially combustible wood
framed chimney opening. The space between the framed opening is later
sealed with "aluminum flashing" to prevent water intrusion between the
chimney and internal home wall spaces.
Next, we'll talk about the importance of chimney height above the roof.
Chimney
height
above the roof
If
the
chimney is not tall enough, inadequate draw of fireplace gas up through
the flue can cause major safety problems for the home's occupants.
We use the Chimney 2-3-10 Rule to determine proper chimney height.
We
extend the chimney to
provide a minimum of 2 feet clearance to all roof surfaces and
structures within 10 feet of the chimney and 3 feet above the highest
point that the chimney penetrates the roof
Chimney
Crown and Chimney Cap
The
chimney crown, is the top
element of a masonry chimney. It
covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liners to the
chimney edge.
It is usually constructed of a portland cement based mixture and formed
so it provides an overhang, or drip edge, on all sides of the chimney.
This drip edge directs the runoff from the crown away from the sides of
the chimney, helping prevent erosion of the brick and mortar in the
chimney's vertical surfaces.
A
chimney cap helps to prevent
rain water from entering the
inside of your chimney. Newer chimney caps with flashing are
multi-functional and do a great job in preventing water from entering
your chimney and fireplace, come with spark arresters, and deter
animals and debris.
Brick
Chimney - finished Project
Custom
Masonry and Fireplace Design
San
Diego's #1
Chimney and Fireplace Builder.
"We
take pride in our work and
guarantee quality craftsmanship on every chimney that we build"
....Paul Walker
Brick Fireplace Products
Custom
Masonry and
Fireplace Design offers you a wide variety of brick products from local
San Diego county brick suppliers including
RCP Block & Brick Clay brick offers distinct design
flexibility and durability for contemporary or traditional designs. Our brick fireplace pictures
above
show the
diversity and quality of our brick fireplace construction.
RCP carries
a wide variety of brick in several different textures, sizes and colors
from the following manufacturers. Please visit their web sites for a
full description of their product lines.
