Showing Tag: "dm storrs chimney" (Show all posts)

Custom Copper Rain Caps Installed

Here are the three custom copper caps (shrouds) installed.  All hands on deck & perfect weather for this install.
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Custom Copper Rain Caps (aka Shrouds)

Custom fabricated copper rain caps, also referred to as shrouds.  These came to us from a supplier in PA.  The heaviest one fully crated was almost 500 lbs.  These were brought to the top of the chimneys without a man lift, crane or cherry picker.  Good old fashioned hard work & ingenuity got these to the top of the chimneys & installed safely.
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Cape Cod Stone Veneer (After)

Here is the finished project.  Dana used Vineyard Granite Ledge Stone and installed a custom cut blue stone hearth.  We lined the fireplace flue and made other masonry repairs.  All ready for the cold Cape Cod weather. To see the before photo... http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/cape-cod-stone-veneer-before-



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Cape Cod Stone Veneer (Before)

If asked we will make the trip to an existing client's summer home.  These clients wanted an updated look to the fireplace in the family summer home.  This is before... we removed the hearth & prepped for a new hearth. To see other fireplace projects http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/category/Fireplaces
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Park Dr., Boston

Today is day two of a large liner project in Boston.  We are installing two 70' stainless steel liners to vent gas fired boilers which provide heat to two apartment buildings.  This photo of the venting for one of the chimneys.  These sections of liner will be connected with stainless steel couplers and installed into the flue.
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Our New Office

We are happy to announce we have moved to 263 Central St., Foxboro, MA 02035
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Eastern Nazarene 4

Dana posing with another custom fabricated stainless steel transition component.  
For other photos of this project... http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/eastern-nazarene-3
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Eastern Nazarene 3

This is a picture of the wye needed for the interior pipe work in the boiler room.  Dana is posing with it for scale. For earlier photos of this project... http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/eastern-nazarene-2


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Walpole Town Hall

Last week we spent two days installing liners at the Walpole Town Hall to vent new boilers.  We installed both Centrotherm flex vent and Fasnseal liner systems.  Dana & Melissa are in the boom in the rain installing the liners, while Jon was in the boiler room making the connections and staying dry.
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Chimney Under Ivy

Believe it or not, there is a chimney underneath all this ivy.  The homeowner called because he was having a draft issue. The ivy is the reason why.  Draft issues are one problem caused by ivy on a chimney.  The ivy also makes a great nesting place for birds or other critters, which may wind up in the chimney, causing an obstruction.  Ivy also damages the masonry.  It can get embedded in the mortar joints causing weakness in the mortar joints and can ultimately damage them.  Bottom line, even...
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Back Bay Chimney Struck by Lightening

Yes, chimneys do get struck by lightening.  A lightening strike to a chimney can cause a significant amount of damage.  
That damage can affect the structural integrity of the chimney.  In this case on Marlborough St., in Boston's Back Bay, the force of the lightening strike sent brick flying down to the street and through someone's skylight.  Always have your chimney inspected after a lightening strike.  Even if it looks ok, best to be safe.
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Fireplace Facade Stone Veneer in Waltham Complete!

Finished!  Instead of ta-da, around here we like to say Da-na!  I wish the lighting was better in this photo.  Big difference, looks so much better & the client was thrilled!  This project took about five days start to finish. Fore before an progression photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-facade-stone-veneer-in-waltham-con-t-aug-15-2014-3-26-22-pm-22 
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Fireplace Facade Stone Veneer in Waltham (con't)

Almost done.  Mantle was protected to avoid scratches.  Wood supports are removed once the mortar sets.  Dana & Dave are adding the finishing touches.  For before and progression photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-facade-stone-veneer-in-waltham-con-t-
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Fireplace Facade Stone Veneer in Waltham (con't)

This is a progression photo.  The hearth material is bluestone.  We custom order the hearth material which is cut to size. The wood is to support the stones over the firebox opening.  This particular veneer is actual stone as opposed to cultured stone.  To see the before photo... http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-facade-stone-veneer-in-waltham
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Fireplace Facade Stone Veneer in Waltham

This is client reached out to us to give his fireplace facade an updated look.  Here is a look at the fireplace before we started.  Our material is sourced from a local masonry dealer, who in turn gets most of him material locally here in MA. As you can see the floor is protected.  Dana likes to lay the stone out before applying it.  I equate it to a jig saw puzzle.


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Fessenden School Newton, MA Commercial Venting (con't)

Here is a look at the staging required for the liner installation.  
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Fessenden School Newton, MA Commercial Venting

This ivy tower is really a 50' chimney stack venting boilers for a school.  We will install 50' of 28" round Selkirk Model PS Chimney venting.  This stack will be professionally staged by our friends at Veteran's Scaffolding.
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Pinckney St., Beacon Hill, Boston Finished

 Finally finished.  This is an up close photo of the completed chimney.  The vent pictured is the intake vent for make up air for the heating appliance.  Beautiful mortar joints, if I do say so myself :-)


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Pinckney St., Beacon Hill Chimney Rebuild Front Chimney (con't)

A nice side view of the front chimney & the staging.  Progress is being made... thankfully the weather cooperated with us during the entire 4 weeks of the project!  As always, here is a link for earlier progression photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/pinckney-st-beacon-hill-rebuild-front-chimney-con-t-
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Pinckney St., Beacon Hill Rebuild Front Chimney (con't)

This is a picture looking down into the chimney as it is being rebuilt.  This is a six flue chimney, being rebuilt using wythe bricks to divide the individual flues.  The pipes seen in the upper left flue are the vents for a high efficiency gas boiler.  Two vents are necessary, one is to vent the combustion from the appliance and the other is for intake air.  For earlier photos of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/pinckney-st-beacon-hill-rebuild-con-t-
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Pinckney St., Beacon Hill Rebuild (con't)

Another picture of chimney demolition.  Brad & Dave are carefully taking down the rear chimney on Pinckney Street. All the debris was placed into the buckets seen here & hand carried down to the street to be placed into the onsite dumpster. To take a look at the demolition of the front chimney click http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/pinckney-st-beacon-hill-rebuilds-demolition
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Stone Veneer Application in Sharon - Finished

 
Here is the finished project.The homeowners are thrilled with the end result!  Dana used blue stone on the hearth and a cultured stone veneer on the walls.  Durarock had to be installed prior to the stone veneer application.  The shelves were added by the homeowner before the stone veneer was complete.  This link is to the during photo http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/stone-veneer-application-in-sharon-during
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Stone Veneer Application in Sharon - During

We were contracted by these homeowners to spruce up around their wood stove.  Dana is installing a blue stone hearth and applying a cultured stone veneer to the walls up to the ceiling.  The homeowner installed some shelves and Dana worked around them.  http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/category/Fireplaces

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Pinckney St., Beacon Hill Rebuilds - Demolition

Here we have Brad, Dave & Tim hard at work tearing down the front chimney.  All of the brick debris was brought to the street by hand using buckets & a boom on the scaffolding.  It was then placed into an on site dumpster (we provided) quietly so as not to disturb the neighborhood during the demolition process. http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/pinckney-st-beacon-hill-rebuilds-staging
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Pinckney St., Beacon Hill Rebuilds Staging

Because access to the chimneys was challenging as was the staging of the building we outsourced the staging aspect of this project.  Many thanks to the crew at Veterans Scaffolding!  For a before picture click  
http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/pinckney-st-beacon-hill-rebuild

!

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Pinckney St., Beacon Hill Rebuild

Last spring we were contracted to rebuild two chimneys on Pinckney St., Beacon Hill.  To date the front chimney is the largest rebuild Dana has done on Beacon Hill.  This project took about four weeks from start to finish.  This is a picture of the chimney before we got started... 
For other rebuild photos click here http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/category/Chimney%20Rebuilds 
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Fireplace in Quincy, MA

Dana applied stone veneer to the facade of this woodburning fireplace for a homeowner in Quincy. Hardwood floors and custom carpentry to be done. For other fireplace photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/category/Fireplaces
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Ground Up Rebuild Norton Complete (2)

Here is a shot from the ground looking up. Staging has been taken down, site has been cleaned up.  These clients have the best looking chimney in the neighborhood, if we do say so ourselves.  We have another ground up rebuild in Dover, MA later this summer.  As always we'll be blogging about it!  For a close up of the top of the completed chimney http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/norton-ground-up-rebuild-complete-
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Norton Ground Up Rebuild Complete!

Day five of this ground up rebuild has finnally arrived & the chimney is complete.  The stainless steel rain cap has been installed.  Dana averaged laying up 500 brick per day.  Thankfully we had beautiful weather all week for this project & we finished on time.  All that is left is taking down the staging & clean up of the site.  For earlier pictures of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/ground-up-rebuild-in-norton-day-4- 

 
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Ground Up Rebuild in Norton (Day 4)

The Corbel of the chimney is complete.  The Corbel is optional in the design of a chimney, it is when the brick are "stepped out" & then "stepped in".  All that remains is the Crown & the rain cap, which will be completed on day four of this project.  Day five will be spent on clean up (the roof is spotless when we leave) & the dismantling of the staging.  Check back to see the grand finale!  Again for earlier photos... http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/ground-up-rebuild-in-nort...
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Ground Up Rebuild in Norton (day 3)

 Almost done!  This is good look at the flashing, you can see how it is tucked into the mortar joints & stepped down the chimney.  All that is left is the Corbel, Crown & the rain cap.  If you don't know what a Corbel or a Crown of a chimney is, check back to see the finished product, you'll see!  For earlier progression photos  http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/ground-up-rebuild-in-norton-day-2-con-t-may-9-2012-7-12-52-pm-52  
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Ground Up Rebuild in Norton (day 2 con't)

 
 Here we are at the end of day 2 on this project, it is the first full day of laying brick.  500 brick were laid up by the end of the day.  As you can see we are installing clay tile flue liner sections as we go.  The one on the right is being reused from the tear down as it is in good shape.  Click here for earlier photos of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/ground-up-rebuild-in-norton-day-2-con-t-
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Ground Up Rebuild in Norton (day 2 con't)

This is the progress after just two hours laying brick... as always more to come click this link for earlier pictures of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/ground-up-rebuild-norton-day-2-con-t-
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Ground Up Rebuild Norton (day 2, con't)

Thankfully our masonry supplier delivers!  Here he is off loading a pallet of clay tile liner sections.  As Dana rebuilds the chimney new clay tile liner sections are installed, they are joined together using mortar & the brick is laid up around them.  The larger clay tiles are for the fireplace flue & the smaller ones are for the heating flue.  To see photos of the chimney coming down click http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/ground-up-rebuild-in-norton-day-2-...
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Ground Up Rebuild in Norton (day 2)

 It is the beginning of day 2 on this project & as you can see, the chimney is almost completely torn down to the ground.  We tarped over the exposed flues overnight to keep out visitors. The upcoming photos will show the progression of the new chimney being built.  By the end of day five this ground up rebuild is complete.  Dana laid an average of 500 brick/day.  It helps to have such dedicated "tenders" to mix mortar & move material.
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Ground Up Rebuild in Norton (day 1 con't)

Brad is in the process of removing the clay tiles.  We saved and reused what material we could (good for the environment and the homeowners pocket).  For earlier pictures of the staging and tear down process http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/ground-up-rebuild-in-norton-day-1-
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Ground Up Rebuild in Norton

This next series of blog posts will be about a ground up rebuild completed in 5 days!  These pictures and posts will show the progression of the project beginning with the tearing down of the chimney to the complete reconstruction, with some fun shots in between.  The picture in this post shows the staging and the beginning of the tear down process.  If you look closely you can see the deterioration of the brick.  The deterioration was extensive throughout the height of the chimney, therefore...

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Franklin Institute Boston

This picture shows venting from the left side horizontally 20 ft (second of three total wall penetrations) then vertical 30 ft to outside wall termination which is 14 ft off of ground level.  All of this pipe is double wall AL294C special gas vent.  To see the boilers this pipe is venting click http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/franklin-institute-boston-part-1-

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Franklin Institute Boston (part 1)

This is one of two Hydrotherm gas boilers installed at the Franklin Institute of Boston.  It's hard to believe that something so small can heat a building that size.  Dana was contracted to construct and install the AL294C single and double wall pipe for these condensing boilers.  Two 80 ft side wall stacks needed to be constructed and installed to vent these boilers.  The horizontal runs going from the boilers into the 80 ft stacks also needed to be constructed and installed from the same ma...
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Commercial Stainless Steel Stack Construction in Somerville (complete)

This is the large stainless steel stack.  It is complete except for the guy supports.  The plate protruding from the outside of the liner near the top is where the guy supports are to be attached.  Click here for earlier photos of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/commercial-stainless-steel-stack-construction-in-somerville-part-4-
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Commercial Stainless Steel Stack Construction in Somerville (part 4)

Here we can see that two of the smaller stacks have been completed.  They are supported with heavy gauge guy supports.  For earlier progression photos of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/commercial-stainless-steel-stack-construction-in-somerville-part-3- One more to go...
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Commercial Stainless Steel Stack Construction in Somerville (part 3)

Here is a close up of the transition piece with custom fitted band to connect it to the base.  There is also a drain piece so that the condensation can drain out of the stack.  For a close up of the base piece http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/commercial-stainless-steel-stack-construction-in-somerville-part-2- As always, more to follow!
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Commercial Stainless Steel Stack Construction in Somerville (part 2)

This is a close up picture of the custom fabricated stainless steel transition piece at the base of the stainless steel stack.  This is transitioning from a six inch pipe within the building to the seven inch stack to be constructed and installed atop this transition piece.   For an earlier picture of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/commercial-stainless-steel-stack-construction-in-somerville
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Commercial Stainless Steel Stack Construction in Somerville

This is the first picture in a series that will be dedicated to stainless steel commercial stack construction and installation.  This is a building in Somerwille which was sited by the EPA due to the raincaps they had on top of the stacks.  The removal of said raincaps would allow water to pour down into the flues which are venting their ovens among other appliances.  Therefore new stacks needed to be constructed and installed with custom termination pieces and  custom fabricated gutter syste...
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Bellfires Fireplace (bbc) Assembly & Installation (complete)

Bellfires fireplace assembly and installation complete.  All insulation and pipe connections have been made.  For earlier photos of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/bellfires-fireplace-bcc-assembly-installation-in-dedham-part-3-  Check back with us, the next series of posts will be about commercial stainless steel stack construction and installtion in Somerville.
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Bellfires Fireplace (bcc) Assembly & Installation in Dedham (part 3)

The outside stainless steel housing is in place after it having been insulated.  Stainless steel type H.T. (high temperature) allfuel pipe has been installed from the Bellfires unit into the chimney flue.  To see earlier progression photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/bellfires-fireplace-bcc-assembly-and-installation-in-dedham-jul-18-2011-10-55-07-pm-7
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Bellfires Fireplace (bcc) Assembly and Installation in Dedham

All refractory panels in the firebox and throat panels installed.  Ceramic fiber insulation is in the process of being wrapped around throat area.  To see the first phase of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/bellfires-fireplace-bcc-assembly-and-installation-in-dedham
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Bellfires Fireplace (bcc) Assembly and Installation in Dedham

Installation of a Bellfires close clearance wood fireplace.  Hearth and wood burning stove and chimney build out in this location has been removed for this installation.  Main body of fireplace is installed.  The Bellfires close clearance wood fire place is a super effecient, heating fireplace.  It is designed to be installed on a wood floor and positioned within two inches of rear and side walls.  It uses thermal insulation technology and its refractory firebox is designed to give it the gre...
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Firebox Construction in Reading Complete!!

Our job here is done!  Homeowner to have facade and hearth done as a separate project.  Once the facade and hearth are finished this fireplace will be good to go.  We lined the flue with a stainless steel liner to properly vent the combustion from this woodburning fireplace.  To see the progression photos for this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-construction-in-reading-part-4-  Check back here, the next project I will be blogging about is a Bellfires Fireplace!...
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Firebox Construction in Reading (part 4)

Here is a close up picture of the firebox floor.  It is complete with ashdump installed.  The mortar joints along the firebox walls are curing out that is why they look as white as they do.  The completion photo is to follow.  For the previous pictures for this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-construction-reading-part-3-
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Firebox Construction Reading (part 3)

This picture shows the firebox construction in progress.  Here we see the side and back walls of the firebox just about complete.  The firebox floor is complete with ashdump door installed.  The fascade and hearth are still to be built.  For earlier progression photos click here http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-reconstruction-in-reading-part-2-  As always do check back for more progression pictures on this project.
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Firebox Reconstruction in Reading (part 2)

Just a fun picture of the remnants of our client's firebox in the back of Dana's truck.  Click here to see the demolition http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-reconstruction-in-reading-part-1- As always, more to follow!!
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Firebox Reconstruction in Reading (part 1)

This firebox had to be removed for several reasons.  It was not original to the victorian era house & did not meet today's clearance to combustibles codes (it was too close to the wall studs) & very well could have caused a house fire.  Charred wood was found inside the walls and underneath the hearth extension during demolition.  As with all our projects I will be showing progression photos.  This photo is of the demolition in progress, more photos to follow... click here to see other firebo...
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Chimney Rebuild in Somerville (complete)

This single flue chimney rebuild is complete.  Dana installed a stainless steel rain cap atop the newly rebuilt chimney to keep out water & critters.  To see the progression photos for this job
http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/chimney-rebuild-in-somerville-con-t-
Stay tuned, our next project is a fireplace reconstruction in Reading.  I'll be posting blogs with photos about that project next week.
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Chimney Rebuild in Somerville (con't)

This chimney rebuild is well underway & the flashing is complete.  This project took one day from start to finish.  This is a good look at the jobsite on the roof, most of us won't get this close up.  What we see here are roof racks with an OSHA plank across the top of them.  This gives Dana & Brad a secure platform to work on.  To the right is the ridge hook ladder so they can climb to the ridge of the roof to get to the brick stacked there to continue the rebuild.  This link will take you t...
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Chimney Rebuild in Somerville

Spring is here & so are the masonry projects!!  This is the begining of a single flue chimney rebuild.  The chimney has been torn down to the roofline & new lead flashing has been installed.  I like how the brick to be used for the rebuild are lined up along the ridge of the roof.  Check back with us to see the completion of this project.  To see a similar project in Somerville http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/chimney-complete-somerville
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Adding Clay Tiles in Belmont (complete)

The clay tile installation is complete!  You can see them just above the new cement crown underneath the rain cap.  Notice there is a good amount of space between the tops of the clay tiles and the lid of the rain cap.  You don't want the lid of the rain cap to be too close to the tops of the clay tiles, as that can affect the draft of whatever is venting into those flues.  This is the link for previous pictures of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/adding-clay-flue-...
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Adding Clay Flue Tiles in Belmont

Here is a look inside the chimney from the top down.  What you're seeing are clay flue tiles that are for individual flues within the chimney.  However, they are not extended to the top of the chimney, as they should be.  Our job here is to extend those clay tiles to the top of the chimney & finish off with a new cement crown with a rain cap.  This was a day long project.  As always, there will be more photos to follow.  To see a similar project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories...
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Chimney Scams... a follow up

Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield Complete!!

After five days our project in Mansfield is complete!  The bluestone hearth is in place and the masonry has cured.  This is the first field stone fireplace Dana has constructed, he is very proud of it.  The homeowners are delighted and can't wait to use it.  For earlier progression pictures click http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-4-complete-  We look forward to the opportunity to create something beautiful that will last a lifetime fo...
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 4 complete)

End of day four.  The hearth is complete except for the bluestone piece which will go over the top.  The facade is almost finished, Dana still has to apply the stone across the top of the firebox opening.  http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-4- this is the link for earlier pictures.
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 4)

Beginning of day four.  The stone veneer has been applied to the front of the raised hearth.  The application of the stone will continue around the fireplace facade.  The stone used for this project is Padova Field Ledge Stone. For earlier pictures of this project click here http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-3-complete- Almost done so don't forget to check back with us to see the finished project!
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 3 complete)

End of day three.  The firebox, facade and hearth are complete.  All that is left to do is apply the stone veneer to the facade and the bluestone atop the hearth. To see before the facade was complete http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-3-  Check back to see the stone veneer complete, it looks amazing!!
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 3)

Day three of our fireplace construction project.  The firebox walls and back are complete & the damper is in place.  The damper is sitting atop the firebox, it looks like a hood.  The smoke chamber is also complete.  Next the facade needs to be constructed.  For earlier progression photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-2-complete-  Be sure to check back for more photos of this project.
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 2 complete)

End of the second day.  The firebox floor is complete, two more courses of brick to go on the side walls and three courses of brick to finish the back wall of the firebox.  We had Dana stand next to his creation to show the size of the fireplace.  For earlier photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-2-con-t-
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 2 con't)

This is a close up picture of the firebox floor.  Nice, neat mortar joints between the red firebrick.  The next picture will show the back and side walls of the firebox.  For previous progression pictures http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-2-
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 2)

Day two... as you can see the foundation for the raised hearth has been built.  Dana has also started on the firebox floor.  The interior of the firebox is being constructed in red firebrick also referred to as fire clay brick.  These brick are used for firebox construction to meet todays standards and codes.  They are meant to withstand the effects of long term fireplace usage.  For photos of day one  http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-da...
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 1 complete)

Here we are at the end of the first day of construction.  The rug has been cut away in preparation for the construction of the raised hearth.  The firebox walls have been parged (skimcoated) with cement.  The clay flue tiles have been repaired.  Please check back for the progression photos, there will be quite a few this is a five day project.  Click here for earlier photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-1-con-t-...
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 1 con't)

This photo shows the hole made into the chimney which will house the raised hearth fireplace.  The raised hearth will come twelve inches off the floor.  Please check back here to see the progress of this project.  To see the previous photo http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/fireplace-firebox-construction-mansfield-day-1- 
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Fireplace/Firebox Construction Mansfield (day 1)

This is a before picture, the wall was removed to expose the chimney.  This client has a chimney containing three flues, one of which is used to vent her heating appliance, the other two are inert.  Dana will turn this into a raised hearth, wood burning fireplace with stone veneer.  It will vent into the two inert flues which are clay tile lined.  Dana is using the two flues in order to create a taller, wider fireplace.  Please check back here to see the progress on this project.  For other f...
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Best reason to install a Rain Cap (unwanted tenants)

This is a photo looking down into a clients ash dump.  The flashlight is shining down on a 20 lb raccoon, who has made herself quite comfortable down there.  The ash dump is located underneath the fireplace floor.  Ashes are swept into the ash dump and removed from the base of the chimney.  No, we don't have any idea how she got down there.  We did humanely remove her & install a chimney cap, much to the clients relief!  For other Top Hat Tips http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/-...
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Newton Liner

Dana standing atop the chimney prior to liner installation.  This is a stainless steel liner to vent a wood burning fireplace.  For other liner job photos http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/a-week-in-winthrop-lining-chimney-
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#1 Reason to have your fireplace inspected & swept...

This is a whopping pile of creosote!!!  This is what came out of a clients fireplace flue.  Too much creosote build up can result in a chimney fire.  The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) recommends inspecting and sweeping a flue venting wood combustion after each cord of wood burned.  For other Top Hat Tips http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/top-hat-tips-feb-4-2011-10-42-02-pm-2
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Top Hat Tips

Top Hat Tips

Firebox Restoration in Precinct One, Dedham, Ma (complete)

Here is the completed back wall of the firebox.  Notice the way the back wall curves and all the cuts in the brick to get a perfect fit.  To see the before picture http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-restoration-in-precinct-one-dedham-ma
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Firebox Restoration in Precinct One, Dedham, Ma

A local contractor saw Dana working down the street from his house for four days. Was pleased with what he saw & asked Dana if he could fix his fireplace.  In this picture you can see that the back wall of the firebox has been removed in preparation for a new back wall to be constructed.  For another fireplace restoration project click http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-reconstruction-in-reading-ma-complete-
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Firebox Reconstruction in Reading, Ma (complete)

Our job is done here.  All set for the finish work, i.e. facade and hearth.  On to the next project.  Click here for progression photos of this job http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-reconstruction-reading-part-4-
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Firebox Reconstruction Reading (part 4)

Almost done... the brick across the top of the firebox are in place.  You can no longer see the damper and the lintel.  Click here to see the damper and the lintel in place http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-reconstruction-reading-part-3-
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Firebox Reconstruction Reading

Here you can see the back and side walls of the firebox are complete.  To see the 1st part of this project http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/firebox-reconstruction-reading  More progression photos to follow...
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Beware of Chimney Scams

South Weymouth (complete)

Here is the finished product!  New stainless steel rain cap, new crown (notice cement smoothed out to edges of brick) new mortar joints & clay tiles.  For progression photos on this job click http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/south-weymouth-con-t-
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South Weymouth (con't)

Here is the second phase... The crown has been poured, the clay flue tiles extended & the mortar joints filled.  The crown is not quite finished, the cement still needs to be smoothed out to the edges of the brick.  To see the chimney before http://www.dmstorrschimney.com/our-soot-stories/south-weymouth-before-
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South Weymouth (before)

Here is our client's chimney before.  The chimney lacks a crown, the top course of brick are missing mortar joints and the flue tiles are below the chimney top
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Top Hat Tips

From NFPA: An estimated 15,200 reported creosote fires (23% of all home heating fires) resulted in four civilian deaths, 17 civilian injuries, and $33 million in direct property damage, on average, each year from 2004-2008.

Check out the information and more tools available as part of NFPA's new safety campaign "Put a Freeze on Winter... Fires" at www.nfpa.org/winterSee More

Holidays - Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

www.nfpa.org

Here are some statistics from NFPA's report, “Home F...