Two architecturally distinctive chimneys
on the
same house in Guelph.
We have been repairing chimneys since
1980. One of our specialties is the restoration of historical and
architecturally significant chimneys. We will work with you and
with the authorities to attempt to reconcile current code
requirements with original, historical chimney construction. Most
chimneys built before 1940 did not have any type of liner in the
flue, only brick (or stone if it is a stone chimney). The
Ontario Building Code states in section 9.21.3.1 that "Every
masonry or concrete chimney shall have a lining of clay, concrete,
firebrick, or metal."
If the chimney is a working chimney; that is,
if a gas, oil, or wood -fired appliance is venting into it, a proper liner must
be installed.
In fact, it is usually because there is not a proper flue liner
that the chimney has deteriorated.
Today's appliances, whether gas, oil, or wood fired are much
more efficient than those of even a few years back. This means that more
of the heat produced remains in the home, and there is much less heat vented up
the flue.
This can lead to excessive condensation buildup, especially in outside
chimneys and the portion of the chimney which extends above the roof. This
condensation is absorbed into the brick and mortar and then the freeze / thaw
cycles throughout the winter will break the chimney apart.
This ornamental rebuild in Cambridge was completed in Oct 2005
This chimney in Halton was rebuilt in June 2005.
This rebuild was completed in August 2004.
The chimney on the left was rebuilt in June 2004. A new clay
brick was used which closely resembled the yellow reclaimed
brick of the chimney on the right
This ornate chimney
in Kitchener was completed in
September 2002. The top and the "steps" have a
coating of CrownCoat
to provide additional protection.
This chimney was re-built
in the fall of 2001
This chimney won a Residential Heritage
Award
in Guelph in 1984.
These photos show a restoration completed in August 2001.
This chimney had two un-lined flues, yet serviced three
appliances. There were two fireplaces, one on top of the other, and the gas
furnace. In this instance, we installed a stainless steel liner in the flue to
the right (center photo) to service the gas furnace. In the flue to the
left, we had sufficient room to install two stainless steel liners. The
wrapped liner on the left is connected to a new Bellfires fireplace unit which
we installed in the main floor fireplace. The smaller liner in the center
is connected to a gas fireplace insert installed in the upstairs
fireplace. We were then able to make a slight adjustment to the chimney
structure above the roof to accommodate the flue liners, yet maintain the
historical style of the original chimney.
