I’m wondering if it is possible to remove a brick chimney just below the roofline that is on an exterior wall? We were going to try to do that and cap off the top, because some of the top of the opening would still be exposed to the outside. But I can’t find any information or photos about people who have done this type of job. We really want it only removed just below the roofline, so we don’t have to find and replace all that aluminum siding where the house exterior would become exposed.
I attached a photo of the chimney and one of where the vent is closed off inside the house.
Replies
doable
Any truly skilled/experienced remodeling carpenter could handle such a job and should offer insight on whether it is a good idea and how far to go with the demo. Some judgement will likely change as the job progresses.
Is all that fascia and overhang as deteriorated as it looks in the pic?
Knock it down to a point about even with the soffit, then top with a concrete or stone slab, sloping slightly away from the house. Repair the fascia to whatever extent you desire.
Yes, the soffit is badly rotted, and it has already been repaired once by a previous owner. I was nervous that it was repeat rot, but I'm not thrilled about removing the chimney either. Maybe it would be sufficient just need to make sure to get the flashing right when we get our new roof?
I would take down the chimney and reside that side of the house or repair the chimney and properly flash it on the roof. That's an interesting building, do you have any more pictures?
What repair work needs to be done?
I do have pictures! Needs a lot of work, but here it is. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/po7e9wib19g620k/AABdaCRHxVx1HjM2Hfl4LpePa
What repair work needs to be done on the chimney?
I think the mortar and possibly the bricks are deteriorating from just below the soffit to the top. It's hard to tell from the picture. Also, the brick should go to the top of the flue for appearance sakes. Then the top of the bricks should have a crown cap to prevent water from getting into the brickwork. This could all be done by a good mason. Lead flashing should be cut into the mortar to prevent roof leaks.
That's a neat old house!
Jess
Proper flashing is the key. If the roofer brings out a can of black roof goop............fire him.
you'll be glad to know that you need to lay up more brick.......get a qualified mason to flash and lay up a proper chimney that won't fail, he'll be able to counter flash so there'll be no problems down the road.
What masonry repair work needs to be done on the chimney? What is wrong with what is already there? Thanks for the help.
Jess
More brick.
like mark mentions,the masonry chimney appears unfinished and needs to be properly taken care of. Positive part would be easier to flash and counter flashed, in conjunction with your roof.
looks like quite an undertaking. Pity they paneling'd that one room. Doesn't come close to the wood interior boarding you have there. And the chair rail..............
paint might help knock down their impact.
what's your plans for the porch?
I second the nomination for taking it all down...
If it's not in use, I would take it down to the ground, re-side the exterior and properly patch the roof, soffit and fascia. I know it's a big pill to swallow, but once done you will never regret it. I would bet there is rot in the wall framing behind the chimney in addition to damage done near the edges of the chimney adjacent to the siding... Rain against the brick will keep the humidiity elevatd this area - any moisture in the brick will seek the warmer surfaces for evaporation..in this case the interior walls... When the chimney was being used, it would dry itself out through use, but now, it may hold much more moisture and become nothing but trouble down the line...
Jess
Remember, the energy expended to do it right could in the long run be the most econical
best of luck.