Masonry Rebuilds

Chimneys
   Do you know where you were the day the earthquake hit? I certainly know where I was. Code has changed in the northwest since the 2001 quake, and rightfully so. The number of chimneys we have demolished and rebuilt since that time has been impressive, to say the least. If the chimney proposal exceeds $4,000, a permit must be acquired from the city, in Seattle. In Tacoma, a permit must be acquired for any chimney rebuild. Each municipality is different regarding permits. One thing is the same throughout the Puget Sound area. When rebuilding a chimney it must be braced and tied into the structure of the house at the plate line and, depending on the height of the chimney, braced again mid way up the chimney through the roof line into the roof joists. Depending on the depth of the chimney, the chimney must be lined from the rebuild area to the top with flue liners. The area between the liner and the brick is grouted in solid. In some cases this is not necessary, but as a general rule, it is.