The Beginning…

The owner of Todd’s was looking for a more functional way to heat his establishment. With a fireplace already “in place,” he wanted to further improve heating efficiency by installing a wood stove. He decided on the Buckstove model 94. We perform an inspection and thorough cleaning before getting to work on the installation. Upon our initial assessment and viewing how the liner would be terminated, we noticed some issues with the exterior portion of the chimney. The mortar on the brick corner pillars is deteriorating, opening up the possibility of the chimney cap caving in. Additionally, the chimney crown is not reaching the end of the bricks and the expansion joint is non-existant.

We perform an inspection and thorough cleaning before getting to work on the installation.

Here we notice the chimney shoulder, which also has some issues. The mortar joints are separating from the brick which indicates water infiltration, and the brick facing is spalling. Once again, the shoulder crown is not reaching the end of the bricks leaving the unit at further risk of being affected by the elements.

We get to work and eliminate the brick pillars. We then build and install custom forms to provide a 2 inch nominal overhang. We use new insulation as an expansion joint, which prevents the flue tile from cracking upon expansion.

Also shown here  is the 6″ stainless steel liner for the wood stove, which is terminated at the top of the crown and extends above

Here you can see the scaffolding we place in order to reach the heights necessary to make these improvements. Our fearless technicians “reach for the sky” to take your home improvements to new heights.

Our technician Brandon holds the top of the liner (which has been surrounded with the proper insulation) while it is attached to the Buckstove all the way at the other end of the chimney.

Here we see the Buckstove model 94 ready for installation. A stove adapter has been installed in the top to prepare for the connection to the liner.

The stove and surrounding is fully installed. Here we can see two happy owners; one from Todd’s Tavern and one from Alpha & Omega.

And the End…

Alpha & Omega Stove and Sweep

517-655-8515

Chimney, Masonry, Fireplace, Stoves (Wood, Gas, Pellet, Electric)

Repairs, Restoration, New Construction, Renovation, Design, Installation

Your Source For Chimney and Fireplace Work From Beginning To End –Lansing, MI

The Beginning….

This is an initial picture of the chimney. Notice the deteriorating stone on the top portion of the chimney. The concrete crown has receded and is no longer aligned with the brick structure. As a result, it has been infiltrated by moisture, leading to further erosion of the concrete and chimney leaking. Concrete on top of metal is a combination that is not a combination that we suggest as it often leads to problems down the road. What can’t be seen in this picture is the issues in the existing liner (discovered by our ChimScan device which allows for a thorough inspection from top to bottom of the entire system). This job will require improvements both to the top of the chimney and to the inner lining system. 

Our work begins by removing the existing chimney cap and chimney crown structure. The upper portion of the chimney is an integral area because it prevents water from entering (leading to leaking and unsafe operations) and discourages birds or other animals from nesting and taking up residence in your chimney.

We then build and install custom forms to provide a 2 inch nominal overhang. We use new insulation as an expansion joint, which prevents the flue tile from cracking upon expansion. Additionally, we reinforce the cement and 6″ x 13 x 13 clay liner section.

Upon completion, we have made improvements to allow for safe and long-lasting chimney performance for the homeowners.

We sealed the chimney flashing as required, installed a new top plate and chimney crown, and have redone the chimney crown section. Additionally, a new 6″ x 35 ‘ gas boiler liner has been installed. As you can see, the finished product looks better. However, the most important improvement will be seen in the performance, safety, and stability of the system. With proper inspections in the coming years, this family can expect to have worry-free fires, providing warmth and comfort for years to come.

And the End…

Alpha & Omega Stove and Sweep

517-655-8515

Chimney, Masonry, Fireplace, Stoves (Wood, Gas, Pellet, Electric)

Repairs, Restoration, New Construction, Renovation, Design, Installation

Your Source For Chimney and Fireplace Work From Beginning To End –Lansing, MI

Recently, we were approached with this chimney project. After our initial Level 2 Chimney Inspection and Cleaning, we consulted the homeowner with our suggestions for chimney repair and restoration. Upon the customers approval, we proceeded with the following chimney repair work:

Chimney Support Re-framing

We began by re-framing the chimney support in order to increase stability and structural integrity. A sturdy chimney means a long-lasting chimney through Michigan’s 4 seasons.

Note: The framework supporting the chimney previously had rotted completely.

Chimney Support Re-framing Completed

A rooftop view of the chimney, following support reframing.

Chimney Waterproof Insulation Installation

This chimney had field stone on 3 sides and cultured stone on the back side. In this case, we had to install new mortar on entire chimney as needed. After our re-mortar of the field stone, we installed waterproof insulation on the interior of chimney chase. We installed the waterproof insulation in order to prevent leaking and water buildup.

Chimney Waterproof Insulation Installation Completed

Chimney Waterproof Insulation Install Completed

A rooftop view of the chimney, following insulation install.

Chimney Liner – Class A Installation

We installed concrete board on the entire interior of chimney chase before Class A chimney liner was installed. We re-used existing Class A chimney liner after our repair work to the interior was completed.

A top view of the chimney, following liner re-install.

Chimney Masonry- Cultured Stone Install Complete

The back portion of the chimney previously was done in cultured stone, ideally the field stone would have continued to the back of the chimney as well. With what we had to work with, in regards to current structural support, the best option for restoration was to maintain the existing cultured stone installation.

Chimney Crown – Formed and Poured

We installed 2×4 (nominal) forms to pour the chimney crown, which will allow water to run off and keep it from forming a crack at the cultured stone/crown union. We installed expansion joints at all material unions to allow for varying rates of expansion and contraction.

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Fire Safety Begins Where Your Chimney Troubles End:

Alpha & Omega Stove and Sweep

517-655-8515

Chimney, Masonry, Fireplace, Stoves (Wood, Gas, Pellet, Electric)

Repairs, Restoration, New Construction, Renovation, Design, Installation

Your Source For Chimney and Fireplace Work From Beginning To End –Lansing, MI