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1. jamjets
   Member Profile

   Anyone have a mason reccomendation for preventive maintenance of a chimney?

   60 year young home in WS, very well built. Chimney is all accessible from low pitch roof. Working height is 4-6 feet above roof line. Roof is easily accessible. Oil burner was removed, so one (of 3)chimney outlets needs to be capped. We have placed new flooring in finished basement and a little water (small puddle)gets in via the abandoned flue 2-3 times per winter.

   Looking for dedicated and reliable profesional to:

   1)remove mortar curb/cap (on top on last brick course)which surrounds terracotta pipes

   2)cap abandoned outlet terracotta

   3)re-mortar chimney top to high professional standard.

   4)install low cost caps/ rain covers on remaining two fireplace outlets.

   5)Check and caulk all chimney flashing as needed

   This is not a "crisis" job, and as I mentioned I want a pro, not a hack. I expect this to be a one day job or less. The chimney top is sealed off from the elements right now (heavy shower pan liner)so I can wait for weather or scheduling in order to receive a professional job.

   Please let me know if you have had similar experience or work done, Thanks!

   Posted 1 year ago #         

2. redblack
   Member Profile

   

   i work for a masonry company. tuck-pointing stacks and capping chimneys is what we do.

   shoot me an email, i'll point you to our website, and if you like the cut of our jib, we'll take a look and give you an estimate.

   there are pictures of commercial work on there - don't be intimidated! when the economy was bigger, so were we. we do a lot of residential work these days, and no job is too small.

   w.s.redblack at gmail dot com

   Posted 1 year ago #         

3. Diana
   Member Profile

   I highly recommend Emerald City Chimney. Very professional, high quality work, excellent masons. I've referred them to others and have always received positive feedback.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

4. redblack
   Member Profile

   

   just a semantics note, jamjets:

   when you're shopping for bids, the "chimney outlet" is a flue; the terra cotta part is the flue liner.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

5. jamjets
   Member Profile

   Yep, I knew I could look up the proper terms on the web, I sorta knew them but could not recall when I posted. I did sorta explain the work and access pretty well though I think!

   Thanks I will follow up!

   Posted 1 year ago #         

6. jamjets
   Member Profile

   Have some folks lined up to look and time is on my side for good work days. Thanks for the shout outs by Diana and redblack. No further recommendations needed at this time and as always, WSB rocks!

   Posted 1 year ago #         

7. casaboba
   Member Profile

   jamjets, I am searching for a professional mason to address some "freeze/thaw cycle" (shifting bricks/cracking mortar) brick repair on our front-porch. Was your masonry work completed to your satisfaction? If so, would you be willing to make a recommendation? Thanks!

   Posted 10 months ago #         

8. kootchman
   Member Profile

   Ask a masonry god. The best assurance of a good company? They pay their bills on time and have sterling credit with a major supply house.. Masons Supply Company, Atlas Construction Supply, Atlas Construction Specialities...etc. Most consumers get screwed over upfront money. Don't give one red cent until after the job is completed and done! If they are so cash strapped and have such crappy credit that they need "material money" RUN AWAY ! A good reputable company with time in the business means they have a line of credit ....they generally get 30 - 60 days to pay their material suppliers. If you talk to a suppliers) and the same name pops up a couple of times..that is a good start... and for heavens sake.... check their license, and ESPECIALLY their workmans comp insurance... if they have none and a worker gets injured they are dragging you into court and the liability will fall on your and your homeowners insurance. Finally.. YOU write the contract...start and finish dates.. be sure to include the clause.. "time is of the essence".. remember contractors contracts are written to protect their interests, not yours.. Check with the state...make sure the contractors license is current.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

9. casaboba
   Member Profile

   Mr. K: aka "Masonry GOD." Thank you for your nonpartisan recommendations and suggestions. I appreciate your assistance.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

10. redblack
    Member Profile

    

    boba: any puget sound-area mason who's worth his salt has an account with mutual materials and/or salmon bay sand and gravel. mutual's web site has a great online catalog if you want some inspiration for your porch steps.

    as i said months ago, i work for a masonry company. we might be a little pricier than fly-by-night bricklayers, but we're licensed, bonded, and insured.

    (btw, if you looked at our web site, yes, we did build the block shell and install the stone veneer on the westwood village barnes & noble. and, uh, don't blame us if the stone is falling off of the store front: we told the GC many times that his substrate was installed wrong, but he "knew better.")

    disclaimer: i'm not a principal in our company; nor do i do "side work." but i take pride in my job and my company, and as the principal hod carrier and logistics guy, i treat every customer's home as if it was mine.

    and always remember the golden rule of shopping for contractors:

    you get what you pay for.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

11. jamjets
    Member Profile

    Almost missed the renewed forum thread! Emerald City was prompt in their inspection, bid, and work. The only drawback I would say is the new mortar is of course lighter than the original and shows quite a bit still. Expected I know, and will even out with time. I would be confident having redblack's company bid too. He's right and quality work is....well, it's not cheap.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

12. casaboba
    Member Profile

    Thank you also RedBlack & JamJets for your recommendations and insights. I appreciate your assistance.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

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