Granite Chimney Cap Installation

Solid granite steps installation with cobblestone landing in South Portland, Maine.

Four solid granite steps and a cobblestone landing are installed in South Portland, Maine.
The original failed concrete steps are demolished. The debris is removed. The site is excavated. Two steel reinforced concrete pads are formed and poured. The first steel reinforced concrete pad acts as a base for the cobblestone landing as well as a retaining wall that abuts the back of the solid granite steps. The retaining wall section of the pad will prevent the steps from being moved by the frost as well as a solid structure for the back of the steps to meet. The second pad will be a base for the steps. Next the granite steps are delivered and set on the ground to be cut to match the dimension of the original steps. The solid granite steps are then carefully set in place along with solid granite risers. A stone dust base is installed upon the landing’s concrete base. The dust will act as drainage for the landing as well as proper grading. It will also serve as buffer so that the landing properly meets both the top granite step and the bottom of the existing wooden steps. The cobblestones are first laid out to determine the best symmetrical pattern. Measurements and marking of the cobblestones is done before the stones are cut to the appropriate size. The cobblestones are then set upon the landing. Next the joints are filled with stone dust. There are quite a few other tasks involved. This is not a simple task by any means and should only be left to qualified professionals.

stone wall in cape elizabeth restored.3g2

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Why Are Chimney Inspections Important?

Why Are Chimney Inspections Important?

There are many reasons why it is Important to have periodic chimney inspections. There are many hazards that can interrupt the safe operation of a chimney system.

One chimney often services multiple heating systems in the home such as furnaces, fireplaces and fossil fuel stoves. Any system, that comprises the use of fossil fuels, requires adequate exhaust to remove emissions.
This is possible due to the fact that most chimneys contain multiple flues. If a chimney has only one flue, it should only service one system. There are cases where two or more systems use a single flue. This is considered hazardous and a serious code violation.

If you believe your chimney has only one flue, yet you have more than one system exhausting to that chimney, there exists a hazard that needs correction.

A chimney is designed to remove noxious exhaust from household heating systems. It is akin to the exhaust pipe on a tractor trailer truck. The stack is elevated beyond the cab enclosure of a tractor trailer, in an effort to exhaust the emissions into the atmosphere above the occupants. Without a properly operating chimney, the occupants of the structure are exposed to dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is undetectable by the natural senses. Any home that contains a system that is powered by fossil fuel combustion should also contain carbon monoxide detectors. If your carbon monoxide detector detects carbon monoxide, the structure should be vacated at once.

Due to the harsh weather in Maine and the high concentrations of salt in the atmosphere near the coast, chimneys take a lot of abuse. Chimney enemy number one is a damp salty atmosphere. Salt in the air is corrosive to the brick and mortar of a chimney. Though a chimney may appear stable from the ground, at higher levels the mortar is generally softer. The crown and final courses will take the brunt of the abuse and are the most likely to show failures. When the mortar joints take on water they eventually reach a point of saturation. When the joints have failed and are saturated, water begins to infiltrate the structure. This leads to interior damage to the building as well as accelerated decay of adjacent mortar joints.

The best preventative measure is to periodically apply masonry sealant to exposed masonry as well as scheduling of periodic chimney inspection. For Cumberland County Maine, There is RL Sanborn Masonry, a Chimney Inspection Contractor.