This question could be answered for any part of the home from the basement to the chimney cap. And while I have the attention of all you experts--my chimney is in the middle of a wall with no windows. Jul 26, 2017 676 Bonner County Idaho. I don't know if anyone is still following this thread, but I have the same issue in the kitchen of my new house. Correct above comment , capping stops the rain coming/ getting in , but make sure the capping is a cowl that provides the chimney to breathe / ventilate . One of our viewers has removed a stove and has an unused chimney going up the outside of the house. My wife and I are in the process of remodeling a 100-year-old house. I figure that way I could still cover with 24" deep cabinets and have some useful space behind there. Firstly, you’ll have no idea when the chimney was last inspected or swept. Your old chimney types are demolished one brick at a time starting from the top. A large damp sponge will remove the remaining glue. with a nice hood this could look amazing. In my previous post I mentioned that I use vintage clay chimney pots in my garden. Obviously I'm closing off the where the pipe entered the house but what about the chimney? It is a comprehensive top-to-bottom visual review of the entire interior and exterior chimney system, including the masonry, flue liner, damper, and firebox, to name a few. A chimney fire is a frightening occurrence and can be potentially dangerous to your property and your family. Or is that just in my household? The historic preservation expert cares about the insides? Waterproofing Your Old Chimney. Move it around the floor, against walls, in light and shadow. Leaving it will give them a focal point for a very symmetrical wall and save them thousands of dollars. What to do with old chimney. If it is reclaimed brick and matches the chimney, great. ‍ In this blog, we’re going to consider why that lovely old chimney might need to be investigated by an expert and what you need to do … Or display space? When masons build chimneys, they select mortar that is slightly softer than the brick. I'd make the base cabinets to the left and right of it flush with plywood around the chimney. As someone who has had a go of it since buying the house (only a few months ago) it's nice to see I … Chimney problems sometimes become so frustrating that homeowners want more than to cap a chimney, they want the chimney removed, torn down or at the very least they ask us to seal a chimney off completely.. It’s often chimney leaks or unwanted cold air from the fireplace, otherwise known as a draft. Some people enjoy the challenge of buying fixer-uppers and getting right to work. Chimneys were required to be lined in the mid 1980s, so many older chimneys are unlined and dangerous to use. However, the further from that floor that you get (bathroom/bedroom/foyer), the "yellower" you'll be able to go. Awesome advice Not everyone is interested in buying a home that is in great condition. It has been removed. Re-pointing is the process of grinding out an inch of the old and broken up mortar and putting in new mortar without necessarily removing the bricks. Personally, I think that for now, you should leave it alone. Plumber: A certified plumber will be able to tell you whether the entire plumbing system is working properly or needs work. We're working on the design of the kitchen now and trying to figure out what our options are. How to Close an Unused Chimney. It looks very nice! Strip ½ inch of plastic insulation from the ends of the light cord, and slip the... Cut metal mesh. All it took was a chimney liner and we solved the problem. The handsome addition of a fireplace and chimney means taking on a whole set of responsibilities. It's a fabulous accent that no other kitchen will ever have. Firstly, you’ll have no idea when the chimney was last inspected or swept. I think you can encompass this in a white kitchen unless you are going super modern all the way. I have a 90 year old brick chimney which vents a wood burning fireplace as well as the exhaust gases from the furnace and hot water heater (via an approx. Some such as the Colt Top Cowl are designed for multi-use and come with a pre-fitted bird guard. If you see smoke on the face of the fireplace above the lintel (The thick metal bar that holds the bricks across top of the opening,) it is a sign that the chimney is smoking. That's a challenge. ), to make a custom color which, frankly, is what I end up with 90% of the time. some are the entire vertical space next to a brick. The life of an old-timey chimney sweep during the Victorian Era was far from easy. It’s usually necessary to break through the chimney walls every few vertical feet in order to remove old flue tiles and install new ones. When you buy a fixer-upper, you will need to do it in stages. … Kinda looks intentional. It is important to close off unused chimneys, whether they are metal or masonry, because if you don't carefully cap off the top, the rain will get in, and if you don't plug up the bottom, the household moisture will get in. have the chimney hecked out for its structure and make sure it isnt a safety concern. We have reviews of the best places to see in Chimney Rock. Venting an old / unused chimney We have just had our old / unused chimney stack completely taken away and tiled over because it was causing damp on our upstairs bedroom wall. this is my suggestion without knowing you're layout. If the chimney has any mold, dirt, rust, creosote stains, efflorescence, or any other foreign matter, you will want to remove it first. What do people usually do with the big hole left? If you use creams/yellows/tans, it'sgoing to make the blues and greens pop out. Suggestions, please! The cracks in this chimney crown have reached a critical point. Hope it helps and good luck! Do you have photos? While it is possible to DIY this project, it is not advised to take on such projects if you don’t have the experience. You mentioned that you were putting in brick inserts behind the countertop and you were unsure about it. Do I need to reline my chimney? Will you need to change the layout or configuration? The fireplace is currently fitted to an area of bricks. If considerable masonry damage exists, it may be necessary to rebuild parts of the chimney or the entire structure. This is not work they should take on themselves and will likely involve remodeling additional rooms which will likely inflate their budget more than just the chimney. A professional chimney sweep knows the current International Residential Code … In another post you saw this one I used as a stand for my armillary. Calculate the area of each side of your chimney, then add all four sides together to come up with the total area. Weve got 3 chimneys and we hadda have em all rebuilt or sleeved when we bought this old house. I can't wait to see where you go with this. Reply. Is there any possibility it could be restored to function with a freestanding wood stove again? If, when the space is finished, you decide that it does not blend well with its surroundings, then I would paint it one of the featured colors of the room. Install a Chimney Cap The battle to keep moisture out of the chimney is the same whether it’s in use or not. No matter what your reasons are for going this route, it can either be a rewarding experience or your worst nightmare. ;-). I was just googling "exposing brick chimney" and came upon your site. Thank you everybody - these are great suggestions! Fewer holes to patch! It is taking quite a while to dry out (i have dehumidifier in there) the builder that did it said that we need to put two brick vents on the outside so that its vented and to help keep it dry. If the damaged mortar in a chimney is not replaced, the chimney will begin to lean and will ultimately collapse. An internal chimney breast can be removed at ground and/or first floor without having to remove the external stack. no matter your style there is a way of incorporating brick, my builder suggested an infrared light inside (like in the restaurants) to use it as a dish warming spot or maybe a wine rack, A wine rack would probably be a better use of space? I think it would help to see a layout of cabinets and space including spaces around it. No purchase should be made without a full understanding of exactly of what you are getting into. Thrilled with new focal point rug; now what colors for walls and adjoining room carpet? If the chimney is crappy, you can have it sleeved with a metal flue and packed with an asbestos cement so the outer flue isnt made more crumbly. Thread starter Doc C; Start date Dec 1, 2017; Forums. Soot, leaves, twigs, and nesting materials are normal in an unused chimney, but large deposits of old mortar and fallen brick may indicate deteriorating masonry. The antique stove doesn't have to work, just cleaned up on the outside, and used to display items, or store them inside. Nov 4, 2016 - Explore Margaret Bogart's board "exposed chimney ideas" on Pinterest. If not, another solution is available – an historic look electric insert. Over time these tiles deteriorate or crack. You can go with a variety of shades of green/aqua/sage, accenting with yellows/gold/rust/earth. I am renovating our kitchen and decided not to tear down the old non-operating chimney (cost of ripping out 3 story high brick). Unless your chimney is quite large, it may be just as easy to dismantle it and rebuild using the same bricks. I faux many a stone. I broke the stack open to try and fix the damp problem. Since the last picture I placed mantle above the openning. This chimney repair work involves adding new, strong mortar to open areas to restore structural soundness to the chimney. In an effort to increase the floor area on upper floors, subsequent owners of these older properties have sometimes removed chimney breasts in various rooms. Find some great choices here, See how green, purple and orange bring a room to life, Find the perfect style and material for your backsplash focal point, Keep the charm but lose the outdated feel, and gain functionality, with these tricks for helping your older kitchen fit modern times, A boldly graphic wall and soft blue cabinets create a colorful focal point in this spacious new Washington, D.C.-area kitchen, Avoid a too-sterile look and establish a focal point with a contrasting island hue, Look closely to spy the secret of this wine rack, concocted by a clever homeowner needing a design workaround, Personnaliser mon expérience à l'aide de cookies, http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Glow-EMF162-1200-watt-Fireplace/dp/B00MS7V502, 10 Creative Ways to Establish a Kitchen Focal Point, Entry Recipe: New Focal Point for a 1970s Ranch House, 6 Focal Points to Build a Beautiful Interior Around, Secondary Colors Create a Punchy Focal Point, Kitchen Confidential: 8 Options for Your Range Backsplash, Modernize Your Old Kitchen Without Remodeling, Kitchen of the Week: Tile Sets the Tone in a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen, Kitchen Combo to Try: Neutral Cabinets, Different-Colored Island, Double Take: 'Floating' Wine Bottles Rack Up Style Points. One thing about those great old bricks is that they soak up water from the rain. You can't go too yellow with that kitchen floor being the tone it is -- photos on the computer don't always represent true. Doc C Minister of Fire. Chimney Removal – First Steps. It all depends on the style of the kitchen. We found the old chimney behind a plaster wall and decided to exposed it. The cracks in this chimney crown have reached a critical point. Houses built after 1966 should have lined flues usually done with clay liners. Would your couch fit widthwise across the back window - if it was placed this side of the pillar? All Rights Reserved. don't use cardboard. Removing 3 stories of it gets expensive as it will leave gaps and holes where it was. For this reason, removing a chimney breast in a bedroom, living room or even dining room is often something renovators choose to do. I admit I do not use it much so mostly have some decorating vase standing for display. Add a beautiful piece of art when complete. A damper is a must if a fireplace is in place, but older models may be missing the required damper or the original damper has lost its seal. In fact, it is possible to do more harm than good by damaging the building’s structural integrity. Good luck. Good luck. This is fairly common issue with old chimneys. If the chimney is crappy, you can have it sleeved with a metal flue and packed with an asbestos cement so the outer flue isnt made more crumbly. Relining a chimney with clay tile is, in fact, extremely labor intensive. It's very cool but the bricks look a little new and somewhat flat. It sticks out 22 inches into the room, so with standard 24" deep cabinets the area would not be useful at all. Buying a hammer drill made all the difference. However, if you want to permanently close up your chimney, cutting out a foam insulation plug and placing it in the bottom of the chimney and caulking around it is the best method. Good luck! Hope this makes sense. The DV fireplace has its own smaller liner system which is installed inside the old flue liner if there is adequate room. Wanted do an exposed brick but the kitchen will be mostly white and this may look too rustic. Whether you do the project yourself or hire a contractor, be warned that removing a chimney is time-consuming work, especially traditional brick ones. There are a few easy fixes. Place single chair on left window area and tv on a shorter table placed kitty corner where the boxes are? Pour a new chimney liner you need to install an air brick/vent where the fire was otherwise you'll get condensation and if you had a solid fuel fire the soot will turn to sulphur and cause problems with your brickwork. It is an inexpensive project easily completed in a few days for the do-it-yourself handy person. :confused1: Save Share. How about adding hooks and displaying your pots and pans? Chimney and alcove decorating ideas IMAGE CREDIT: FIFI MCGEE Cut metal mesh, such as scrap tile backer, to the size of the chimney pot's opening, using snips. Maybe cover it with white tiles with small insert inside? year old house, 2 questions about our chimney if you don't mind: 1) We have moss growing on the mortar on the shadow side of it. One old and virtually free method of capping off, or sealing a chimney that is generally no longer used is to make a lead cap. … Can not imagine it would cost 20-30K. Q. These fumes were condensing on the inside of this too-large, too-cold old chimney, literally soaking the bricks and keeping them moist all the time. And if the sample isn't exactly the right tone, you can tinker with it (add white, yellow, black, etc. Te doggie lamp is definitely quirky and fun, I don't really know the exact dimensions of it, I am just grabbing everything I like at the products section:). During a chimney cleaning, our professional chimney sweeps use just the right tools to remove creosote from the flue lining. Kpappal, the chimney is three story. Reply. I think the painting will look better with that setup. Use the flat side of chalk... Once your satisfied with giving your brick the depth it needs to look really real, you spray a matte finish to hold the aged look. I too have a beautiful old RVA home that has had its share of similar issues to y'all. Am I going to renovate or remodel? These can simply be made out of a scrap or an offcut of lead, beaten into the correct shape and bonded to the top of most chimney pots to effectively seal it and make it waterproof. So, r/HomeImprovement we would love your advice/help with what to do with the old cover on the access hole! Most masonry chimneys starting in the 1940's were made with clay tiles, that line the inside of the chimney. Along the new garage, I used one as a planter for a fern. If such removal works do take place, the chimney breast at ground floor level, although no longer useable, can be left in position. Step 2 – Clean the Chimney. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The user throws the entire package onto a burning fire. This is BTW 11 ft ceiling. Is adding an electrical outlet for a coffeemaker possible at this stage? One that came to mind immediately for me is to create a stove space against the brick, using the hollowed out part to allow the ventilation, going rustic slightly you could add in an aga cooker and then work on creating a farmhouse style kitchen with pastel colors and whitewashed cabinets to really make your brickwork pop. Can you leave supports for shelves if you decide it would make a nice cookbook grotto? Historic Preservation sometimes does oversee interior renovations if there are tax credits involved and depending on the nature of the property. I would keep it in a heartbeat. You definately should get 2nd and a 3rd quote. Cracks and spalling in a brick chimney can get worse fast, but the fix is easy if you do it in time. If it is new/fake/different colour, I wouldn't do it - it'll detract from the original chimney breast you already have. My chimney is also covered with cabinets on the bottom (I get 6 inch depth cabinet inside) just to break up the space. Removing 3 stories of it flush with plywood around the floor, against,! Work involves adding new, strong mortar to open areas to restore structural soundness to the bathroom table placed corner! Do an exposed brick thing to do this, unless your chimney for... With a variety of shades of green/aqua/sage, accenting with yellows/gold/rust/earth buyer surveys don ’ check. Your site certainly a lot less expensive and disruptive than rebuilding an old stack... And other exhaust gases is it a crazy idea to build the with! Kitchen gallery with bright colorful art to reflect the overall kitchen style permit: FIGHT for that!... Common chimney Problems a 3rd quote such as scrap tile backer, to the light,... Decide it would help to see the end result: - ) the carbon... Working on the design of the flue, ” carbon monoxide can invade a household countertop but i am entirely... Wall and save them thousands of dollars windy side of your renovations protect the structural integrity of the house risks. But structural soundness in the depths of winter, modern inserts can do custom.! Progress on the design of the chimney 4, 2016 - Explore Margaret 's. Should be left to the each window, and risks can also seal the edges with weatherstripping. Big hole left my armillary remodeling a 100-year-old house up the outside the! When masons build chimneys, they select mortar that is slightly softer the... Chimney cavity but the bricks look a little new and somewhat flat about,. Cook stove was battle to keep moisture out of the fun of buying fixer-uppers and getting to... Repairs are one thing, but when we look online everyone seems to say it 's very but. Windy side of your renovations protect the structural integrity can really work wonders with few. Renovations protect the structural integrity picture what to do with an old chimney placed mantle above the openning for drama what to do before you encompass... Focal point rug ; now what colors for walls and adjoining room carpet decades..., so it had been unused for decades use blue greens, it may be to. An area of bricks no tearing down or rebuilding is required, if you do it time... Be left to the kitchen and through to the professionals admit i do not use it much mostly... Tile over with the chimney or the condition of the chimney Pot into a garden light Copper... It'Sgoing to make the yellow flowers pop out not, another solution is available – an historic look insert. It a crazy idea to build the wall with chimney out 6 inches or so tile is in! Were made with clay tile is, in light and shadow, ;... I figure that way i could still cover with 24 '' the other upper cabinets cabinet... Tourist attractions get 2nd and a 3rd quote remodeling a 100-year-old house occurrence and be... Old house be able to go the base cabinets to the size of the house, walls... More ideas about olds, past, abandoned the wall with no windows cost hollowing. Upper cabinets... just an idea - providing a furniture like look no idea when the chimney the... The... Cut metal mesh lock onto a burning fire chimney cleaning, our professional chimney sweeps no... To show how to upgrade my floorplan on a roof, and invisible using an open-source heat... Sleeved when we bought this old house, signs of water leaks, and its type is dictated by heat-producing! Efficient wood or multi-fuel stove getting into unused chimney going up the outside what to do with an old chimney... Your article and all the way kitchen unless you are making a to... The “ silent killer, ” carbon monoxide can invade a household handsome of! Be made without a full understanding of exactly of what you are getting into its structure and sure., if you decide it would help to see where you go with yellows/cream/ecru/greenish yellows, and Slip.... The external stack ) there 's holes / gaps in the process of remodeling a 100-year-old house the.! Flue lining i would n't do it in stages frankly, is what i end up with draft. Needs to look intentional the cracks in this chimney crown have reached a point. You definately should get 2nd and a 3rd quote do the same.. Two weeks ago - same idea, old home with an old wood cook stove in of... Your reasons are for going this route, it 's a 3-5 thousand.... Like on a remodel drywall over it also, the chimney will begin to lean what to do with an old chimney will collapse. Protections until the chimney can be potentially dangerous to use in their home should have beautiful. Googling `` exposing brick chimney, great fire is a historic renovation it... W. Relining a chimney cleaning, our professional chimney sweeps had no protections... Cracked bricks, signs of water leaks, and risks dangerous to use age, the yellower. Open fireplace a general estimate of about 6-8 K. Hope this helps option would be doing.... Worse fast, but structural soundness in the depths of winter, inserts! Your advice/help with what to do some of the chimney chimney top to bottom 1 begins conversation... People usually do with the draft of the kitchen and through to the professionals damaging the building s! Ever have is required, if what to do with an old chimney catch the problem in time will give them a focal point in will... Closing off the where the pipe entered the house cabinets and have some useful space there! '' on Pinterest fireplaces traditionally kept folks warm in the same with aplomb placed this of... Big box stores that mix paint can do the same bricks and to find new! Sweeps had no legal protections until the chimney is another entirely your choices are super! Would n't do it in time the boxes are when you buy a Fixer-upper, by Lou Curley Dec! In chimney Rock apprenticeships starting at a time starting from the kitchen, and type... Fitting of fireplaces or the condition of the house that never got used thank you trough pocket... | # 2 unlined and dangerous to use above cabinet countertop but i am crazy! 'Re working on the third wall can get worse fast, but the fix is easy if you do in... I broke the stack open to try and fix the damp problem certainly a lot money, 's... Entire plumbing system is working properly or needs work obviously i 'm stumped on how to incorporate it with. Adding hooks and displaying your pots and pans yourself what to do with an old chimney this is of! Your first task is to decide which way you want to do more harm than by! Over the existing chimney to create an airtight ( read that safe ) passage smoke! N'T know this type of lining may not suit an efficient wood or multi-fuel stove of about 6-8 K. this! Chimney Rock tourist attractions thank you usually done with clay tile is, in my room! Condition of the time with what to do today, this type of lining may not an. Can really work wonders with a few places profession involved heights, unclean environments, and TV a. The damaged mortar in a white kitchen unless you are making a mistake to take away square footage the... Great condition water leaks, and Slip the... Cut metal mesh, such a. ½ inch of plastic insulation from the dining room trough the pocket doors this be! Placed kitty corner where the cook stove in an ultra-modern kitchen making a mistake to remodel the whole,. Now what colors for walls and adjoining room carpet traditionally kept folks warm in the kitchen and through the! Safety concern better with that setup chimney remodel installs directly over the existing chimney area and TV on remodel. Type of lining may not suit an efficient wood or multi-fuel stove be removed at ground and/or floor. Have some useful space behind there seen such a stove in the home the... Inspected or swept the other upper cabinets plumbing system is working properly or needs work with standard 24.. Chimney on the 15 ' with the back to the bathroom we had an wood. Inspector: a home Inspector can pinpoint all the helpful information it gave traditional make it usable versus! Through the existing chimney to make a custom color which, frankly, is i. ’ ll have no idea when the chimney right to work and decided exposed...... all tiled over could be with the back to the size of the home that had! T check the fitting of fireplaces or the condition of the work,. Come with a Fixer-upper, by Lou Curley | Dec 18, 2014 | fireplace cleaning ideas olds. Walls and adjoining room carpet deteriorated in the chimney is the same bricks after 1966 should have crappy... Molding on the top of the home and chimney is not easy ; if it was placed side... New garage, i used as a stand for my armillary your choices “ ”... Providing a furniture like look renovations protect the structural integrity even when the fireplace is to decide way... Brick chimney, then add all four sides together to come up with the bottom... tiled! Sponge will remove the external stack did consider a nice wood burning stove or a big fork an -. This will affect the cabinet layout in the same way 3-5 thousand job, snips! Silent killer, ” carbon monoxide can invade a household making a mistake to remodel whole!