Hello.
Can it be considered very difficult to build up a chimney from the ridge and a meter up? I don't have direct masonry experience but could be classified as reasonably handy..
It's an old brick chimney that has basically collapsed above the ridge, but with the prices I've seen, I'm not insanely eager to hire a mason to do the job, plus it's always fun to be able to do it yourself.. I suspect that I'll still have to hire someone to seal the rest of the chimney considering how it looks above the ridge, but that will have to be a later problem..
//Mårten
Can it be considered very difficult to build up a chimney from the ridge and a meter up? I don't have direct masonry experience but could be classified as reasonably handy..
It's an old brick chimney that has basically collapsed above the ridge, but with the prices I've seen, I'm not insanely eager to hire a mason to do the job, plus it's always fun to be able to do it yourself.. I suspect that I'll still have to hire someone to seal the rest of the chimney considering how it looks above the ridge, but that will have to be a later problem..
//Mårten
Hello!
I had no masonry experience when I extended the basement, about 60m2. It's underground with one side visible (a kind of walk-out basement). It’s still standing after 20 years, even though I've parked a 4.6-ton motorhome on top. (Naturally arched) I consider myself reasonably handy as you mentioned, and in your place, I would build it myself.
If the chimney hasn’t been used in a few years, it might not hurt to have it pressure-tested. You can do that anyway to ensure it is sealed properly. It wouldn’t be very pleasant if smoke were to leak in, and even worse if it caught fire somewhere in the wall or beams.
I had no masonry experience when I extended the basement, about 60m2. It's underground with one side visible (a kind of walk-out basement). It’s still standing after 20 years, even though I've parked a 4.6-ton motorhome on top. (Naturally arched) I consider myself reasonably handy as you mentioned, and in your place, I would build it myself.
If the chimney hasn’t been used in a few years, it might not hurt to have it pressure-tested. You can do that anyway to ensure it is sealed properly. It wouldn’t be very pleasant if smoke were to leak in, and even worse if it caught fire somewhere in the wall or beams.
Check out my posts about chimneys, where you'll find great tips on how to make a chimney crown once you've finished building. I had never built a chimney either, but I took it very slowly and carefully, doing three layers per day. I had the bricks soaked in water before I built with mortar C. If you're somewhat handy, it will go just fine.
Party! Thanks for the responses everyone, that sounds good! Hopefully, the property purchase will go through tomorrow and after that, I will have plenty to do with both masonry and all sorts of renovations in the coming years.. =) It's going to be really damn fun!