07/17/2026
Look at this masterpiece. Unfortunately, the internal workings do not work. See all the smoke stain on the stone mantle. When this outdoor fireplace was constructed, the Landscaping Mason made their best attempt. It looks good however it does not draft the smoke up the chimney. The internal workings of the fire box, throat, smoke shelf, smoke chamber, and transition to the manufactured chimney system above are all done wrong and it’s actually about to catch the wood beams of the roof on fire. They accomplished this by telling the customer that they did not need to pull a permit for an outside fireplace. That it a sign that they don’t know the codes and standards of the fireplace and chimney industry. Now we are tearing this thing open and trying to save it. Removing stones and saving them so we can reincorporate them after. We’ll have to open up two exterior walls to gain proper access to reconstruct the back wall of the fire box, the smoke chamber walls, reinforce it with steel posts in the interior, and remove all the combustible material that’s going inside of the masonry that’s too close to the masonry smoke chamber. There should be air space and clearance to combustibles and there is not. That’s a fire hazard, and the wooden beams behind this stone veneer are charring. After the masonry is correct, we can install a new 16 inch round stainless steel chimney system 15 feet high off the roof. Then when they build a raging fire, all the smoke will go up the chimney and they can finally enjoy their outdoor living space. Customers you should not have to pay twice for fireplace and chimney work. Make sure you do your homework, don’t go with the cheapest bid, ask questions about codes and standards, ask for references, pay good money for highly certified and qualified chimney and fireplace professionals.
