Laserfiche WebLink
June 4, 2015, <br />Re: 517 River Ave -Chimney COA <br />I met with the owner, Leah today at the property. The exterior of the <br />chimney above the roofline was covered with a tarp to keep the elements out. I <br />was able to view the attic and interior stack though an access panel in a bedroom <br />closet. I was however unable to pull myself into the attic as I was standing on a <br />built in set of drawers. <br />The interior stack shows a significant bow of approximately 2 inches and <br />deterioration of the top visible four courses of brick below the roof line. There are <br />many cracked bricks, popped mortar and water stains even though there has not <br />been rain for over a week. There is also evidence of the restoration of the roof <br />after a previous fire in the attic on the northwest corner of the house. The <br />pictures I took show new wood construction. There were also attempts to <br />conceal the damage on the fireplace with white spray paint. <br />In my opinion, the chimney cannot be repaired without disassembly and <br />then rebuilding. The more cost effective way would be to remove the chimney <br />below the roofline then add a transition to a B -vent stack and cap above the <br />roofline. I would suggest that those top 4-5 courses below the roofline also be <br />removed as they have sustained severe damage and have shifted the most <br />noticeably. The owner also expressed a desire to be able to use the fireplace with <br />gas logs. The contractor's proposal states that the B -vent would be used for the <br />ventilation of the gas water heater. The existing vent runs inside the chase as part <br />of the chimney. I would suggest that the owner and contractor are clear that the <br />current proposed work will accommodate the venting of the fireplace or that an <br />additional vent and cap be added to do so while the roof deck is exposed. <br />Steve Szaday <br />Preservation Specialist <br />