Buckley Rumford fireplace disaster

[@petee6476]

Would have loved to see your repairs and how you solved the air problem. Real craftsman like yourself are hard to find. Thanks for sharing.

[@JRS2248]

I agree with everything you have said. I finished my first of many fireplaces in 1964, I was 18. I worked with my dad a masonry contractor, my uncles who were masonry contractors. I just sold the house because I'm downsizing and I can tel you NO CRACks, NO Leaks and no smoke damage. And we had some good fires in them. I've been to all our homes that we put fireplaces in and no problemms. That's because my family were sticklers for perfection. Those were old school Polish craftsman. Love your love of masonry, wish I could still do it. God Bless you and your channel.

[@julieg7542]

Please keep us updated on fireplaces and masonry. Your content is unique.

[@chadvaillancourt]

Thanks! I will try to get some new projects recorded soon.

[@user-kc9zm2lu1z]

I'm a Union mason. Did commercial my whole career. Took a fireplace building class durning my apprenticeship. Only the very wealthy have wood burning fireplaces put in now days on high end custom builds. Nobody going to pay $25,000 for a fireplace where I'm from even in 2024 dollars. Everybody just installs gas units. Frame them out with 2X4's, cement board and trashy cultured stone. The trade is dying and the proper skills / knowledge has not been passed down. I'm under 40 and was very fortunate to learn from my father and older masons in their 50's, 60's and 70's. Younger generations don't want to do this work and the Immigrants from the southern boarder coming in have no clue. Building a fireplace is not easy. You need a lot of repetition but you won't make a lot of money working for a company that specializes in fireplaces. When you're starting out in the trade you need many hours in the line, building leads, returns, jambs, columns/piers, hitting your heights, eliminating wasteful movements, etc. Fireplace building is advanced masonry once you've mastered everything else.

[@RentersHomestead]

Really been pouring through your vids and appreciate your content so much. I just bought our dream home and am getting my 3rd inspection/estimate from local “Chimney Professionals”. I can’t find anyone who wants to repair my crown to last. Same w flashing maintenance. Everyone just wants to put coating product on. Would you recommend I start contacting masons for a crown repair/replacement and flashing maintenance? I know I need both of my flues lined and I’m fine paying the chimney co to do that. But I really want the exterior chimney repairs and maintenance done right and once. I don’t think I’ll get that w a coating.

[@chadvaillancourt]

I’m glad you’re liked the videos! The problem with a lot of the chimney companies is they really don’t have a background in masonry or bricklaying and rarely have some one on the crew qualified to do it. These companies probably wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for all the new coating products that make it easy to make a buck. Please don’t let them coat your flashing. Coating the crown wash may be okay if it’s not too bad. A custom stainless cap to cover the entire chimney and extend beyond on all sides would be a good investment. If you’re going to have stainless liners installed stay away from the corrugated stuff, it’s trash. Definitely hire someone that has built entire chimneys and fireplaces and call the other guys when you need it cleaned. Smaller companies will do better work in my opinion.

[@BolognaPriest]

Chad, your chimn content is great! I’m not sure when you shot this video, but I assume it was last week 10/1-10/7. You’ve commented about how hot it is in the sun and holy cow I went through the same thing! I did a 3 day job doing a complete demo of a block chimney and replacing with a stainless DuraVent Class A off of scaffolding. A few sections of the Class A pipe were sitting out in the sun, which made them piping hot 🥵

[@robertmycroft8268]

Do you install the Buckley Rumford with an adjoining beehive oven?

[@chadvaillancourt]

They could be built next to each other but in today’s world they would have separate flues.

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

I'd sue the shit out of that builder.

[@goldentrunnell7450]

You're brave to come in and fix the problems someone else left behind. The fresh air intake system was comical in and of itself but that chimney and especially the "flashing" at the roof line made me cringe! One could argue if the roofer installed the shingles after the chimney was built that no counter flashing was installed. Either way the end result was obviously going to leak. When I was younger and learning how to lay brick we did a lot of custom homes in the Seattle area. Each home had at least two fireplaces. I learned a lot about what to do and definitely about what not to do. When you're expected to get things done in a hurry a LOT of corners get cut. Very good video and you're correct in saying a person has to build hundreds of fireplaces with an experienced mason in order to learn to do it correctly. My first experience building a Rumford was 30 years ago. I'd never seen or heard of that style before and I told the owner it wouldn't work. He wanted me to build it anyway and gave me some instructions originally written by Count Rumford he copied at the library. Long story short I was shocked how well it worked and was sold on the design. I just turned 60 and I'm in the process of building a Rumford at the moment. I buy a lot of products from Buckley Rumford and Jim is a great guy to work with. I'll look for more of your videos, it's important to learn new things and you obviously have knowledge and experience. Keep up the good work!

[@chadvaillancourt]

Thanks! It’s always great to hear from a fellow mason. I too started out doing fast paced work, we turned out a new fireplace every two days in these cookie cutter developments. I definitely built a hundred the wrong way. Lol I still try to learn from every job and try to keep slowly evolving. I’m building a Rumord with a colonial spin on it in the spring, I’ll be sure to film it. I will probably buy a Buckley gasketed damper for it.

[@goldentrunnell7450]

@Chad Vaillancourt I appreciate the response. Ive considered making a few videos of my own but usually think about it after the fact. I noticed your level in the video, I first learned about that brand in the early 90's. An older mason later made fun of my "Barbie Doll" levels. I told him to wait and watch, he'd go through ten of those Cricks and I'd still be using my original Stabila. I'm curious how the chimney in this video turned out in the end? Especially the flashing. Thanks again, Golden

[@chadvaillancourt]

You should make videos! It’s the only way to pass down what we’ve learned to continue the trade. Hopefully without all the hard lessons we had to learn. I still keep in touch with the homeowner. We were able to fix the smoke in the basement problem by replacing the ash dump with a brick and the flashing hasn’t leaked since. I haven’t used a wood level in over twenty years and will never buy another. My tools ride in the bed of the truck, rain or shine.

[@goldentrunnell7450]

@Chad Vaillancourt on a completely different subject, do you have any knowledge or experience with mortar without cement? Here in Utah I've repaired some old brick homes, the brick was made in wood kilns so it didn't get very hard/durable. The mortar they originally used was lime only, no cement. If you use current type mortar, it actually breaks the brick apart over time because it doesn't expand and contract at the same rate. I'm getting off in the weeds here but the reason I ask is I have a friend in Alaska. His cabin can only be reached by float plane and then hike your way in. I've been wanting to go biuld him a chimney so it would have to be constructed with local materials. By local I mean mud and stone. Haha, there's a part of me that just wants to say I actually did it! BTW your truck sounds like it looks a lot like mine... always full of tools and all things masonry.

[@chadvaillancourt]

Sounds like the makings of a great video! I do use lime putty(slaked lime) mortar for historical work. It’s imported from Italy where they still make it the old way and age it for 3 Years minimum as well. It’s awesome mud to work with, very forgiving and cleans your trowel at the same time. Unfortunately I don’t have experience with making mortar off the grid with clay or mud. I would love to know more on the subject though.

[@rbj4098]

I’m Originally from your neck of the woods. I’m building a new house in the SE. I originally specified a 42” superior clay (Buckley rumford) kit. The builder is trying to push a Fire Rock rumford kit. Masons down here that knew how to build fireplaces are long retired and the new line of brick masons are not versed in fireplace building. So I’m pretty much stuck with a kit. Any thoughts on one verse the other?

[@chadvaillancourt]

I would lean towards the Buckley Rumford kit if you’re going to build it to Rumfords original principles. Straight back wall that is 1/3 the width of the opening and curved breast. I’m not a fan of the Fire Rock type fireplaces, they seem to be for the unskilled and homeowner type of installer. Just hire a reputable masons that is willing to read the instructions and you’ll be fine. Good luck!

[@rbj4098]

@@chadvaillancourt thank you for the feedback. You emphasized exactly my thought process. I appreciate the feedback, as you have noted the Fire Rock “Rumford” is’t really a Rumford at all. The back of the 42” is 34” where it should be roughly 15” , while the depth of the Fire Rock kit is 22.5” and should be 15” according to Rumford specifications. Oddly every Fire Rock kit from 30” to 48” have the same rear firebox depth. It’s ethically questionable how these are even marketed as Rumford fireplaces, when clearly they’re just something between as “standard”fireplace and a Rumford. A “mutt” really. Cheers !

[@Nova-dx7yx]

What state are you located in? I’m looking for a nice stone fireplace!

[@chadvaillancourt]

I’m in NH

[@Nova-dx7yx]

@@chadvaillancourt I haven’t talked to any masons in my local area in PA but I can tell someone that takes pride in their work! wish I was rich, I’d pay for you to fly out here to put me a chimney in lol

[@chadvaillancourt]

You’re very kind. I’m glad you’re researching this before you proceed. You will get a much better product if you know exactly what you’re looking for. Talk with a few masonry companies in your area and figure out who is qualified. Ask for pictures and references. Make sure they get a permit and the building inspector is involved. Tell them that you’re very picky before they start 😂.

[@nikond90]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! On average, how much should a fireplace like that cost?

[@chadvaillancourt]

My pleasure! I think In today’s world that price may be fine for this particular area for good craftsmanship. In 2012 when it was built 15k would have probably been fair. In the early 2000s maybe 7-8k 😂

[@johnstack4316]

Obviously your not a full time Mason. The materials alone would cost you $10,000. I have 2 rumford fireplaces in my house a 4 ft and a 5 ft. Any mason that's a professional would have to charge around what he charged but obviously done a more professional job. Building a full blown fireplace is extremely expensive because it's labor intensive. My cousin is a master mason, he is the one who built our rumfords and a wood fired brick oven. We had 58,000 lbs of masonry over $25,000 just in materials. My cousin was retiring and we were his last job. He gave us a big time family discount at around $15,000 for labor. I'm not sure where your getting your pricing but this is why most people can't afford real brick fireplace. That price is with me helping when I could. My cousin had built over 200 fireplaces in his career.

[@chadvaillancourt]

@@johnstack4316 In 2012 the material for this job including the Buckley-Rumford kit products and delivery would not have exceeded even 5K. I'm glad you were able to pay a good portion of your cousins retirement, sounds like he deserved it. Discount? Probably not.....

[@johnstack4316]

@@chadvaillancourt are you kidding me, $5000 would have been for the throat pieces n fire brick not all the block and stone and regular brick. We used 3 pallets of mortar mix alone. Did you pay attention 58,000 lbs of masonry, mortar block stone fire brick regular brick flue liners dampers ect The fireplace in your video was smaller but still had a substantial amount of masonry. Even though it was done poorly. As far as the price of materials I purchased them all through my cousins account so I know exactly the cost. Anyone interested in putting in a rumford fireplace feel free to send me a message and I will gladly give you a realistic material list and explain how long it takes to build one and all the details. I should know I have 2 rumfords in the house I live in and was there helping and purchasing every part with no mark up on my cousins and. Chad have you ever built a 5 ft and a 4ft rumford plus a wood fired brick oven? Also the bucks county ledger stone we used on the interior of the house to face the rumford was $3500 alone in materials.

[@chadvaillancourt]

Please remember this has nothing to do with your fireplace. I can see that your struggling so I will help you out. 100 Rocky mountain brick $65 2,000 KF Antique brick $1,100 250 4" block $300 250 concrete brick $125 70 firebrick $140 35 bags type n light $350 2 bags Portland $22 3 yards mortar sand $105 1 Buckley Rumford throat 36" $1000 1 Buckley Rumford chamber $600 1 Buckley Rumford damper $150 12 13x13 flues $240 17 8x8 flues $200 2 wire lathe $20 2 rebar $16 2 steel clean-out doors $40 1 Cast iron door $30 1 ash dump $20 1 pack of wall ties $15 2 44" steel lintels $60 1 roll lead flashing $110 Delivery $200 Total $4,908.00 This is a conservative estimate, the actual price would probably be less. I only know because I have built many fireplaces.

[@lizzapaolia959]

After having watched many of your videos we now are educated on proper chimney flashing. We, understand your frustration when you see shoddy work by someone who doesn't care or doesn't know. That brick work is definitely unattractive...... Keep exposing these goofballs, as you educate the public. Many of these goofballs don't have a bond break they don't in understand physics. Thank you again 🙏

[@dhall5634]

Wonder if you could do some tutorials on mortar blends like refractory vs Portland-based, and how firm or sloppy it needs to be

[@chadvaillancourt]

That’s something that I could do in the future, comparing different mortar types. Although it’s hard to compare refractory with others, it’s kinda it’s own thing. Refractory it’s strictly used for laying firebrick and setting flues, while other mortars are not allowed at all per code requirements. What are you trying to do?

[@dhall5634]

@@chadvaillancourt grind out and refill the joints on the outside of a chim. Guys online are using type s premix, but type-n mortar makes more sense to me. That and the premix engineered stuff seems way more gritty than that butter smooth mortar I've seen you lay bricks with

[@chadvaillancourt]

I actually don’t mind using type n premix for this application. Premix by itself is not very nice to use so you’ll have to add a couple things. I always use hydrated masonry lime and an acrylic bonding agent(silpro c21 or acryl 60). Fill a 5 gallon bucket 3/4 with premix add 3-4 cups of hydrated lime, mix until blended with drill and paddle, add some water and about 16oz of bonding agent and mix. Keep adding water as needed and mix until smooth. Add enough water to get the mortar to flow through a canvas grout bag. You may have to cut the tip of the bag a little, sometimes the tip is too small. If you’re going to point by hand make the mix stiff so you don’t make a mess tuck pointing it in. You can change the ingredients as you wish, just make sure the ratios stay consistent for every batch.

[@dhall5634]

@@chadvaillancourt thanks! Would you use that same mix for attaching large flat rock veneer to concrete block on the outside of a chim?

[@chadvaillancourt]

No, I would use Ardex thin set or something similar to set the stone. They also make an 8+9 waterproofer that you can paint on the block first. You can use regular mortar to point in between the stones if you prefer to have joints.

[@brikkijim]

I''ve built a dozen Rumford fireplaces and always follow their specs. I researched the whole concept on why they work. There should be no dropdown because that will disrupt the airflow that makes the Rumford unique. They draw differently than conventional fireplaces. Rumford draws linear not rolling or mixing. In a conventional smoke rolls from the back then hits the dropdown then mixes with room air then out. Rumford smoke from the back goes straight up with room air coming in at the leading edge and keeps the smoke at the back wall then up. Sort of like a leading edge of wing on a plane creating lift. The rest of the chimney is a disaster and I do not need to comment on that. Also the fireplace veneer should be as thin as possible. Plaster was the ideal method as it worked the best. I have seen the difference in performance when thick stone or deeper veneer were used compared to just a single brick wythe. This is only my experience with it and not stating it as fact. btw . MA code book does mention Rumford in its exception notes for dropdown. I am building 2 of them now in the spring of 2023 in the The Berkshires. I started in 1990 as Tender/Apprentice and my first big job experience was the Seji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood. Went on my own in 2005. Still going and still learning. Peace.

[@chadvaillancourt]

I guess my comment was based more on the wording of things. The code suggests that the exception for Rumfords is that the throat be installed a minimum of 12" above the lintel, and Buckley Rumford sells a 36" one-piece throat, I assumed the entire piece was to be installed that high. I was wrong, I have never installed a pre-built throat. I think they have to do a better job specifying what the throat actually is in the code (I think in most cases it's the damper). Buckley Rumford should call it a one-piece rounded breast and throat so it's not confusing, and define the area at the top to be the throat, Count Rumford described this lower area as the breast and said it was always best to "round the breast" it into the throat.

[@denniswilliams2179]

I'm studying the chimney and venting essentials book, trying to prepare for testing at the CSIA next month, now after watching your video I feel underprepared. 😅

[@JerryAndSherry]

The throat on a Rumford starts right at the fireplace top opening. The 8 inch rule is about the damper height above the opening, which in the case of a rumford is always sufficiently high since it's above the throat area significantly. The problem with this Rumford throat is that it doesn't begin low enough, which needs to be much closer to the opening. It needs to be at the opening. His lintels placement are what messed up his throat design so badly.

[@chadvaillancourt]

I have seen this on many illustrations with the Buckley Rumford, you can find it on the Sandkuhl website with instructions and the Superior flues website too. The issue I have is with the wording of the code, it specifically say’s under the exception for rumford fireplaces “the throat is not less than 12” above the lintel “. The next paragraph down says “the throat or damper “. So if you build to manufacture specifications would it pass inspection? The code would suggest otherwise in my opinion. It wouldn’t be the first time a manufacturer said you could do something against code, people in my area install cored chimney block still because the manufacturer and the supplier says it’s okay, but it’s a clear violation of the code unless it’s grouted solid. I genuinely think that the code is written better now than in the past, but there is still grey area. I wish they would get it sorted. Thanks for your comment

[@JerryAndSherry]

"Throat" height is meant as an abbreviated reference to the narrowest area of the throat, the smallest cross-sectional space of the entire area between lintel and smoke chamber. Accordingly, the exact height of the throat is going to be at the top of the throat area which is usually the position of the throat damper. The 8" or 12" minimum throat height rules are in regard to the tightest pinch point for the exhaust smoke, before the smoke chamber. It's probably true that it would always help a non-Rumford firebox to have the throat be higher, but the air-foil shape of a Rumford's 'whole throat area' needs to start as close to the fireplace opening as possible, for the rest of the design to work. The firebox and throat here were built too far outside of Rumford design parameters, so the cross sectional area at the top of throat might simply be too small for smoke exhausting. But some other tricks might bring the fireplace into usability. I'd check if the damper plate does not open all the way vertical, because some of the Rumford damper handles were erroneously designed too short for the plate to open as much as it should. Consider parging over the upper lintel. Try buying and burning kiln dried firewood. Hate to say it, but a smoke visor could be in order. It could allow this fireplace to be utilized at least.

[@chadvaillancourt]

I appreciate your perspective on this and I tend to agree with most of what you’re saying. The code tends to consider the entire damper the throat, not just the narrowest area, based on how it reads. I have always measured from the lintel to the bottom of the damper. I think with some word definitions in the code and some wording changes it would leave less to interpretation. They should define the “throat“ exactly. Perhaps Buckley rumford should call it a one piece curved breast as Benjamin Thompson referred to it instead of a one piece throat, which lead you to believe the entire piece is the throat, when the damper, a completely separate piece is actually the throat.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Idk if I'd get on top of that chimney 😳🤕😬. I'd be afraid it may collapse..... Thank you again for sharing 🙏

[@lizzapaolia959]

You're comments are so true 🤣😁 looks like a disaster.

[@PatrickPease]

I never get anxiety, that first person pov of this guy just hopping up there gave me the willies... Mainly because I'm currently working on my chimney and do not want to.

[@josemourinho8394]

But I see errors in the measurements, for example, the width must be more than the height and the depth or if he make the smoke chamber, but if the smoke does not enter inside, even with the errors, it is fine

[@chadvaillancourt]

Yes. I did cover some of this stuff about the dimensions and how it doesn’t work properly but my memory card had an error and I lost that particular video 😕. I didn’t realize until I got home.

[@robertettore340]

You should check for the 2 inch clearance between the wood header and the masonry.

[@chadvaillancourt]

I’m sure this guy didn’t own a tape measure and doesn’t use codes as a minimum standard, so It’s probably not compliant. 🤣

[@caseyriggs2633]

25k labor and materials?

[@gladysprouty]

Hi, I saw your videos and I feel that I may have a chance to save the character of my house, My old house from 1840-80, needs the chimney to be re-done, could you please take look and see if is possible to be fix? . I have no clue how much it may cost . And is ok with me if you would like to use this chimney work for your videos .

[@chadvaillancourt]

I don’t usually travel very far for work these days. Where are you located?

[@gladysprouty]

@@chadvaillancourt: Chad.hi, thank you for your attention, I am located In Ellington. CT, 11 Berr Ave, Ellington CT, 06029 . If you like to have an idea I could send you pictures if that helps. Thank you again

[@chadvaillancourt]

I’m sorry, that’s just too far for me. Thanks for thinking of me though.

[@gladysprouty]

@@chadvaillancourt thank you, I understand,

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

@@gladysprouty You should consider deleting your commenting with your address for the whole world to see.

[@alexdennehy7869]

This information is invaluable. It’s going to be lost to history. I watched some of your other fireplace work and your descriptions and tips are great (and your methodical and planned out work is what our industry needs). I read some comments about how fast people can do it, but agree the end result is shit and equals burned out people and bodies. Let’s just all agree to make more money and do better work. I assume making these videos are a lot of effort, it is appreciated.

[@chadvaillancourt]

Thanks for the support! I would love to see more pride in craftsmanship, like they would have had 200 years ago. It’s unfortunate that people only care about money and speed. Look no further than the bricklayer 500, they celebrate an entire event yearly with disgusting work for the world to see and then praise it to no end, like we’re all blind fools.

[@faramund9865]

Very informative, thank you. Misplaced confidence in builders seems to be commonplace everywhere. Here in the Netherlands you really have to watch it if you're trying any old techniques or use old materials. Because modern builders just have no idea how to handle it and assume they can just apply their modern technique to these old materials and styles, you can't. You need special people always for old stuff. And honestly I hope the contracter gets sued, what a dummy. Again as I said though, lots of dummies around in the world of construction. The additional problem is the scarcity of such craftsman makes them expensive, which makes people opt for cheap, inexperienced, bad builders.

[@thequion]

Same here in australia 🇦🇺

[@RobertoRodriguez-ss1ct]

Hay personas que no hacen su trabajo como es .

[@JackJack-ld5eo]

I own a chimney company that specializes in chimney and fireplace restoration. Been at it for just over 30 years. Sadly, that particular chimney has become the norm rather than the exception. Sloppy masonry done by someone who doesn't understand the physics that are needed for a fireplace to draw properly. There are very few true masons out there these days. Seems like a guy gets a job as a tender for a year or two and decides he knows enough to call himself a mason. It truly is a dying trade.

[@abcertweld]

Down in Virginia we call those so-called mason's "Boots".

[@gregorynuttall]

Can I hire you or someone you trust for chimney work in Wilbraham? I really appreciate a lot of your videos. I feel like I have a much better understanding of what you look for in a good craftsman. Thanks for the excellent videos.

[@joebob5586]

The flue terminations should not b equal.chimney flue should b higher and separated from other flue to prevent smoke being pulled down by negative pressure

[@chadvaillancourt]

This has proven to be untrue. If negative pressure exists in the house and the only place to get fresh air from is through the other flue it will pull in smoke mixed with fresh air regardless of height difference between them. This is why combustion air is required by code for fireplaces. Otherwise a window will have to be cracked to relieve the pressure, and nobody wants this.

[@joebob5586]

@@chadvaillancourt flue termination height has been argued for some time,several manufacturers make caps to fight the issue you describe,I would have to see proof through computer simulation or something else that negative pressure would still pull the heated air rising out of a flue that is 12 inches higher than the flue with issues downward.totally agree with combustion air requirements

[@angelaestremera7883]

you are making me so nervous climbing on the tippy top of the chimney n video taping while you do that. it’s scary to text n drive n even more scary to climb on top of a chimney n video tape lol

[@chadvaillancourt]

Texting and driving is definitely dangerous. I’ve spent most of my life at heights, I feel safe doing it, I’m very aware of my surroundings and falling doesn’t even enter into my thinking.

[@concretechrissantoro2323]

We build ash clean out chamber under harth

[@barkingshark6413]

Doesn’t matter if their making $15 an hour or $1500 an hour, they either care about the work they do or they don’t. It’s a rare trait these days it seems to find someone that does things correctly and with integrity. Most roofers just slop shingles down, knowing most homeowners are afraid to go up on their rooftop. Same thing happened with this build. Wish you would’ve called the builder out. Or the attempted build.

[@chadvaillancourt]

Most have pride in money, not pride in craftsmanship. The ones with the nicest cars and nicest homes get jobs done the fastest. This is the world now, it’s sad. The builder had already died and the homeowner couldn’t recall the mason’s name.

[@josemourinho8394]

The important thing about a fireplace is that the smoke does not enter the house if that does not happen I do not see a problem, the flashing could have been left that way who put the roof

[@chadvaillancourt]

Smoke enters the house from the fireplace, it doesn’t draft properly. The roof was done first and the guy put the flashing on top. The fireplace wasn’t installed to Buckley Rumford instructions and fails to meet minimum code requirements top to bottom.

[@josemourinho8394]

@@chadvaillancourt Thank you for answering me, I like your videos, even with my 30 years of experience as a bricklayer, I learn from your knowledge. Well then they should take to court that contractor to return the money and pay for the damages and reconstruction

[@chadvaillancourt]

I completely agree. People should be held accountable, including the building inspector and the general contractor. Thanks for the kind words. I think we all could learn a lot from each other. I have much to share and even more to learn.

[@concretechrissantoro2323]

Good show I’m so sick to my stomach right now my friend I had to turn youtube off good luck

[@finders-keepers1518]

Well they didn't lie completely....he was the best blind bricklayer in the area.

[@narrowjay0]

Did this guy not get it inspected? Pull a permit?

[@chadvaillancourt]

They had a permit and inspections

[@narrowjay0]

@Chad Vaillancourt that's crazy. Just after I made the comment... in your videoyou said a permit was pulled. I tried to edit the comment but YT crashed on me. Oh well. If you were in my area, I would hire you! Take care!

[@jimnelson3159]

So many mistakes. I form and pour a concrete cap, and pitch it a little. No way I cobble out, then back in on the last course. That's a water shelf. Flashing is terrible. Flash one course, then flashed two course, then back to one course. Cap has cracks in it. Brick will be cracking and water will destroy this chimney.

[@chadvaillancourt]

I don’t mind the flashing jumping one or two courses so much, it’s the bends and the coverage on the corners that bother me. Also it would be nice if he wove them with the shingles to prevent water from entering the home. 🤦‍♂️ I did install a stainless rain cap to cover the entire top to help keep water off.

[@jimnelson3159]

@@chadvaillancourt I take more time to measure my courses and to make the flashing come out right. Even course. Maybe that's just me.

[@angelaestremera7883]

but besides that loved the information

[@landenvaillancourt1952]

This is the job we are on now!

[@peep39]

I know not every contractor job ends up like this, there are good guys like you, but my father never trusted anyone except himself, and he passed that onto me 100%. I do it all, including my own house raising. It seems to have something to do with luck. I never end up with a good contractor. So I'd rather invest in the tools and the attempt, and if it's wrong, I can do it again or at least get experience out of it. So it's usually a net gain for me, or at least that's how I look at it. It made me angry when you showed how crooked that chimney is. To me, that's theft

[@chadvaillancourt]

I can totally relate to this.

[@turdferguson12]

If that’s his dream home he isn’t much of a dreamer 😂

[@cloudstrifeification]

Personally, I would knock that whole mess off the side of the house down level with the ground and be done with it. That will cause nothing but problems down the line.

[@chadvaillancourt]

Yeah it’s really bad. When someone stack-bonds brick it the first two feet of the build it’s probably a good indication of how the rest is going to go.

[@faramund9865]

You're pretty crazy by the way, climbing on the roof like that. I would never.

[@jonbriggs8719]

Get off the chimney my anxiety is ramping up 😂

[@judeharris4890]

That flashing is step flashing however it wasn’t properly done. There’s a few things that you said wrong you had the right idea but maybe look into the actual language.

[@chadvaillancourt]

That flashing is actually called counter flashing, the step flashing didn’t exist. You may want to look into the terminology. 😉

[@PavlovsBob]

I see this kind of shoddy work in my trade also. Few of us master craftsmen left. That may be changing though. PS- If a contractor told me I couldn't choose my own man to build the fireplace, I would fire the contractor.

[@chadvaillancourt]

I feel the same way about the builder. This homeowner felt helpless because the builder owned the lot and the homeowner really liked the area. I just cannot imagine a builder telling me “no”, I would definitely lose it.

[@Deep_Divers]

Great channel, been watching everything you have. Love the disgust in your voice. :). If you think this work done 10 years ago was bad, try finding a good mason today. Everyone that can mix a bag of quickrete thinks they are one. No one wants to do real work anymore. Work that you can be proud of like what you do. You can only trust a handful of people in any given area to do quality work. It is getting/already is pathetic in this country how bad the craftsmanship is. Hopefully your boys will take up the batton and keep the quality work alive.

[@chadvaillancourt]

Thanks for the support. Most trades people only have pride in money not in craftsmanship. Unfortunately it’s only getting worse. Customers have no idea what they’re paying for, they just want it done.

[@robertbutts7352]

If he’s the best I hate to see the worst one.

[@concretechrissantoro2323]

Flat out inspector should also be fired sued right along with that guy please don’t call I got a bricklayer no more I wouldn’t let that guy build a kids tricycle

[@user-fw2fn3gu5z]

看完想笑，来自中国河南的想在乡下搞壁炉的人。看到这里 我想放弃了！

[@retiredperson4054]

OMG what a POS chimney and that roof Flashing is a F'g JOKE (it needs to be dem'oed and rebuild from ground up!

[@shroudofbereavement4049]

He never weaved the flashing into the shingle, not really the masons fault, the rest is rough

[@chadvaillancourt]

The roof was on before the chimney was built, it’s definitely his fault.

[@MRcucchie]

Amateur job but it looks strong ? Plug the hole and stucco it .

[@sipandsniff1744]

Wait….. I’m the Best Mason!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@simplekustomsbyeddiepapand1838]

That's what happens when you pay peanuts u get monkey's!!!

[@hod2116]

We don't get paid that for bricking up a whole house

[@chadvaillancourt]

People can get whatever they want here because there is such a shortage in skilled tradesmen. Just throw a price out and get the job whether you’re qualified or not. Who else will they hire?

[@simplekustomsbyeddiepapand1838]

Iam a laborer from local 22 I can do better brick work than that brickie!! Lol

[@chadvaillancourt]

I would bet my life on it. 😂

[@barkingshark6413]

Makes me sick to see inferior work like this. How do you stand back and look at something like this and say, “that looks great”? The previous owner in our home never measured anything and just put walls up and crooked jambs along with miters having 1/4” gaps. Looked like a six year old built some of it… nonetheless with a father and grandfather building things for Kissinger and JFK, I’m making our home tight and right…. Just like they did for the White House.

[@Davidm1056]

What crappy work. Infuriating!

[@jesseg2616]

MANTELS

[@jesseg2616]

If it works it works you cry a lot