"This is only 40 percent dangerous..." Rescuing a 120 year old house

[@Eitan.moskovitz]

Did you just said 'my WIFE'?? Congratulations!! Glückwunsch!! Other word for best wishes! That so incredibly gladdening

[@juliemeanor6531]

You should leave some treasure hidden in the house for the future. A small metal box with the story of the renovation, and the names of all that made it possible. Like a time capsule.

[@jbenstead1330]

she could hide something inside the bricks, i think rebuilding the chimny but with a custom pizza oven and a second opening on the second floor could be cool too, and then hide some secrets in the new brick.

[@Krynn72]

Sounds like she'll at least leave some safety glasses in a wall somewhere.

[@sazennonumber]

@@Krynn72 😂❤

[@ubbeus]

A qr code with a link to the channel should be enough…;)

[@iannicholls2790]

I was waiting for Felix to hide a bit of treasure in the rubble for Laura to find. (all on camera of course :)

[@KayleeKerin]

Was I the only one who had some happy tears when Laura talked about her wife watching?

[@subjectego]

Having experienced the burden of both an awkwardly-placed chimney and its removal, I can't recommend enough removing every last part of it completely. Anything left over is just a deferred problem. And based on what other folks are saying about the added load on the rafters, that's a potentially hazardous problem for some unknown future date. The aesthetics of the chimney cap on the roof can potentially be preserved in the absence of the top of the chimney masonry, depending on how everything was integrated up there.

[@stevenkosylo2464]

Exactly! Leaving the upper section of the chimney makes no sense and is a problems waiting to happen. The upper section serves no function. Filling in the roof makes the most sense.

[@LeePorte]

​@@stevenkosylo2464 I agree, unless there are planning / conservation rules about exterior looks.

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

@@LeePorte If there was Denkmalschutz, this series would already have been prolonged into the next decade...

[@73Ferret]

I did a conversion of an old coach house that had a crazy layout dominated by a really thick wall containing the fireplace. The roof needed replacing so when the folks were doing that I got them to remove the above roofline part of the chimney and then they could put the new roof properly in place. Then we could do the inside nice and easy with no risks.

[@itwasrightthere]

I would like to see the chimney removed from the roof and replace it with an access hatch, which would look like a chimney. It would be helpful for any roof work in the future. Solar repair/ upgrades, antenna installation, etc.

[@jamesbuckingham8073]

That's exactly my thoughts; folding attic ladder and weather proof roof hatch? win, win!

[@kevinbuckley5107]

Get rid of the chimney to the bottom of the roof rafters. Leave the outside chimney as decorative but closed off flush with bottom of the rafters. Opens up space in the attic also. If remodeled later by someone else they will scratch their head wondering why this attic portion was left without any use.

[@Arxareon]

+1

[@LenserX]

I agree@@kevinbuckley5107 There is no reason to leave that masonry in place.

[@lemon7777]

You could replace the chimney with a viewing bubble! I really hope Laura sees this. You could line the inside of the hatch with SPACE themed wallpaper and information about the stars. Simone would lose her mind! 😃 I don't know if planning laws would allow this, but then again planning laws don't exist in my dreams so I see no issue.

[@JoshuaRes]

Looking through the comments the consensus seems to be, we are happy you two are back at it, we love the open space, and please get a professional to review the support/open chimney idea for structural and moisture safety. ❤

[@bekindfox]

that's a very nice way to put, thank you. 🙂

[@imrotinom]

Call an engineer about that fix. The weight of the chimney was a dead load that likely went down the foundation before. Now it’s a live load on rafters which weren’t designed for that. Better safe than “wake up with a chimney in your living room in the middle of the night”.

[@laurentait5430]

100% this. Such a heavy point load on rafters needs checking. And with all of the luck with the house so far 😅. Loving this series though!

[@grnbrg]

+1 And the rafters don't support the weight of the roof, the exterior walls do, with the rafters taking the spreading tension, which is distributed over the all of the them. Further, the top of the masonry chimney likely weighs a significant percentage of the weight of the roof, which is now a new point load in the middle of two rafters. This hasn't failed yet, but very likely could in the future. An engineer's opinion is a really good idea. Unless this is just "tv drama" and was never intended to be a real solution....

[@ncc74656m]

Agreed completely. Those rafters are absolutely not intended to have a center span added load of probably upwards of 500lbs spanned just between two of them.

[@zac6x9]

That point load on the the joists is wild depends on the volume but could be 20Kn. That central stud wall could be above the ones below which will help support it. Structural engineers are not expensive and the peace of mind is priceless.

[@b.y.2460]

The chimney is now a wrecking bar that will pry against the roof every time the humidity rises and falls. The wood will 'move' and the brick will not. This is the reason it was attached to the attic floor with flexible lead flashing.

[@Onomast]

Congratulations on the marriage Laura! Time well spent in CA. All the Luck to the 3 of you.

[@JawigginsH]

3?

[@katharinaroth7966]

@@JawigginsHSmudo

[@suzykeene9298]

@@JawigginsH Her wife has a daughter

[@carenclemmons5002]

Congratulations to the four of you. 🎉😊❤

[@Onomast]

​@@katharinaroth7966 haven't seen Smudo anywhere else than the workshop-videos. Maybe he went with her to CA?!

[@BrieyaSilverweb]

While many comments are concerned about the load on the rafters, which is a genuine point; In older houses, even in the US, when working on chimney removal, what you are doing is one of a few sound ways to carefully extract without damaging the house and roof. Removing the rest of the chimney would be the finishing step to capping off the roof once you have consulted the pro's, as before. If you wanted to do that. I'm certain you have already talked to folks since recording this. Thank you for sharing!

[@curtisbme]

That small area of roof and its very few roof tiles would be a very minor fix relatively speaking and would help reduce future water leak concerns. Leaving it there is likely to cause far more problems and possible costs than a minor roof repair would now. Plus, since you just did the roof, you can match the existing tiles and make it seamless. That likely won't be the case if/when you have to remove it in the future.

[@jodirauth8847]

We took our 70 year old chimney out 3.5 years ago. Ours was all red brick. Best thing we could have done. No more moisture in the house or on our windows and 9 square feet of space in our utility room and main floor next to our master bathroom. Its now a beautiful 2 sided glass shower stall in the main bathroom. Dont regret taking chimney out for one moment, black soot and all

[@OldMan_PJ]

An idea for the chimney remnant from the roof: skylight through the hole that remains. A solar tube duct should fit in the chimney, the only thing is the top of the chimney would need the outer part of the solar tube fitted to it. You might even get one of the solar tube companies to sponsor it.

[@lateciamadethis]

I will return for each snd every episode for that laughter. Laura and Felix have such wonderful chemistry as creators that it is impossible for me to imagine a better team.

[@Kristina-gz2wu]

you should also block the opening from the outside so birds, squirrls and such cant get in. also so moisture doesnt get in and cause the wood to rot.

[@awonderland97]

For Bats and other endangered Animals its a valubal living space. The Moisture wont be traped as it can easily vent out. But for Holding warmth its crap

[@lovealwaysmom]

At my old house, we had a cast-iron wood stove. One day, we found a bird had somehow gotten trapped inside. The poor thing was frantically trying to get out. It was scary for all involved. It seemed like ages, yet we were able to guide the bird out our sliding glass door.

[@alangknowles]

Swarm of bees.

[@scottrabinow2773]

Not to mention a little thing like insulation... as is, it's an opening directly into the center of the house!

[@stacylitwin1466]

I heard wife and had to go back for a double take, congratu-freaking-lations!!!!!! I know you're private about that stuff but I'm just so happy for you ☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@uytteb]

Tearing down the chimney completely and closing the roof off completely would indeed add to the renovation cost but I think it would be reasonable (especially looking at the total renovation cost so far). Also, it would look better and be less fiddly. Also, you're still going to have to cover the chimney opening at the top somehow to avoid water damage.

[@Christopher_T_Paul]

I am fairly confident that a roofer would demolish the chimney under the roofline and tile over in a couple of hours and using roof ladders. Cost would be relatively small.

[@fkiesel9442]

While the scaffolding is up, the cost shouldn't be very high. The chimney was done really nicely by the roofing guys, I'm sure that wasn't cheap. It is probably very annoying to have to put that down.

[@jamesbuckingham8073]

Time y'all reply with suggestions it's probably completed

[@andreea34]

Yes, I was thinking the same. Water could seep in either way, so if you're going to tear it down, tear down the whole thing and seal it off to future proof for leaks. But it's also a matter of supporting the roof properly somehow, that's the next "dangerous experiment". 😅

[@honeybunny371]

You can tile it up yourself from the inside. It's so easy and cost's almost nothing. Just the roof tiles and and some scrap battens.

[@johnhawkinson]

@19:25 I am imagining Laura (collaborating with Simone?) creating safety glasses that clean themselves. WIndshield wipers, a small fan, plastic covers that peel themselves off - so many possibilities.

[@Mr_Giraffe]

That would be hilarious 😂

[@defdac]

Perhaps something like a modifiert Kodak 126 cartridge with a lever that rolls out new clean film when needed 😊 Another idea is something like the F1-driver helmets ripoff stickers.

[@melgun1234]

I agree!! 😁😁

[@ChuckJaeger]

Simone and Laura are great collaborators - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpfCi6OPZ7OBnLc

[@sk8klown88]

Skylight chimney cap? Great idea from someone else in chat!

[@jatdesign4495]

Was thinking this

[@user-sd8wq3pz2z]

That's fantastic. There systems where you can get the natural light down to the first floor, I love that.

[@crisicooper3720]

With a solar tube.

[@michaelcima5772]

I’m curious. Why not a stainless steel chimney liner? Meets all the code requirements, simple to install, and you have a functional chimney.

[@pinkerbot]

Exactly my thoughts!

[@doninis1354]

Yes, my tought as well. Sometimes experts are there for a reason 😉

[@mippengbg]

As wood heating would be both cheap and beautify I wonder the same.

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

That would have been too easy.

[@adapa22]

It seems we all agree!

[@AskingSpot]

Lovely to hear you refer to your wife! But yeah she’s right, the glasses are important. Pinch the metal strip on your nose. I had to seek medical treatment for a minor bit of some sanding dust that clogged a tear duct. Swelled my eyelid up and was painful too.

[@paullastname9363]

Congratulations and best wishes! Genuinely happy for Laura. Thanks for the many years of fun and interesting videos

[@jopedder]

I came to look for this comment - she's always said 'girlfriend' before and I wonder if they've just got married 💓

[@EricaGamet]

@@jopedder Yes, just recently!

[@nzlemming]

A little double-sided tape to hold the top of the mask down can help with preventing your breath fogging up the glasses.

[@siansoneashenanigans]

This was absolutely the right call. I have been wanting you to get rid of that chimney ever since all the inner walls were demolished down to the framing. It looks so much better now.

[@nancynally]

Congratulations on your marriage! Best wishes to you and your new family!

[@DannyDangerOz]

Life has been busy and stressful and so I'm way behind on the house vids. Started watching this and immediately felt happier because your channel is one of my happy places. Glad the chimney work went well, and the mention of your wife made me even happier.

[@karenchesser6348]

Add a capstone to the top of the chimney to keep water and critters out.

[@marcinlitwin3505]

Somehow I don't want you to finish working on the house too quickly. You're a wonderful person. Very inspiring. You created a community around home renovation. It's amazing. The way you fight through adversity makes me believe that I can do the same. Thank you for this ❤️

[@triciaamheiser785]

Looks Like CONGRATULATIONS are in order. Hope you have a happy long life together.

[@rittj.1303]

Congratulations on your marriage! If your safety glasses keep fogging even after pinching the metal bar of your mask to fit snuggly to your face, there are anti-fogging sprays you can apply. Or switch to a masked respirator style. Good luck with the rest of the renovations!

[@gunlindblad6816]

Why not put in a stailess steel chimney inside the old one? I live in a old house and the chimney is very imporant when it comes to aircirkulations. That also means that the cirkulation is at it’s peak when the chimney is warm. Very many people that renovates old buildings are not aware of that. So now you have to install a new aircirkulation system… I live in simular climate in Sweden in an old building. I actually installed a new airpump inbthe house that did not work as efficant as the heated chimney (with pellet). That means that i switch from airheating (viessman) system to the old pellet in fall to keep the bathrooms vented during winter.

[@Painless61]

that would be the right way ....

[@eNBeWe]

I would assume all the aircirculation in the house has to be redone anyway. Since the heating is gonna be done through heat pump, the chimney is not needed anymore and with all the new insulation, and new windows, and new roof, and new door, and new everything the house is gonna be pretty much air-tight.

[@mju135]

Lots of people here in Germany live in apartments without any air circulation aside from opening windows and it works just fine.

[@moongirl8807]

The chimney is important for air circulation?? We don't really have air conditioning here in Germany if you mean that. I know plenty of homes with no chimney, and to be safe I looked it up and yes - if you have a modern heating you only need a small exhaust pipe / vent whatever. Other than that, we have something called windows 😂

[@Total_Egal]

Air Circulation System in the old days with cole stoves in the rooms was just leaky windows and doors (and wall construction) without any seals^^... this is long gone...everywhere. You understand there will nerver be a use of the chimney for heating anymore? There will not be any hot burning fossil fuel heating system in this house to start any chimney to work.. And your good venting air circulation hot chimney you talk about.. it needs an air source! Where does it come from in your house? From your old leaky windows and doors all arround? Or do you have a active venting air opening somewhere? You saw the Solar heating pipes next to it? And the thick Insulation layer on the outside? And the addet clay boards on the inside? And the new modern sealed Windows and Frontdoor? The walls will be verry good insulated, have larger thermal mass and the Windows and Door will verry airtight. There will be no draft from the inside. Actualiy if you want a Fireplace in your Room these das you also have to give it explicit outsiode air supplie pipes. It can not use roomair to burn or it will kill you. But thats not the point here... They will use solar and heatpumps for heating. If you want any additional air circulation in such a modern house you would put an active air venting system in it. Probably with a heat exchanger to harvest outgoing hot air or use a oszilating air vent system in the outside walls who store some energy in a brick it vents trugh. (but this system is not as good as advertised) Here in good old germany you just open the windows if you think the air iin your room is not that good.. or you put it on "kipp" in the summer or at night if its not to cold.

[@manfredmueller1125]

As a former roofer I thoroughly enjoy this type of content. This is what we would have called „Huddel und Brassel“. In perfection. Please give us more!

[@davidcautley847]

I am seriously impressed with the quality of lumber that you are able to get.

[@tbillington]

I love how supportive and enabling Felix is in the background. 😂

[@funkyjohnhuie]

Laura and Felix have the brother and sister vibes where they used to fight and hate each other while growing up but now are best friends. 😊

[@funkyjohnhuie]

@@SonjaBruenzels I know, I said they had those kinds of vibes. They act like they could be siblings. 👍🏽

[@lorimontcalm9086]

Oh this is the heavy part, it simply crumbles under Laura's hand!! You two are such a great team, funny, entertaining, teasing each other. Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@shannafaint1164]

Did I hear you say wife?! Did we miss a wedding? Congrats to you both ❤x

[@spulwasser]

I was thinking the same..."wife"? Not "girlfriend"?😧😂

[@alextirrellRI]

I follow Laura on Instagram so I saw a picture there -- looks like the wedding was around Jan 15.

[@christinatiersch]

I spotted a ring, too! ❤

[@MaxRide1]

@@alextirrellRI looking through the recap of last years footage - when laura is laying the floor down, she's wearing a wedding ring

[@mimiconroy2830]

I love the way you do you work intuitively. It's a beautiful dance. Blessings from Texas

[@jackiedew7895]

Wife!!! My heart is so happy with pride. Congrats!

[@kevinmurphy5506]

Welcome back Laura and Felix. Was starting to have withdrawls from missing you kind folks

[@retro61]

tbh with the recap videos Laura had scheduled during her break, I can't believe we're already in to post-holiday content (although super happy we are). Prior to Laura mentioning the break, I was trying to figure out if it was pre/post content.

[@bradfordleroy3527]

Ok, I'll admit I'm a bit strange, but this chimney project, is my most favorite one. The tedium, yes, but, the payoff, most excellent! 💪🎉🎇

[@alexcoates2163]

Is the hole made from removing the chimney the size of the aluminum crates? How about a "Dumbwaiter" elevator between floors?

[@lynnef3297]

😂😂😂 I love it !!!!

[@ElukeNL]

Now that's an idea!

[@siemdecleyn3198]

Yes! A very Laura-project! 😍

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Great idea!❤️🐝🤗

[@ForteanEnquirer]

Fire hazard - you have to have it expert fitted with special hatch doors (at least you do in the UK)

[@SobieRobie]

7:40 this sheet metal looks like pure Zinc. You just earned some Euros.

[@lt1jane]

I saw something similar on This Old House in 2020 or 2021. It was a historic house which required the exterior to look the same. They built the top of a chimney in the attic (with proper support under it) and took the rest out.

[@SuperWingman69]

Laura and Co! Thank you for your time and effort in bringing us not only great content, but also great joy and laughter. I love your creativity and your work thought process. I’m thoroughly enjoying myself watching this journey of yours. All the best!

[@paulgrimshaw6301]

I think I would strap the two beams firmly together to ensure they can't slip out sideways. It's surprising what a little vibration can do over time.

[@izaragoza]

No! don't make comments about structural stability! don't mention that the natural expansion/contraction of the wood might be a problem under a 120-year-old old unfixed crumbly jenga chimney... anyway what do I know (Civil Engineer here, suffering the entire video)

[@LordDragox412]

@@izaragoza The suffering is the point though. That's why Laura doesn't wear gloves.

[@davidsaxby5400]

@@LordDragox412or eye protection 😮

[@cglynne]

@Laura, The chimney should definitely come out. The Roof work is not substantial as the chimney is at the peak. Only the top could of rows would be impacted/

[@dinacaldwell7522]

It seems vacation was quite restorative for you both. Happy to see that.

[@breecow7979]

Congrats!!!!! 🎉 I totally did a few rewinds to make sure I caught what you said correctly.

[@moo7137]

Hi, Laura. Im loving the house renovation. Please, pease remove rest of the chimney before someone gets hurt.

[@keithklassen5320]

Laura we love you, you cannot do this to yourself. This is incredibly dangerous. 400%, not 40%. I cant imagine how someone could think this was safe.

[@Mitrasmit]

It went fine

[@FinBotBeep]

its more that it is now a huge weight sitting on structure not designed to take that live load...and it will eventually fail.

[@capistranogardener6100]

Install a chimney cap up on the roof to keep water and critters out...fun video...thank you

[@gingergreenhill1908]

I agree with your decision! Just have the top capped off and no one will ever know! ❤

[@plokmko0]

I would make it a Solar Tube Skylight for the attic or the floor below

[@gislisp]

The treasure in that house is the knowledge and experience you have after renovating it.

[@JJsheep]

Laura playing jenga with a chimney - glad that nobody got hurt 😂

[@honeybunny371]

That's so amazing. Something pops up in Laura's head and without any knowledge she just ger's her hands on the new project. I am flabbergasted. 😊

[@theadamdurrant]

Fred Dibnah (who used to single handedly demolish industrial chimneys) would make an opening at the base of the chimney and whilst dismantling from top down they would fall out the bottom of the chimney. That's a bit of a different scale however! Congrats on your marriage Laura and Corinne!

[@MsEvelyn30]

Congratulations, Laura!! 🥂🍾 The wedding band says it all.. 💞 I'm so happy for you ladies. 🥲

[@lauraketteridge324]

Many congratulations on the wedding. May you and Corinne have many happy years together.

[@richardhenry5961]

Hello Laura, Idea of sorts is to use the top of the remaining chimney as vents for the bath exhaust. The other issues are animal nests; even bee nests. You could cap it off with the exhaust pipe vents, nothing to worry after that is done. Good Luck...

[@gaius_enceladus]

That sign on the fence saying "Parken verboten!" - even I know what that means! Great video! keep up the good work!

[@NocturnalRealms]

Glad you are back.. my Sunday playlist hasn't been the same.

[@karenalefounder4083]

I get what a lot of people are saying because yes at least in uk we have to use steel beams for support. But your chimney looks to be a lot smaller made with lighter materials so I think you will fine. Congratulations on your wedding. Its great to have you back.

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

1:20 is the first time I have seen Laura do that face. Like "my god don't drill while we record, but I am making a smile so it does not feel so serious, we are still friends" :)

[@krystalvancil]

She said in the beginning she's gonna mark it and support it from the ceiling below and cover it with plywood. I think thats a solid plan. If people are worried about stability, she can go in from the top and fill the whole chimney with rocks and cement the whole thing in plsce so it doesnt shift. She has a plan.

[@MrArouyei]

What you said about the air circulation through the chimney opening is not to be forgotten. It could easily be turned into an important way of ventilation for hit summer days with a damper that can be opened or closed as wished.

[@suehawkins4352]

Congratulations Laura ❤

[@stefanbehrens6843]

Ich war so froh als Du den Träger hochkant stellen mußtest. Das macht die ganze Sache so viel stabiler.

[@fegl84-k4n]

Ich fürchte, dass es nicht ausreicht. Ganze Gewicht von Rest sitzen offenbar auf 2 Dachboden-Trägerbalken?!

[@dubi01]

Congratulations on getting married! Best wishes to you and your wife!

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

Glad to see you back and grateful you had time for family travel, but I missed you. Felix's channel kept me going while you were away.

[@onehandcowboy]

Für Ihre Schutzbrille; Schmieren Sie die Linsen mit einem Tropfen Shampoo ein, aber spülen Sie sie NICHT mit Wasser ab. Einfach mit einem weichen Tuch abwischen. Auf diese Weise trägst du eine sehr dünne Schicht auf, die nicht beschlägt (und auch gut riecht ;-) ). Tricks aus der Motorradwelt :)

[@TheCat4991]

Zahnpasta geht auch. zumindest bei helmvisieren :)

[@fuchsfarben]

Es geht ja nicht ums Beschlagen sondern um den ganzen feinen Staub, der auf den Gläsern hängen bleibt :'D

[@dragade101]

@19:22, using a directed half face respirator so your breath is only downward (at your mouth level). Then you can filter air while not fogging your eye pro.

[@lovealwaysmom]

19:12 Did anyone else notice that Laura said, "My wife?" When did they get married? Congratulations 🎊 I'm happy for them!!!

[@katherinekaufman9856]

Good catch!

[@SergeyChernyshev]

Happy to see happy and refreshed Laura starting a new season!

[@stealthbuilder]

The lumber you work with looks amazing. Would look great in my Maine barn!

[@sonjakovacevic]

Gratuliere Laura! 👩‍❤‍👩

[@suzykeene9298]

Lovely to see you and Felix back on air. You wondering about the comments made me wonder too - seems there are lots of people who know a thing or two!

[@rcandy972]

So happy to see Laura and Felix again, welcome back.

[@rocioferri1130]

Without this house project this wonderful duo would not exist! very happy to see you again in new challenges! 🤗

[@artshot7613]

I had two random thoughts while watching. The first is that you could box in the chimney in the loft in a wooden frame, use offcuts from your construction in a patchwork sort of way, to preserve a little more history, granted you said it’s for storage, but I think a little secret history point in your house would be nice. Also, some red bricks have the makers marks on them, so before disposing of them, have a check, maybe incorporate them into an outside project like a rockery. Anyway, still loving the updates.

[@RyanAdamsVideo]

So envious of everything you do and take on! Love your style and your fearless attitude in learning how to do pretty much anything! Thanks for sharing your videos and work!

[@CinkSVideo]

I would like you to support the cross edges of the chimney. The mortar is so brittle that it could fail there. Also, look at what you need to close off the top of the chimney to prevent water coming in. You can come back and install a chimney and box later. It will be easier with all the stone removed. I would love to see the stones repurposed for an outdoor area…like a bar-b-que. :) Another safety tip…get a silicone ring to wear when you’re working. Easy to remove if you injure that finger but also won’t get hung up on things like a regular ring. They are cheap. I’ve little days work.

[@carenclemmons5002]

Try to remember to cover your hands with some thin and protective material. I know gloves are a pain to get used to but your hands should be more babied so you can pet your new babies. Just saying.

[@Mikeyb2k]

Great to see you back! I'd add extra support just for security. Also could run a metal chimney from the ground floor all the way up through the existing structure that remains to the chimney top. You could then run it off into each room to have wood burning stoves.

[@jelsner5077]

I have a house about the same size and age as yours, with a narrow chimney going up through the center of the house. The chimney isn't used any longer, the new furnace vents out of the side of the house, now. I have thought about removing it, but it seems too daunting so I've opted to leave it in situ. After watching your video, I'm glad l did!

[@alis49281]

Rebuild and use the chimney as intended. We have it like that and it is a double wall and if they knew one thing back then: protection against a burning chimney. The chimney in the middle heats the entire house with a single fire on the ground floor.

[@chozilla]

I think a steel/copper pipe would also look quite nice as a chimney replacement going in that corner having wood stove is such a feel-good thing for a home.

[@vickilewis6730]

You are one brave woman!

[@SlavicCoffee]

Your chimney seems to be made out of lime plaster or mortar? I recommend to rebuilt it with old recycled bricks. I’m unsure where to get those but I’m sure someone has old bricks from a house site that can be reused for a proper chimney.

[@Zombiemuffin.]

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit euch beiden! :-)

[@danielclausmeyer]

What! I thought you are on vacation? Did not expect this episode, makes it even better!

[@JFRGarcia6]

Hey Laura, Love your videos and content.. what about rescuing the chimney? Most of the hard work you already did... You can use those metallic chimneys inside and then protect it and cover it again like before, that way you can make It 100% functional - that house desires a wood fireplace. Side note: The leftover chimney standing on those beams is not a long-term solution, with time all that material will degrade and fall apart. If you don't want it at all please replace the chimney top with some hatch to access the roof in the future. All the best!

[@Britbabe53]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this worthwhile project!

[@t.a.yeah.]

Einmal ein fettes Danke für diese Videos! Und auch, für die Werbung für natürliche Baustoffe. :D Wir können die auch nur empfehlen, haben selbst ein altes Fachwerkhaus bald grob fertig saniert (6 Jahre lang - und wir wohnen drin ... 😅), mit Holzfaserdämmung, Lehmputz, Holzfassade und allem, was sonst noch dazu gehört. Lehmfarben sind auch super, ich kaufe die immer bei Naturanum, es gibt auch richtig dunkle und deckende und ich kann die auch für Nicht-Lehmwände nur empfehlen!

[@patricianieto4396]

Great job Laura and Felix!!👍💪

[@paulkinzer7661]

The house we are in now has a furnace in the basement that vents out the wall, so our chimney was no longer needed. When we first moved in, I needed to re-wire the entire second floor, beneath the attic, and realized the chimney was the perfect way to run wiring from the breaker box in the basement, to the attic, and then down through the second floor ceiling and walls. A few years later, a major hail storm ruined our roof, and I asked the roofers who replaced it how much extra it would be to remove the chimney above the roof. It turned out to be nothing, since having it gone meant the roof would be less likely to leak some time in the future, so the insurance company was glad to cover the cost. I think what you did here was a great idea. It's your house, so why not do whatever the hell you want with it while it's all open to change? Those rafters look absolutely capable of supporting that small a load. I would suggest a third beam, though, right between the other two, since that crumbly chimney might drop parts of itself from the sides. A piece of plywood on top of that third beam would seal up that bottom, too. I also wonder if you could seal the top of the chimney (to keep birds, other critters, and rain out) from underneath, down on the lower floor, before you put in that third beam to seal the bottom. That might be quicker, safer, and cheaper than having someone go up on the roof. But I feel sort of squeamish about giving you advice. You are smart, experienced, and skilled, and you have lots of friends right there on the spot to give input. Still, having done things like this on several houses myself, I just want to offer help to someone I admire and value. I hope I don't come across as too 'mansplainy'.

[@PeterDrimcyk]

Mini-Lift! At the same space the chimney was you could install a wooden shaft(?) and an elevator system. Just for fun. Or for garbage/dirty clothes.

[@olestampevestergaard4746]

19:08 just sneaking that in here huh? Congratulations 😂

[@davidgiesfeldt6650]

Seal the attic floor/chimney for draft/fire stop as the remainder will act as s a flue in case of a fire. If you secure the long beam braces to some cross pieces to transfer the load and support the weight it should be a viable long term solution.

[@debandude]

I adore Felix's giggle!

[@tiborkiss9186]

you can use the roof opening as an air outing for a heat recovery vent system.

[@karelvvv]

What you can do instead of using the chimney for a wood burning stove (with a catalyst of course) is use it as for central extraction system with heat recovery (Warmte Terug Win installlatie (in Dutch))...

[@pelinyazici8505]

I had a similar chimney in my house. I removed the chimney from the bottom to the roof and installed a skylight in the gap left by the chimney so that I could access the roof if necessary.