Fireplace Makeover in Wayland
I love it when I get a chance to do a fireplace makeover with thin stone. Maybe its partly from all the makeover shows my wife watches, and its my own version of a makeover show. This house was in …
A Look Behind an Old Chimney
If you think your chimney is in need of repair, it probably is! Now that it’s football season again and there are few hints of fall foliage I would encourage anyone with a chimney to just pause for a moment …
What is Behind Your Stone Veneer?
There is a time bomb waiting to be discovered behind many thin stone veneer and stucco wall systems unknown to the property owners. The danger is moisture which leads to rotting plywood and mold. I know that may sound sensationalistic …
Granite Rumford Fireplace
Add Elegance to Your Home with a Rumford Fireplace Many Massachusetts home building projects start as an idea long before any building permits are applied for. Some of these projects are more of a feeling or an overall look …
Technique to Repair Rubble Foundation – Part 2
In the last post we discussed the importance of making masonry repairs with lime mortar if the unit is built with lime mortar. In this post we will have some photos of repointing techniques to stabilize the wall, seal it, …
Repairing a Stone Foundation – Part 1
Do you have an old stone foundation that you need repaired? We can help, but first some information. A couple hundred years ago we didn’t have poured concrete foundations, flue liners or Diet Pepsi 🙂 A lot of people in …
Bluestone Steps – Smart Choice for Massachusetts
Many people ask me what bluestone is when im discussing their brick steps or maybe a hearth and mantle. In these pictures the finish you see is called a thermaled finish on the top and edges. A torch is used …
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The Short Life of a Poorly Built Chimney
I would like to show how unfortunate it is to have an inexperienced chimney builder install a masonry chimney and fireplace on your home. All in all building a proper chimney isn’t terribly complex, but certain things are easy to …
Improving a Fireplace with Thin Stone
Throughout Massachusetts there certainly is no shortage of fireplaces. Some conventional fireplaces were the norm a while back, some were built with a budget and some were not designed well from the start. If you have a fireplace that you …
Crafting – Corinthian Granite Stone Chimney
This is a photo blog of a Corinthian Granite stone woodstove chimney. Massachusetts stone masonry is alive and well! Before After – chimney for the woodstove in the basement! The first floor was in need of a stone mason makeover, …