Chimney questions

[william siegel]

These pictures may not be good enough to get any help with.

This chimney is made from concrete block with an interior flue liner. One of the truss cords has been cut to accommodate the chimney. There was a leak in this area that was repaired when the roof was replaced two years ago (hence the bucket)

Obviously the cut truss is a problem. I am trying to figure out if this chimney was possibly added after the house was built.

Any thoughts guys.

Thanks

[Roger Hankey]

What vents into the chimney?

[John Kogel]

We would expect to see a 1 or 2" air gap between the concrete and the wood for starters.
I want to say an architect wouldn't put a chimney smack dab in a valley like that, but, yes, they would. :D
It looks like the roof repair involved the construction of a cricket, maybe. Is that flashing set into the stucco or just gooped?
It looks like a flakey installation to me, just from those pics. I would suggest they check for permits and have the chimney inspected at min.

[Jerry Peck]

Obviously the cut truss is a problem. I am trying to figure out if this chimney was possibly added after the house was built.

Unlikely.

Looks like the chimney was constructed along with the house and the framing crew setting the trusses figure out a way to set the trusses around the chimney and keep on working ... engineer design a repair? Who has time to wait for a friggin' engineer? :) I know how to go around that chimney - done it on all these models. :eek:

[Ted Menelly]

I would say that it is a figment of your imagination as your camera says it has not happened yet :confused:

[Bill Goromby]

the chimney appears to be too low. Most codes require top of flue should be 2 ft. higher than the roof 10 ft away or 3 ft. higher than the ridge.

[Frank Bombardiere]

What in the heck would you need a fireplace for in Miami Fl???

I don't think it was done after the home was finished, but I would agree with Peck on how it happened. It also looks like a poor design as someone else had said. Recommend repairs be designed by an SE.

[Denny Waters]

I'll vote for after the fact. Too ignorant to put it right in the valley. Any building inspector would see that at some time during construction along with not high enough. Then with little effort would see the cut trusses.

[Brandon Whitmore]

Any chance there was an addition at this end?

[Jerry Peck]

Most codes require top of flue should be 2 ft. higher than the roof 10 ft away or 3 ft. higher than the ridge.


Sort of correct by not really correct.

Minimum height is 3 feet above where it exits the roof (without regard to any ridge elsewhere).

Minimum height (above that minimum 3 feet height) is that it must also be 2 feet higher than any part of any structure within 10 feet.

The way I measure chimneys is to first measure from the opening down 3 feet ... must be at least 3 feet high ... as measured on the high side of the roof or 3 feet high above a flat roof, then measure down 2 feet from the opening and there should not be any part of any structure with 10 feet of that level.

[David OKeefe]

I had one just yesterday that wasn't high enough.

[chris mcintyre]

I had one just yesterday that wasn't high enough.

And that may be the least of their worries :eek:.

[Marcel Cyr]

Not designed by an Architect, that is for sure.
Not built by a qualified builder either I would say.
Why the chimney in Florida, cook marshmallows in the fireplace?:D
Framing around the chimney and the construction of the chimney itself was not constructed per costumary national framing and masonry standards.

[Door Guy]

And that may be the least of their worries :eek:.

I agree Chris, looks like it may be even lower tomorrow after it falls apart!