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  1. #1
    Connie Chen's Avatar
    Connie Chen Guest

    Default Fireplace/Chimney Lack of Lateral Support?

    Hi,

    Someone could help? Need some professional opions.

    The inspector commented:
    Lack of latral support for chimney structure; rafters are used for vertical support of chimney structure - please refer to construction plan.

    He said the estimated cost to fix the problem is about $3000.

    Thank you.

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Fireplace/Chimney Lack of Lateral Support?

    Could cost more than that, depending on what it takes to properly correct it - and it does need correction.

    The chimney framing should go all the way down to the ceiling, if not below the ceiling, and then be framed up through the roof as one structure, not built like a box and then set on the roof and nailed in place - which is what it looks like was done from the photo.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Fireplace/Chimney Lack of Lateral Support?

    Jerry, the chimney is a simple hollow box. The rafters are doubled up on both sides, and the chimney is adjacent to the ridge of a hip.
    Sure, it could be built stronger, but they should consult the plan, IMO.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Fireplace/Chimney Lack of Lateral Support?

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    Jerry, the chimney is a simple hollow box.
    And that simple hollow box should extend from the bottom chord of the trusses/ceiling joists to the top of the chimney so that it will withstand wind loads.

    That simple hollow box should not just be nailed down to the roof sheathing for anchorage ... even if the plan says so.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Fireplace/Chimney Lack of Lateral Support?

    Here is what will eventually happen if not repaired....
    (Downingtown PA Community) October 2011

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    Last edited by Joseph Hagarty; 02-03-2012 at 09:19 PM.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Fireplace/Chimney Lack of Lateral Support?

    Wow. Thanks, Joseph. I think you could say that was a catastrophic failure.
    I'm convinced, Jerry. You are correct to call for a rebuild.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Fireplace/Chimney Lack of Lateral Support?

    Quote Originally Posted by Joseph Hagarty View Post
    Here is what will eventually happen if not repaired....
    (Downingtown PA Community) October 2011
    It's just a flesh wound.

    "It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man". - Jack Handey

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Chicago IL
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    Default Re: Fireplace/Chimney Lack of Lateral Support?

    For $3K I'd do that job everyday.
    No the box shouldn't just be nailed to the roof obviously. Will it come down tomorrow because of wind loads? Probably not. The wind loads will probably loosen it up over time, cause roof leaks and then it will come crashing down.
    For a good carpenter though its a fairly easy fix to restructure it properly.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

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