Lesson 1Firestops, combustible clearances, and floor/ceiling fire-resistant detailing when passing through intermediate floorsKnow firestop and space rules where chimneys pass floors. Dis part explain burnable separate, rated floor and roof sets, firestop materials, plans, and check points for code follow.
Code clearances to combustible framingFirestop materials and fastening methodsDetailing at floor and ceiling assembliesMaintaining rating of penetrated assembliesInspection checkpoints and documentationLesson 2Flashing systems: step flashing and counterflashing installation, selecting metals (copper, stainless, lead-coated), sealants and corrosion considerations for snowy climatesGain good skills for plan and fit chimney flashing systems. Topics include step flash, counterflash, metal pick, seals, rust control, and special plans for snow, ice blocks, and steep roof slopes.
Step flashing layout and sequencingCounterflashing cuts and reglet detailsChoosing copper, stainless, or coated steelSealant selection and joint preparationSnow, ice dam, and steep-slope detailingLesson 3Layout, transfer of fireplace opening to chimney centerline, and establishing vertical alignment and plumb control for multi-story runMaster chimney plan from fireplace hole to roof. You go pass firebox center line, set bends, and use plumb string, levels, story sticks to keep straight on one or many floor runs.
Locating chimney relative to fireboxTransferring opening to chimney centerlinePlanning offsets and wall penetrationsUsing plumb lines, levels, and lasersStory poles and multi-story control pointsLesson 4Smoke chamber and throat formation: cutting, corbelling, parging, and flared throat construction techniques to ensure smooth flowKnow how to shape smoke chamber and throat for smooth pull. Dis part cover plan, cut and ledge brick, smooth coat for clean face, and form wide throat dat cut rough and soot.
Code requirements for smoke chambersCutting and fitting masonry for corbelsCorbelling limits and support strategiesParging mixes and smooth finish methodsForming and sizing the flared throatLesson 5Cap installation: materials (stainless steel, concrete, stone, prefabricated), anchor methods, crowning waterproofing, and animal/downdraft devicesLearn how to pick and fit chimney caps with good materials and holds. Topics include wet-proof crown plans, seal ways, and tools dat limit animal enter, rain come, and wind down-pull.
Comparing cap materials and durabilityAnchor types for masonry and flue tilesCrown sealants and drip edge detailingSpark arrestors and animal guard devicesWind and downdraft mitigation featuresLesson 6Roof penetration workflow: temporary weatherproofing, coordinating with roofers and carpenters, cutting roof framing, installing framing collars or cricket where neededFollow work flow for safe, dry roof holes. Learn temp wet-proof, work with roof men and wood workers, cut roof board and frame, and fit frame collars, rests, or bumps where need.
Planning chimney location with roof layoutTemporary weatherproofing around openingCutting sheathing and framing safelyFraming collars, headers, and trimmersCrickets and saddles for water diversionLesson 7Quality control during lays: checking plumb, coursing, bond, joint thickness, and tolerancesBuild steady way for quality check while laying brick. Learn check straight, level, row match, join thick, prove limits, write fixes, and keep good work all through stack.
Setting tolerances for plumb and levelMonitoring coursing and bond alignmentControlling joint thickness and fullnessCorrecting out-of-plumb or out-of-level workDocumenting inspections and test resultsLesson 8Installing flue liners: setting clay or ceramic tiles, mortar bedding, vertical jointing, lateral restraint and insulating fills where requiredStudy right fit of clay or ceramic flue liners. You go set liners in mortar, line side joins, give side hold, and put light or warm fills where code or work need.
Flue sizing for appliance and fireplace loadsMortar bedding and joint thickness limitsAligning and staggering vertical jointsLateral bracing and centering in the shaftInsulating and lightweight fill optionsLesson 9Building the crown: mixes, slope, control joints, reinforcement, and throat transition to crownLearn how to plan and place chimney crowns dat throw water and protect brick. Dis part cover crown mixes, slopes, drip edge, strengthen, stop joints, and change from flue throat to crown.
Crown thickness, overhang, and drip edgesConcrete and mortar mixes for crownsReinforcement placement and anchorageControl joints and crack managementThroat-to-crown transition detailingLesson 10Block or brick unit selection, bond patterns, mortar mixing and joint tooling for optimum strength and weather resistanceLook how to choose right brick or block, join styles, mortar kinds. You go learn mix, place, and tool joins dat max build strong, weather fight, and long service.
Selecting brick or block for chimney loadsBond patterns for strength and appearanceMortar types, proportions, and additivesMixing, workability, and pot life controlJoint tooling profiles and weather resistance
