Lesson 1Firestops, combustible clearances, and floor/ceiling fire-resistant detailing when passing through intermediate floorsUnderstand firestopping and clearance requirements where chimneys pass floors. This section explains combustible separation, rated floor and ceiling assemblies, firestop materials, detailing, and inspection points for code compliance.
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 detailed skills for designing and installing chimney flashing systems. Topics include step flashing, counterflashing, metal selection, sealants, corrosion control, and special detailing for snow, ice dams, and steep roof pitches.
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 layout from the fireplace opening to the roof. You will transfer the firebox centerline, establish offsets, and use plumb lines, levels, and story poles to maintain vertical alignment on single and multi-story 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 flowUnderstand how to shape the smoke chamber and throat for smooth draft. This section covers layout, cutting and corbelling masonry, parging for streamlined surfaces, and forming a flared throat that reduces turbulence 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 select and install chimney caps using suitable materials and anchors. Topics include waterproof crowning details, sealing strategies, and devices that limit animal entry, rain intrusion, and wind-driven downdrafts.
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 the workflow for safe, dry roof penetrations. Learn temporary weatherproofing, coordination with roofers and carpenters, cutting roof sheathing and framing, and installing framing collars, saddles, or crickets where needed.
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 tolerancesDevelop a systematic approach to quality control while laying masonry. Learn how to check plumb, level, coursing, bond, and joint thickness, verify tolerances, document corrections, and maintain consistent workmanship throughout the 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 correct installation of clay or ceramic flue liners. You will set liners in mortar, align vertical joints, provide lateral restraint, and apply insulating or lightweight fills where codes or performance requirements demand.
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 design and place chimney crowns that shed water and protect masonry. This section covers crown mixes, slopes, drip edges, reinforcement, control joints, and the transition from the flue throat to the crown body.
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 resistanceExplore how to choose appropriate brick or block units, bond patterns, and mortar types. You will learn mixing, placement, and joint tooling methods that maximize structural strength, weather resistance, and long-term service life.
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
