I am constructing a false chimney for my house in which the masonry does not extend into the attic but is only on the outside of the house.
Running into a few cost over-runs, I am trying to find the most economical way to “cap” the chimney without being to decorative.
1) My initial thought is to anchor a piece of 3/4″ PT plywood over the opening and the apply a 1′ layer of cement wash to give it the required taper.
2) My second thought is to anchor a piece of 3/4″ PT plywood over the opening and apply a layer of EPDM rubber roofing membrane.
Let me know what you all think!
Replies
What type of masonry and how is it supported? What are the dimensions of the top? My answer is almost always copper. A simple copper cover should cost about the same as the other things you mentioned. The epdm would need some type of perimeter flashing. The concrete wash would be the best way, but should have some sort of flashing below it. I'd be concerned about the flashing detail at the base. I've had many calls to try and remedy flashing problems on this type of structure.
Edited 6/30/2003 4:13:48 PM ET by greencu
Edited 6/30/2003 4:14:40 PM ET by greencu
Thanks for the advice Greencu-
The only reason that I am thinking about the cement wash is because I will be having a mason do the work and a copper flashing cap might be out of his expertise.
What type of flashing to you think I would need if I went with the plywood cap w/ cement wash?
My flashing details at the base are fine.
Thanks in advance
Jim
Water will permeate the cement wash. You need some sort of rubber/metal membrane between the wash and the plywood.
When you say your flashing detail is fine, will it be flashed all the way through the masonry or just cut into it it?
I use copper or galv metal for chimney caps all the time I have sheet metal shop make it to my specs and I climb the ladder and nail or screw it on. The only problem is sound sometimes can be a problem in heavy rain or hail so I insulate the chase or underside for sound.