Bustin' Ash

One of the most popular selling features of any home is a fireplace--especially in an older home. So you can imagine our elation when our dream, fixer-upper came stocked with one.

However, judging by the sturdy piece of sheet metal covering the opening of the firebox, we knew there would be a battle ahead to bring it up to snuff. 

It took us a while to work up the courage to cut her open, and when we finally decided to bite the bullet we got a little more than we bargained for.  A whole lot of bird poop (at least it was an endangered bird's poop) and a chimney fire.

Knowing we were out of our league, we conceded and called in the best--Ash Busters to the rescue. 

Here's a list of what they found and what they fixed:

• Broken and missing flue tiles
  
• Install of a heatshield liner and flue sealant
  
• Ceramic smoke chamber seal
  
• Energy efficient damper system
  
• Crumbling back firebox wall 
  
• Rebuild of firebox masonry
  
• Repoint and Tuckpoint entire chimney from the roofline up
  

The Ash Bustin' team arrived around 9 a.m. and worked solidly until 7:30 p.m.--what can i say, Paul's a tyrant? Clearly not a project for the avid DIY'er or even a more experienced duo.  

When all was said and done, we got what we paid for and a little more--quality craftsmanship and the guarantee that if our house burns down, its not our fault! (although I must admit i was a little disappointed that they looked and dressed nothing like Bert and his cohorts from Mary Poppins--boo). 

None the less, one step closer to a finished, stylish family room that will be warm and cozy for autumns to come.

Stay tuned...

LB