SNAFU Minor

The Chimney

Framing and rough siding for the chimney were completed on August 11, 2008, but remained unprotected through April the following year.  Rain continues to run down the chimney’s sides, behind the flashing, and into our daughter’s new bedroom walls.  In January, as masons prepared to apply the final stone, we finally got to inspect the work.  

It turned out the entire eight foot structure was held in place by only seven standard framing nails, not the 1/2 x 8 inch epoxy-set anchor bolts specified by the architect.  Miraculously, the chimney had not blown off during the Fall onto our car or children.  The framer, Framing 2 Finish, used 2 x 4 common studs instead of 2 x 8 pressure-treated wood as required by the plans. The general contractor, Touch of Class Home Improvements, was preparing to apply the final stonework, oblivious that the whole structure was standing like a house of cards.

Chimney extension Aug. 11, 2008 (left) vs. ten months later.  Strip of tar paper applied Jan. 10, 2009, five months after extension built.  It began falling off two weeks later.

{Click photos to enlarge}

Building Section Plan F1 dated July 9, 2008 specifying 2x6 and 2x8 Pressure Treated ("PT") supports and 8 inch epoxy set bolts (blue).

Chimney framing as discovered Jan. 8, 2009.  

Email to MyHome LLC reporting problems, including attached documentation.

Conditions

• Frame attached by a total of 7 standard framing nails.

• All wall studs 2 x 4 common lumber instead of pressure-treated.

• No "steel receiver plate w/ boot coupling."

• No "2 x 8 pt wood plate w/ 1/2" x 8" epoxy set anchor bolts."

• No "2 x 6 pt wall studs."

• No "Tyvek barrier."

• Water damage to wood visible.

• Mildew growth on cement cap visible in lower left corner.

• Exterior and interior exposed to weather for 150 days.