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Framing, barrier and finish, in the right order

We explain what caulk, a new top or a rebuild will fix before any work starts.

The top of the chase and its flashing

The top of a chase is closed with a metal sheet or flashing that the chimney passes through. In the DuraTech manual, a chase larger than its chase top flashing gets a galvanized sheet that covers the chase and overhangs the sides by one-half to three-quarters of an inch, with spacers keeping the required air gaps and screw heads sealed with non-hardening sealant.

A rusted or flat top lets water pond and drain into the framing. When the top has failed, we price its replacement alongside the chase repair so the new walls are not sitting under an old leak.

The storm collar at the pipe

A storm collar rings the pipe just above the chase top and throws water off the opening around it. For its system, the DuraTech manual wants a one-inch gap below the collar, above the chase top flashing, and six inches or more between the underside of the chimney cap and the chase top.

A collar that has slipped, cracked its sealant or been caulked solid to the pipe can let water run straight down inside the chase. We check its position and seal against the chimney's manual and correct it as part of the repair.

Replacing rotted framing

Rotted studs, plates and blocking lose their strength and their grip on nails and screws. Where the rot is limited, new framing can be sistered alongside or pieces replaced. Where the base plate or corners have gone, the chase may need to be reframed from the bottom up.

We use fasteners and connectors suited to the lumber and the location, keep the chimney's clearances and make sure the chase is plumb and tied back to the house before the sheathing goes on.

The height of the chimney above the chase

How high the pipe must stand above the roof is set by its maker. The DuraTech manual repeats the NFPA 211 rule, three feet or more above the roof penetration and two feet or more above any part of the building within ten feet.

A chase rebuild should not lower the termination. If the chimney already falls short, we explain what the maker's instructions require before any change is priced.