Learning More About Chimneys

Posted on | August 31, 2010 | 23 Comments

It’s in the low 90′s this week and I can’t believe I’m dreaming of cold fall days. I’m hoping this fall we can get at least one of fireplaces functioning. Winter will be here before we know it!

I had someone over this morning to take a look. I was told my chimneys are too large for metal liners. So now what? It seems like I have two options. Option one, we could have Smoktite installed in the lower smoke chamber of our chimney. Smoktite is a ceramic product, “that is sprayed in smoke chambers to seal holes and gaps.” I could then have a camera dropped to look for any holes. If they find holes I could get them patched.

Now option two, Thermocrete. It looks like this stuff is made by the same guys that produce Smoktite. “Thermocrete process coats the inside of the chimney from top to bottom with a highly durable ceramic sealant.”

I’ll have to do some more investigating and find out cost-comparison and pros and cons to each. I do hear rumors that Thermocrete can cost you around 3K per chimney. But then on the same website I found info for CFS and Dynacote, which sound like other sealant options. What the heck is the difference between all of them? If you have any experience or tips for old chimneys please share. I’m a total newbie!

Category: house renovation

Kelpie Hat From Quince & Co

Posted on | August 25, 2010 | 29 Comments

I finished my first hat of the season! It’s been raining here non-stop for the past four days—perfect for getting a head start on fall knitting! The pattern and yarn are from a new company in Maine called Quince & Co. Miss Chelsea over at Frolic! tipped me off—I think her sister is making her the same hat!

Below the hat I made. I love that it covers my ears. How cute is the garter stitch on the bottom? For some reason mine isn’t as pointy on the top as the photo above suggests. I did screw up the decrease so maybe that’s why? I’m making another one with navy on the bottom and gray on the top. Maybe for Greg?

I learned a few new knitting techniques like long tail cast on and adding stitches in the middle of a pattern. Super big thanks to Jean over at A Yarn Over Marblehead for helping me. Have you gotten started on any fall knitting projects?

Related Posts:
Cable Knit Hat
My First Knit Hat

Category: diy

Architectual Shingles it is!

Posted on | August 18, 2010 | 8 Comments

Last night the Historic Society approved architectural shingles for our house. Yeah! Check that off the list. We’re still waiting to hear back on few estimates. Above a photo of the old 3-tab roof. I can’t wait for it to get done. I know it’s going to look awesome! Oh and the icky shingles that are on the side of the windows are going to be replaced with clapboards. Thank you to everyone for sending so many nice informative e-mails and comments the last few days in regards to shingles. Hearing other homeowners experiences is so helpful! Your not only helping me but the thousands of others that read this blog. Stay tuned….

Category: house renovation

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