Masonry Magazine December 2015 Page. 26
CHIMNEYS
Silicone caulks must be carefully selected, as many of these have acid curatives, which prevent proper bonding to mortar and concrete.
again minimizing contact time of the
water with the chimney, and preventing
ponding ofwater.
Flashing materials should be metal -preferably copper, galvanized steel or stainless steel. Some plastics may be suitable, but are less durable.
Omission of flashing and coun�terflashing at the roof/chimney in�tersection, and the substitution of construction sealants (caulks) for these materials, is considered inferior work�manship. The weather-resistance ofthe structure is unreliable in the absence of these materials.
Caulking materials
SUITABLE CAULKING MATERIALS for use with products which contain Port�land cement-such as mortar and con�crete -must not contain acids. For this reason, silicone caulks must be carefully sdected, as many ofthese have acid cu�ratives, which prevent proper bonding to mortar and concrete. Such caulking used for joints may look watertight, but in fact may leak due to improper or in�complete bonding.
Caulking materials should be able to accommodate whatever movement takes place at a joint without tearing the joint material or pulling it loose from the adjacent materials.
The arrival of Old Man Winter doesn't necessarily pose a threat to masonry chimneys. Careful attention to these important installation steps will ensure that your masonry chim�ney is constructed to withstand the elements for many years, no matter what the weather brings. lMAS
This article was contributed by General Shale, www.generalshale.com.
Masonry Fireplace & Chimney Handbook
One of the most historic icons of masonry construction is the fireplace. Fireplaces have long been a great gathering place in the home for families. The masonry design for fireplaces goes beyond the standard details for walls, openings and parapets. The geometries of the fireplace are of utmost importance to the functionality. Built masonry fireplaces require skill in design and construction.
James E. Amrhein, S.E. was a great masonry engineer who was the Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of America (MIA) in California. He exemplified the skills necessary for masonry design, and shared his knowledge with the design community through numerous educational resources. One of the MIA's key pieces of educational literature: the Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook Second Edition (1995) and the Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook Third Edition {2004). The handbook discusses the components of fireplaces that homeowners, designers, and construction professionals need to know.
To purchase the Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook, visit www.masonryinstitute.org.
24 I MASONRY � December 2015 � www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry
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