A Historical Loss For Pasadena
By Dave Laverdiere (owner of Boston Brick & Stone)
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This is at the back of the house. The chimney you can see with the two clay pots on top was incorrectly restored. Compare it to the photo taken in 1974 and you will see that the original design was not followed and it was below code height. One of the two chimneys Boston Brick & Stone restored is completed and behind the scaffold.
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The next important factor in the ultimate restoration project is the General Contractor. It is in the experience, associates and understanding of the General Contractor that the technology exists. Without the technology a project of this magnitude would end up as a very expensive mess, which is what happens more often than not. The General Contractor either has the technology to make the project succeed or he doesn’t. The General Contractor has to be an expert in almost every aspect of the restoration. In those areas he is not an expert he must have enough knowledge in that area to recognize someone who is an expert and not be fooled by the many who claim they are when they really aren’t. The General Contractor for this restoration project was Daniel Holgate. Mr. Holgate meets and surpasses all of the above requirements. The breadth and depth of his knowledge is a result of a lifetime in the various trades in both commercial and residential applications. Time after time I watched him solve seemingly unsolvable problems with technology I have never seen or heard of. From straightening the solid oak panel ceiling in the living room to replicating relief designs on the Sunroom’s exterior doors, Mr. Holgate had the answers and knew how to make it all work. Then there were the huge jobs that normally would have been subjected to various short cuts. The chimneys were one example.
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Here is a photo of the chimney that housed three separate flues. The greenish “belt” you can see at the roofline is a steel band that had been placed around it to help keep it from falling over.
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Of the two remaining original chimneys that Boston Brick & Stone restored, one served three separate fireplaces and the one shown here was an appliance chimney.
The roof was another example. The slate was removed piece by piece, numbered and stacked in quadrants. The roof was re-sheeted with structural plywood. Lead flashing was used around the protrusions. Copper counter flashing was set in place at every roof/wall intersection and soldered where necessary.
No detail was overlooked. No shortcuts were taken. All new electrical and plumbing had been installed. A new electrical vault was installed at street side to facilitate the upgraded service. All of the woodwork was being painstakingly restored. Every aspect of the house and property was studied and addressed. I was very proud to be a part of this project.
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This is a photo of the same chimney after Boston Brick & Stone had completed the restoration. The original design and height was carefully and painstakingly duplicated.
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This is the same chimney after the fire October 5th, 2005.
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Masonry License (C-29) & General Builder (B) #783578
Southern California’s Most Reliable Chimney Specialists
Call today to schedule a chimney inspection or to request a design consultation:
866-61-BOSTON (866 612-6786)
or (626) 296-7700
or e-mail
info@bostonbrick.com
