Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m not sure how common these are in other parts of the country but we have thousands of them out here in my area.
These are precast (cast in place) concrete fireplace/chimney systems. Quite common in the 70's out here.
Conventional repair methods used for masonry chimneys cannot be used on these. Their biggest flaw is that they are an engineered, one piece system which requires an engineered repair and in most cases, cannot be repaired at all.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Interesting.
I first learned of these through my training at ITA. I have since contacted several state-licensed chimney sweeps (many of whom will not even inspect this type of system) and found one here in Los Angeles that claims to be the only company in the state that is "certified" to repair these.
I will see what additional information I can come up with.
I have a few of your cards Curtis, feel free to send me more. You have my address.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
No Gerry, these are cast at a yard and shipped out on a truck. They were set in place by crane after the slab was poured and the house was basically built around it.
The problem is that they have no separate liner. When the concrete cracks. there is a great potential for heat to leak out into the living space and/or attic.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi to all,
Jeff, boy you left coasters have some weired stuff out there, I can't believe you guys were trucking whole chimnies around 
These things must be just about impossible to repair effectively and safely.
Originally Posted By: mkober This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
A qualified epoxy injection contractor should be able to repair the things using an inflatable bladder in the flue and then injecting the cracks from bottom to top using a high-heat resistant, low-modulus epoxy. I remember seeing (hearing?) about an Albuquerque contractor providing the service some 25 years back. The cracks are just another reason for having a good footing design and not allowing earthquakes.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mkober wrote:
A qualified epoxy injection contractor should be able to repair the things. . .
Possibly. But I can't make that call
mkober wrote:
The cracks are just another reason for having a good footing design and not allowing earthquakes.
Earthquakes are not allowed in my backyard, but I just can't seem to get those things to behave 
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Dale W. Feb wrote:
Jeff,
There is no ?Certification? to repair these systems. If someone is stating this, then it?s a fraudulent act. Please contact me privately so we can discuss this situation.
Thank you for the photographs and information.
Dale W. Feb,
Executive Director
Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service
Moorpark California
Ph. (805) 552-9958 Fax (805) 552-9123
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: Jon Steele This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I am a Realtor currently working on a purchasing in Lake Forest CA. The house was built in 1978 & has one of these “Rampart General” precast chimneys. There are some cracks on the outside of the chimney at the base that my buyer is concerned about. Anyone know of a repair contractor who does work on/ services these?
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
There is no fix for cracks through to the firebox or flue.
The simple solution is to have a level 2 inspection performed by a certified chimney inspector. They will advise you as to whether or not the cracks are through and through and to possible remedy of exterior cracks. Generally, exterior cracks can be left alone.
Otherwise, you would need to replace the chimney in order to burn solid fuel.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738