Design/Build Contest

The 2016 MHA Design/Build Contest is Here!

To Masonry Heater Association of North America Members (and potential members)

The 2016 MHA Design/Build Contest is Here! 

Get your project photos and descriptions ready to go!

See the contest rules and entry forms here: 

http://www.mha-net.org/home/mha-design-build-contest/

Categories: 

- Masonry Heater: Primarily a masonry heater but may have attached heated bench, bake oven,or  heated water. 

- Bake Oven: A stand-alone bake oven with no other attached appliances. 

- Masonry. If it doesn't fit in one of the above categories it should go here. Can be a whole house, a wall, outdoor room, heater/fireplace/oven combo, etc. 

See the rules for more detailed information. Don't wait until the last minute to put your projects together - it takes time to do this right. 

For more information contact Marge Padgitt at margepadgitt@comcast.net

Levels of Inspections for Chimneys

The Chimney Safety Institute of America describes the different types of chimney inspections as they are set in the NFPA 211 Standard. When a Certified Chimney Sweep performs an inspection he/she will be following the guidelines for a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 inspection of your chimney.

 See more at: http://www.csia.org/ccs-cdet-only/ccs_buttons_for_your_web_site.aspx#sthash.0Te0xroJ.dpuf

In my opinion, a Level 2 inspection should be performed whenever possible. With this type of inspection using an internal camera system to see the condition of the entire flue liner the homeowner will get a more accurate overview of the condition of the chimney. A Level 1 inspection should be reserved for very short flues only. A Level 3 inspection, which involves some demolition work, is not practical for most situations and is usually reserved for an instance where an event has occurred such as a structural fire or lighting strike.
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Marge Padgitt is the president and CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri.