But as long as the weather cooperates, I think I’ll get there. Yesterday rained just enough, and not too much, so I could work as long as I was able. It was hot, but no direct sunlight for most of it, and there was even a cool breeze for part of the day. Late afternoon the sun came out and started to broil me, even though it was in the low 80sF. So I looked around and found an umbrella to set up for a little shade. Then the wind picked up and a storm blew through… but after I went back to work outside and reset the umbrella. Adapt improvise, overcome.
I got almost all of the chimney removed, except for the firebox insert, and the hearth. Indoors, I removed the top 2 ft of the fireplace above the mantel. I could be quicker, just pulling the whole wall down and letting it break apart on the floor, but I’ll have a heck of a mess to clean up and it goes pretty fast removing one brick at a time.
I did a better job staying hydrated too.
Today I have to get all the brick work out, and start the process for roughing in the new opening. I have to support the ceiling joists temporarily during that, and I hope I have enough materials. I was planning to make a Lowes run once I had the wall and ceiling open and knew for sure what I’d need. Pretty sure I need at least one sheet of plywood for the roof opening, and one sheet of drywall to repair the ceiling. I’ve got studs and wall sheathing. And plastic sheet if I have to just cover the whole thing and staple it up to make it weather tight.
Then Friday, I’ll install the window, wall and ceiling sheathing, and button up to head home. Still have to be up early Sat morning for the A/C guy to install the new unit. I have a feeling I’ll be back up here soon to do the trim out and final finishes. And it just occurred to me that code will require an outlet in the wall under the window. I’ll have to at least install the box and romex up to the attic. Without opening walls there’s nothing nearby to grab, and none of the old system is grounded anyway. Fractal.
Always be working. And stacking doesn’t hurt.
nick