STUCCO NEWS.NET

I wanted to re-visit chimney shoulders. I have been asked about these a few times over the years, and only published one brief reply.

I got the idea of slate chimney shoulders from Chevy Chase, an area of Washington, DC, that is across the state line from Chevy Chase, Maryland. Most of the chimneys in Chevy Chase built in the 1930's and 1920's had slate chimney shoulders. The stone is impervious to water so it is a far more reliable material to put on a chimney shoulder than stucco or brick.

Most old houses with chimney shoulders, and no stones, have deteriorated badly on the shoulder and below. Look at old houses: you'll notice the stucco or the brick joints on the shoulders are in bad shape. Someone years ago got the idea of stone shoulders, and too bad the idea didn't carry on until today.

It is critical the stone has flashing on the top of the stone where it ties into the chimney. It usually isn't possible to flash where the stone meets the wall on the existing house, unless the house is new, under construction, and has stucco walls. In this case we but the stone to the house, which has an exterior material anyway. Also water runs downhill so the angle of the stone should shed water.

Without flashing over the stone, water will penetrate the stucco and run under the stone, creating damage in a short time.

Stucco on the chimney side is cut off allowing for flashing to back to the substrate, in this case wood framing. Holes are drilled for the screws.

Tapcons, or concrete screws are driven in. These really don't have to bite real good. The stone is pegged in place with the screw and won't slide off.

Bolt heads are covered with the flashing. The flashing is covered with metal lath.

A view of the overhang. The stone overhangs the bottom forming an excellent drip edge. This should extend the life of this stucco for decades more.

Mortar with plenty of acrylic is squished in around the sides. This stone isn't going anywhere.

Flashing is covered with mortar. A slight swoop (called a wash) deflects water.

A couple of examples:

Most of our chimneys done in the last 20 years have stone shoulders.

Stone shoulders add a unique decorative effect.