Day 114 November 28, 2001

I finished the hole in the roof and most of the chimney. I need another 3 foot section to finish it off. Laurie is bringing the piece to me Friday. After I install it I can put on the flashing and rain cap and I'll be all done on the outside.

Now that the actual chimney position is established, I started on the hearth, first laying down 2 layers of sheet metal then 1/2 inch "wonderboard" over that (one of the many rules for the woodstove is to provide spark and ember protection for the floor extending 16 inches in front of the stove and 6 inches to each side). Wonderboard is a type of cement board usually used for laying tiles on. I arranged my bluestone on the wonderboard. Tomorrow I will build a 5 inch high form around it to hold in the mortar. Once the hearth is finished and cured I can set the 425 pound stove on it and connect it to the chimney. Don't ask me how I plan to lift the stove up 5 inches and set it down in the right spot. I haven't figured it out yet. But I will.

12 hours, drizzly and warm.