We work with many materials, including soapstone, log and timber frame construction. Due to the variety of materials, it is not possible to answer everything here, however we hope you find what we have informative.
Please contact us to find out information specific to your project. |
| General |
How far you do travel?
For the construction of log or timber frame homes, general travel distance would be limited to 60 miles from Bloomsbury, NJ. However, each job will be considered for its overall complexity and the amount of work that we need to do.
Travel for masonry heater builds is not as limited. I have built heaters in New Mexico, North Carolina, and Vermont. All costs for travel would be paid by the buyer or figured into the overall cost of the job. |
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I like looking at websites, but can you recommend some good books to read?
Here are some books that we have read and highly recommend:
Prescriptions for a Health House by Paula Baker Laporte, Erica Elliott, M.D. and John Banta
The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka
The Bread Builders-Hearth Loaves and Masonry Ovens by Daniel and Alan Scott
Building the Chateau Montebello by Allan & Doris Muir
Notches of All Kinds, by B. Allan Mackie
The Art of Japanese Joinery by Kiyoshi Seike
Open Timber Roof of the Middle Ages by Raphael& J. Arthur Brandon
Serving Fire by Anne Scott
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
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| Soapstone |
What is the clearance to combustibles for a soapstone masonry heater
| The general clearance is approximately 4-6 inches. |
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What kind of support does a soapstone masonry heater need?
| Soapstone masonry heaters are heavy, weighing over 2,000 pounds for a small unit. Therefore, a heater needs to be supported the same way that a fireplace on a first floor is supported from the basement. |
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| Log Homes |
I have an older log home that needs some repairs. How do you do a repair in the middle of a wall?
| If you find a soft spot or see insect damage in your log wall, a repair can be made. Log repairs require expertise. Replacement logs can be ordered; the bad areas will be removed and the new log set in place. The new log may need to be stained to match the existing or allowed to weather naturally. Log homes do require maintenance. A log home owner should inspect the exterior on a regular basis and preservative should be applied every 3-5 years. |
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