Mother Nature’s power is not to be taken lightly, especially when it comes to our fierce Indiana storms. Our clients were reminded of this fact in 2021 when lightning hit their outdoor fireplace. While the Sweet Gum tree right next to the structure was just fine, pieces of stone were found to have flown up over the house to the front yard! We had built the original fireplace in 2012, so once the insurance company had agreed to cover the claim, we came in to rebuild it.
The interior of the fireplace had been made with a fire-resistant concrete kit, onto which you build an exterior veneer. We had added natural stone with granite tops. We also connected a gas line from the house. It was that connection that convinced the insurance company to consider the fireplace part of the house – otherwise, it would have been a separate structure requiring a separate insurance policy!
The damage to the fireplace consisted of a complete blowout of one corner of the chimney, which also damaged the granite top. We had to deconstruct the entire chimney portion and inspect the insides to make sure the bones were still good. Other than reattaching some of the firebrick, the structure was sound. The challenge with all rebuilds – whether inside or outside your home – is the changes in materials over time. Often, we either cannot find the same things, the design or technology has changed, or the available colors are drastically different. We had to alter a new interior kit because the original was no longer available. The good news was we were able to match the stone and granite we used in 2012 – nature had not changed that much it seems! And, even with all the supply chain issues, we were able to secure our materials in a timely fashion.
It was an 8-month ordeal for our clients, including dealing with the insurance company. The weather was turning cold when we were finally able to complete construction – not the best thing for mortar! We covered the structure with a tarp each evening to ward off freezing evenings. We now refer to it as the Bionic Fireplace, as the rebuild allowed us to make it even better. Our clients were super happy – they were missing being able to decompress by their patio fireplace.
This project highlights the wonderful relationships we have created with our clients over the last 30 years.
If you are looking for an outdoor fireplace or any other landscape designs, reach out to us. Send us an email or give us a call at (317) 997-4803.
