Timberline Lodge

Our techs installed modern materials with a timeless look so that you'd never know we were even there.

Objective

Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark nestled on the slopes of Oregon’s Mount Hood, is renowned for its rustic charm and detailed craftsmanship. Maintaining the integrity of such an iconic structure is crucial, and our team has the privilege of ensuring that one of its most recognizable features—the stone chimneys—remain in perfect working order.

Challenges

We were presented with several unique challenges:

Heavy Usage: Two million annual visitors passing through The Lodge means that the central chimney and those inside the hotel rooms are frequently in use.
Moisture Damage: The snowy and rainy weather up on Mt. Hood accelerates deterioration of the chimney systems.‍
Maintenance Requirements: Ensuring the safety and efficiency of all chimneys was crucial for guest comfort and operational safety while the Lodge remained open.

Solutions

American Chimney & Masonry implemented a targeted approach:

Main Lodge Chimney Inspection: First we conducted a thorough inspection of the central chimney system and the six fireplaces it serves to identify areas of concern. A creosote modifying product was applied to the firebox, smoke chamber area, and flue system so that it could be removed by the firebox, smoke chamber area, and flue system so that it could be removed by our mechanical cleaning process. We also explained how the staff can use this product to help prevent this type of dangerous build-up in the future.
Hotel Room Chimney Inspections: Our technicians performed detailed inspections of each hotel room chimney, then addressed any creosote buildup or moisture damage before moving on to cleanings and the needed repairs to ensure that each system functioned optimally for years to come. This included total or major restoration of most of the guest room fireplace fireboxes

Process

The process involved:

Consultation: We met personally with Timberline Lodge staff to understand their needs and conduct careful inspections throughout the facility.
Inspection: Utilized advanced diagnostic tools to assess the condition of the main lodge chimney and each hotel room chimney.
Solutions: Developed a comprehensive maintenance and repair plan based on inspection findings, focusing on durability and compliance with local regulations.
Execution: Conducted cleaning, repairs, and upgrades with minimal disruption to lodge operations and guest experiences.
Follow-Up: We now provide ongoing maintenance recommendations and scheduled follow-up inspections to ensure continued performance and safety.

Results

The project yielded significant improvements:

Enhanced Performance: Both the main Lodge and hotel room chimneys now operate more efficiently, with better heat output and reduced creosote buildup.
Increased Safety: Addressed moisture-related damage and other safety and performance of fireplaces, enhancing the overall safety for guests and staff.
Operational Efficiency: Reduced maintenance issues and improved guest satisfaction with more reliable fireplace performance and aesthetic appearance.

Conclusion:

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It is an honor to be able to care for the chimneys at what many consider to be the crown jewel of Oregon. At American Chimney, we take pride in helping to preserve the past while building for the future. This work at Timberline Lodge showcases our dedication to craftsmanship, safety, and historical preservation. Whether it’s a giant central chimney dating back to the 1930s or a fireplace inside your recently built home, our team brings the same level of expert care to every project.

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Client

Timberline Lodge

Location

Mt. Hood, OR

Date

September 2023

Services

Masonry Repair, Chimney Sweeping/Inspection, Chimney Relining

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