Dear Jake-
I have a faux fireplace in my basement made of large rocks held together with concrete. I believe behind the fireplace are 2 cracks in the foundation because when it rains water is pouring into my basement out of the rocks of the faux fireplace. I would like to remove the rocks…the fireplace serves absolutely no purpose as the basement is partially finished and only used for storage and laundry! First, would you recommend the removal of the rocks and second, if so how would you recommend removing them? Thanks.
-Meghan
Meghan,
If the rocks are purely decorative and not part of the foundation, you should be able to remove them.
All it takes is a chisel and large hammer and start beating away at them.
Work the mortar joints with the hammer and chisel; after the mortar is removed, then start attacking the rocks.
It’s going to be hard work, but it can be done.
If we were removing the rocks, we would use an electric chipping hammer. Bosch and Dewalt are two tool companies that make these types of tools.
You can visit them at www.dewalt.com and www.boschtools.com.
The good tools are expensive, so it might be best to look into renting a chipping hammer. It will make your project much easier.
Jake